Georgia Expo, one of the leading manufacturers of pipe and drape and event infrastructure products in the United States, is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of innovation, reliability, and service to the trade show and events industry.
Founded in 1986 by entrepreneur Philip DiTrolio, the company has grown from a small operation focused on essential trade show equipment to the largest manufacturer of pipe and drape systems in the United States. Over the past four decades, Georgia Expo has built a reputation for quality manufacturing, quick turnaround times, and customer-focused solutions that continue to support event professionals across the country.
From Vision to Industry Leadership
The story of Georgia Expo began when Philip DiTrolio returned to Georgia after gaining experience in the event equipment sector while working for Crown Industries in New Jersey. Recognizing the growing demand for reliable infrastructure within the trade show and event industry, DiTrolio founded Georgia Expo with a simple yet powerful goal: to provide dependable, high-quality solutions to an industry that relies on precision and timing.
In its early years, the company focused on producing and supplying essential trade show products such as:
- Pipe and drape uprights
- Weighted bases
- Drape supports
- Banjo drape
- Table skirts
From the beginning, Georgia Expo developed a reputation for its hands-on approach and rapid response, often fulfilling urgent requests with same-day shipments and time-sensitive deliveries. This commitment to customer service laid the foundation for the company’s long-standing philosophy: never say no—always find a solution.
Manufacturing Excellence Under One Roof
One of the defining characteristics of Georgia Expo is its commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing. Unlike many companies that outsource production overseas, Georgia Expo continues to manufacture and assemble its products in the United States.
Operating from its headquarters in Suwanee, Georgia, the company manufactures its products under one roof, allowing it to maintain full control over:
- Product quality
- Manufacturing timelines
- Inventory management
- Customer service standards
This vertically integrated production model has enabled Georgia Expo to remain flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of the events industry while maintaining strict quality control.
Although the company sources certain materials globally, all assembly and production processes are handled in the United States, reinforcing its commitment to American manufacturing and craftsmanship.
Serving the Evolving Events Industry
Over the past four decades, Georgia Expo has expanded its reach to serve a wide range of industries and clients across the United States. Today, the company supplies event infrastructure solutions to:
- Trade show service providers
- Event production companies
- Party rental businesses
- Audio-visual and staging companies
- Convention centers and exhibition venues
- Stadiums and arenas
- Churches and community organizations
Despite the expansion of its customer base, the core function of its products remains unchanged. Pipe and drape systems continue to be one of the most cost-effective solutions for creating flexible event spaces.
These systems are widely used to:
- Define exhibition booths
- Divide large halls into smaller sections
- Create backstage areas
- Enhance event aesthetics with decorative drapery
Their versatility and affordability make them an essential part of trade shows, conferences, weddings, sporting events, and corporate gatherings.
A Company Built on People
As Georgia Expo celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company is also taking time to recognize the dedicated employees who have helped shape its journey.
Many members of the Georgia Expo team have spent 10, 20, and even more than 30 years with the company, demonstrating a strong culture of loyalty, expertise, and long-term commitment.
This experienced workforce plays a key role in maintaining the company’s reputation for precision manufacturing and reliable service. Skilled employees oversee every stage of production—from metal fabrication and finishing to drapery sewing and final assembly.
By combining experienced craftsmanship with modern production techniques, Georgia Expo continues to deliver products that meet the high expectations of event professionals nationwide.
Supporting an Industry That Depends on Reliability
The trade show and events industry operates in an environment where timing is everything. Event setups often occur under tight schedules, with limited room for delays or logistical issues.
Georgia Expo has built its reputation by understanding these challenges and delivering dependable solutions that help event organizers meet strict deadlines.
Its products are designed for:
- Quick installation
- Easy transport and storage
- Long-term durability
This focus on practicality and reliability has made the company a trusted partner for event professionals who depend on efficient infrastructure solutions.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
While Georgia Expo’s core products have remained consistent over the years, the company continues to evolve through innovation and improvement.
It regularly develops new variations of pipe and drape systems to meet the changing needs of the events industry, including solutions designed for:
- Larger exhibition halls
- Custom event layouts
- Stage backdrops and theatrical settings
- Decorative installations
The company’s commitment to research, development, and customer feedback ensures that its products remain relevant in a rapidly changing event landscape.
Celebrating 40 Years in 2026
Throughout 2026, Georgia Expo plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a series of initiatives recognizing the customers, employees, and partners who have contributed to its success.
These celebrations will highlight the company’s history while reinforcing its commitment to future growth and innovation.
Georgia Expo also plans to continue investing in:
- U.S.-based manufacturing
- Production efficiency
- Customer support systems
- Product development
These investments will help the company strengthen its position as a leading provider of event infrastructure solutions in North America.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As the events industry continues to grow globally, the demand for flexible and cost-effective infrastructure solutions remains strong.
Georgia Expo’s pipe and drape systems continue to play a vital role in shaping event spaces for trade shows, conventions, concerts, sporting events, and private functions.
By combining decades of experience with modern manufacturing capabilities, the company is well positioned to support the next generation of event professionals.
With a legacy built on quality, reliability, and customer commitment, Georgia Expo’s 40-year milestone represents not only a celebration of the past but also a strong foundation for the future of the events industry.
About Georgia Expo
Georgia Expo was founded in 1986 and is the largest manufacturer of pipe and drape systems in the United States. Based in Suwanee, Georgia, the company produces and assembles its products in the USA using globally sourced materials.
Georgia Expo serves a wide range of clients including trade show decorators, event producers, audio-visual companies, rental businesses, venues, and churches nationwide. With a focus on quality manufacturing, reliability, and continuous innovation, the company continues to deliver solutions that define, divide, and enhance event spaces across the events industry.
