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The Invisible Industry book cover

Published: November 2024
Kindle ASIN: ‎ B0DZZ2N5CG
Paperback ISBN: 979-8300940355

Hardcover ISBN: 979-8300940393

Trim: 6" x 9" - 402 pages

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The Invisble Industry

Discover the History and Economic Impact of Trade Shows and How They Have Changed the World

The convention and business events industry is a powerful economic engine, creating millions of jobs, billions in tax revenues, and hundreds of billions in business sales. Written by two industry veterans, this book tells the untold story of how an "invisible" industry grew into a trillion-dollar global powerhouse fueling business success across America.

This groundbreaking book uncovers:

  • The influence of World’s Fairs on U.S. trade shows.

  • The innovations, brands, and technologies that created business empires.

  • The rise of key convention center cities, venues, organizations, and suppliers.

  • The game-changers who shaped the industry.

  • The current landscape and future of trade show marketing.


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RATED 5-STARS

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Awards and Recognition

NABE Fall 2024 

First Place 

Best Business Book 

2024 New England Book Festival 

Second Place 

Business Category 

 

The 2025 Great Southeast Book Festival 

First Place 

Business 

 

Amazon “Top New Release” 

December 2024

Amazon “Best Seller” List 

Dan Poynter's Global Ebook

Gold Medal

2025 

What Others Are Saying...

“Entertaining, engaging, and informative … a great read!”
Don Svehla. Publisher, Exhibit City News

“This book is a Harvard Business School course in one fell swoop but with all the boring parts left out. The authors start with the history of trade fairs but unlike most mainstream history they make it fun.” 

—Charles Pappas. Author, Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, and Robot Overlords.

“Excellent history …  accurate in its depiction of the industry.  A great read … hard to put down.”
—Skip Cox. Past President and CEO at Exhibit Surveys.

Copyright © 2026 by Bob McGlincy. All Rights Reserved.
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