Trade Show Journalist, Editor-in-chief Michael Hart Passes Away

March 30, 2021
Trade Show Journalist, Editor-in-chief Michael Hart Passes Away

Michael Hart, best known as the editor-in-chief for Tradeshow Week, died on March 12 at age 67, after a valiant, but tragic battle with cancer.

"I am very sorry to hear of Michael's passing," said Rachel Wimberly, TSNN President and Tarsus, US, EVP of Business Development. "Michael was a passionate advocate of the trade show industry overall. He also was a meticulous editor, who I learned a tremendous amount from during our time working together at Tradeshow Week magazine." 

Michael attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., graduating from Raymond College, and as a graduate student pursued journalism at the University of Arizona.

His first job after graduate school was as the editor-in-chief of the Glendale Star and Peoria Times in the Phoenix metropolitan area.  Michael’s interest in local journalism landed him a job with The Los Angeles Times in 1998. He edited for the “Our Times” division, which focused on the vast diversity of L.A. neighborhoods.

The L.A. Times’ takeover by The Chicago Tribune ended its neighborhood orientation, but Michael found another “local” niche in the business-to-business magazine realm. He edited, first, the San Fernando Valley edition of The L.A. Business Journal, then moved on to become editor-in-chief of Tradeshow Week.

While at the helm of Tradeshow Week, Michael’s career took a pronounced turn. As the journal’s editor, he proved repeatedly that he was not only a first-rate journalist, but a savvy, candid, and outspoken industry-observer. When business reporters needed a well-informed source, Michael was always the first one they phoned. They knew they could count on him for accurate details, keen insights, and maverick opinions.

Tradeshow Week served as the “must read” news weekly for over 8,000 subscribers until, unable to compete with online news sites, it was shuttered in 2010, along with 25 other trade journals owned by its parent company, Reed Elsevier.

“Michael became the ‘go-to’ journalist for the exhibition industry,” said Steven Hacker, principal of Bravo Management Group and former president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. “He was a passionate and reliable spokesman for trade shows in the US and around the world.”

Michael moved next to run the leading education-technology journal and soon after to edit the No. 1 event-industry monthly, EXPO; but that magazine survived only another five years before ceasing publication.

The decline of print journalism was not totally kind to Michael, even though he had the foresight to master digital and online formats. Despite many challenges, he continued to work for a variety of media and event-related businesses firms as an editor, writer, conference producer, and event organizer, until his retirement in 2019.

“Michael was smart, curious and always probing for the ‘story behind the story,’” said Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects. “He was successful because he could be trusted. We in the trade show industry appreciated and benefited from his professionalism.”

Comments

Submitted by Adam Schaffer (not verified) on Tue, 03/30/2021 - 20:08

This is such sad news. I…
This is such sad news. I hired Michael as EIC at Tradeshow Week in January, 2003 and had the privilege of working with him for five years. Michael was instrumental in reshaping the magazine and helping to launch the TSW Fastest 50. He was a complete and insightful professional who always made valuable contributions. My best to Susan and the family. Michael will be missed.

Submitted by Karen McElroy … (not verified) on Wed, 03/31/2021 - 02:32

Dearest Micheal,
Rest In Peace and know you will be missed. I’m sorry we didn’t have the chance to say goodbye or hello another time. You were and will be remembered as kind, energetic, loyal, engaging, and genuine. We offer prayers for your loved ones. There are many
Of us that will remember you and smile. Thank you for being you. Karen

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.