Steelhead Productions was not just a business venture but a manifestation of a passionate event manager's excitement for trade shows.
Jim Andersen, an event manager for a semiconductor company, realized what he enjoyed most about his job was planning and executing the company’s trade show program. His experience as an event manager gave him invaluable insights into the needs and the frustrations of event professionals, laying the groundwork for the company he would later start.
In 1996, Jim founded Steelhead Productions with a clear vision: to transform the trade show industry through transparency and trust.
Frustrated by all-too-common unexpected costs and the creative constraints of exhibit ownership, Jim developed a groundbreaking business model.
First, he introduced price guarantees, which would ensure that clients only paid what was quoted. A, then he unlocked the creativity for event marketers to rent beautifully crafted custom exhibits versus owning and storing them. This approach allowed brands to enjoy fresh, tailored designs for each event, setting Steelhead apart while addressing the core needs of event professionals.
The name Steelhead reflects Jim's love for fishing. Steelhead are a unique species of fish in that they thrive in both freshwater and saltwater, symbolizing their resilience and their adaptability.
This metaphor captures the essence of Steelhead Productions and what it delivers to its clients, which is intelligence, elegance and versatility.
Two years into the journey, Sean Combs joined, having been inspired by the company Jim wanted to build. He became general manager in 2001 and eventually co-owner and CEO in 2006. Sean's passion lies in creating an environment where talented teams of exhibit designers and artisans excel and breathe new life into brand event programs with remarkable experiences in unmatched support of event managers.
The transition from Jim to Sean and his business partners, Rhiannon and Lance, was marked by Jim's unwavering trust. As he stepped back from the day-to-day operations, Jim empowered the then young entrepreneurs to carry forward Steelhead's legacy. In 2007, the trio established Steelhead’s Core Values, Purpose and the company's brand promise Exhibit Happy®, which is to deliver awesome support, no surprises and fun along the way to all of those interacting with Steelhead, a hallmark that remains today.
Steelhead continues to champion the irreplaceable value of human connection that only trade shows and live events can provide. They see each event as an opportunity to surprise and delight audiences, creating dynamic, custom exhibits that align with ever-evolving marketing objectives.
Value creation and sustainability are key priorities for Steelhead Productions. As North America’s only certified B-Corporation, Steelhead and its business model is a testament to its commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Steelhead is not your average company, but a leader in the trade show and event industry. It is dedicated to setting the standard for transparent exhibit costs and sustainability and continuing its mission of empowering event managers and transforming event experiences.