Tradeshow Industry Trailblazer Jerry Kallman Passes Away
May 26, 2020
Typically, TSNN would write a straightforward news article on a long-time member of our industry’s passing - Gerald G. "Jerry" Kallman, Sr. – Jan. 10, 1931 - May 20, 2020 (age 89.)
In these times we are in, and because of the person Jerry was overall, I wanted to write something a bit more personal.
I have been incredibly lucky to have some great mentors in this industry during the years – Jerry was one of them.
Early on, he opened my eyes and taught me quite a bit about the international trade show industry. He was a trailblazer in areas all around the world for exhibitions.
Here is an excerpt from his obituary of just a small bit of what he accomplished in his decades-long career:
In 1961, Jerry founded Kallman Associates, a one-man consultancy firm that would become a world-renowned international trade show management company.
A global traveler, very often accompanied by life-partner Lorraine, Jerry organized trade events on six continents establishing relationships and forging friendships wherever he traveled.
For nearly four-decades he represented the German State of Bavaria and the Munich Trade Fair organization. His success in fostering trade between the U.S. and Germany earned him both the “Key to the City” of Munich and the country’s highest honor given to non-German citizens, the Federal Cross of Merit.
In the United States, Jerry was recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards by every major trade fair industry association.
Most of all, Jerry was an incredibly kind person.
On a promotion I received not too long ago, Jerry wrote in an email subject line ‘Atta Girl!’ and said, “Just got wind of your appointment and want to add my congrats to those of your many friends and colleagues. I am sure there will be new challenges and opportunities, just as I am certain you will meet and exceed each. Best wishes, Jerry Kallman”
He was one of those people who never met a stranger and will be greatly missed.
Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.
Jerry’s tribute page is here if anyone would like to leave a message: https://www.feeneyfuneralhome.com/tributes/Gerald-Kallman
The family also appreciates your condolences and humbly suggests any donations to the Ridgewood Rotary Foundation’s Kishermoruak Primary School. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CTSTN7L6NF5QL&source=url
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Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
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