Hey there — I’m Chip 👋
You’ve probably seen me around. I’ve been part of the Steelhead squad since the very beginning — way back in 1996. (Yep, that makes me almost 30. Cue the confetti, please!)
I started as a symbol. A smile. A spark of joy. But over the years, I’ve become so much more — a trusted guide through the wild world of trade shows, a reminder that work can (and should) be fun, and the official hype-guy behind Exhibit Happy®.
A Legacy of Happy
My story isn’t about flashy stunts or mascot fame. It’s about showing up for clients and teammates with creativity, clarity, and a whole lot of heart.
I’ve grown up with Steelhead — watching us evolve into a national leader in experiential design, sustainability, and client happiness. I’ve sat in brainstorms, danced through installs, and even wiped a few tears (mine and yours — Inside Out 2 gets me every time).
You can often find me at the Steelhead Productions headquarters in Las Vegas, my home away from home. But my first home is on the tradeshow floor. This is my calling, my time to shine Steelhead’s promise out into the world:
- Awesome Support
- No Surprises
- And of course, Fun Along The Way!
The Swag, the Smile, the Legend
You can also find me on some fun Steelhead swag — everyone from the executive team to our crew, to clients and industry partners, loves getting a little something with my smiley face on it.
I like to make people smile because in this business, and in life, we all need to have a little more FUN — amirite?!
But I take my job seriously. When people see my face stamped on a crate, a swag bag, or even a custom envelope, they know something good is coming because good things come in all different kinds of packages!
Anyway… Here Are Some Fun Facts About Me
Interests:
Trade shows, mind-blowing booth designs, sustainability, VEGAS (always), and brands that aren’t afraid to stand out. Also? Great hair. Obviously.
Lifestyle:
Always on the go. You’ll catch me at installs, brainstorms, happy hours… and sometimes hiding in crates. When I’m not on the show floor, I’m adding flair to digital marketing spaces.
Life Goals:
Make people smile. Achieve enlightenment. Plant 1 million trees. (We’re getting there.)
Favorite Food:
Gluten-free pizza and a craft mocktail. Sustainability meets snackability.
Favorite Activities:
High-fiving strangers. Hugging teammates. Light pranking (with love).
Favorite Song:
“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled. Obviously.
Favorite Charity:
There are too many amazing ones to pick — I support whatever the Give Happy Foundation is getting behind next.
Favorite Game:
Hot Potato. But only when I get to be the potato.
Favorite Place to Travel:
Any trade show floor where the energy is high — but Vegas is home turf.
Favorite Mode of Transportation:
By crate. The drama of a good unboxing moment? Iconic.
Favorite Sustainability Hack:
Air-purifying plants, stainless steel straws, and swapping old bulbs for LEDs. Small changes, big impact.
If you’ve read this far, obviously that means we’re friends now so feel free to hit me up so we can talk some more!
And hey… let’s Exhibit Happy, shall we?
—Chip
Chief Happiness Officer
(Also President of the Swag Fan Club)