5 Nth Degree Team Members Win Top Industry Honors

Nth Degree is pleased to announce that 5 Nth Degree team members received industry awards for exceptional qualities, dedication to their work, know-how, and most importantly, for the impact each has on the industry, our company and our clients.

The ACE Awards were awarded for the first time this year by trade show industry publication, Exhibit City News. Recipients of the award were nominated by industry colleagues through a formal nomination process that sought to identify the trade show and event industry’s star or ACE players.

This inaugural awards program culminated in an awards ceremony in February 2019 in Las Vegas, NV in conjunction with the industry event, EXHIBITORLIVE. The Nth Degree team was in attendance during the awards ceremony and accepted the honors on behalf of the following Nth Degree recipients:

• Gino Apadula – “Seasoned Veteran of the Year”
• Mike Macauley – “Traveling Lead of the Year”
• Willie Matamoros – “Best ‘Firefighter’ of the Year”
• Dan Pienta – “Regional I&D ACE”
• Gary Wannemacher – “William F. Nixon, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The William F. Nixon, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest industry honor one can be awarded and is open only to recipients that have worked in this industry for over 30 years and that have had a positive and notable impact on the industry. Gary Wannemacher checks these boxes and more – he is a true industry legend and one of the original Nth Degree team members. Gary has given his entire career and his life to Nth Degree–nearly 38 years. He helped build the foundation, he helped forge the culture and he led the way to unprecedented service standards not only in Chicago where he is the Midwest Regional Manager, but across every Nth Degree touchpoint and every city worldwide where we operate. Gary is an influencer and a change-maker, but only when the change brings value to clients and benefits the team he has built.

Gary managed the biggest shows in Chicago with grit and determination from the very beginning. He navigated the early years and challenges that came with this changing market and forged relationships that continue to play an important part in the company’s success. These long-term relationships are based on mutual respect with the unions in Chicago, the electricians at McCormick Place as well as the other unions and facility employees that collectively attribute to the success of tradeshows in Chicago and the Midwest in cities such as Detroit and Indianapolis. His in-depth understanding of the union regulations in Chicago and facility rules throughout the region, allow him to methodically and thoughtfully plan, manage and execute our customers’ exhibits. He can take large complex projects and shows like the NAIAS and break them into manageable pieces.

Gary has always put clients first and does whatever it takes to navigate challenging (and ever-changing) city conditions while advocating on the client’s behalf with a firm and steadfast approach. Nth Degree’s Chicago operations strength and delivery to our customers has never wavered.

Nth Degree’s customer, Jack Hally, Executive Vice President, BlueHive, said, “In addition to performing his job at an exemplary level, Gary demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the overall tradeshow community. Gary takes it upon himself to provide exceptional support and service to both clients and exhibit firms. He discerns quickly their individual needs and moves efficiently to provide key information, recommendations, or direction. Gary is also a wonderful ambassador for McCormick Place and the city of Chicago…in assisting visitors as they navigate the convention center and the resources of the Windy City.

Over the last 30+ years, I have known Gary to be a fantastic labor partner…always welcoming and exceptional in everything he does. His quick wit, attention to detail, and loyalty to his staff have endeared him to the tradeshow industry. He is a true champion for labor with a tireless commitment to providing an outstanding Chicago experience.

Gary Wannemacher has made a difference to all in the tradeshow world. His skills, knowledge, willingness to help others, and dedication to the overall industry make him my Lifetime Achievement Award nominee.”

Nth Degree is proud to recognize and honor all these men for always owning-the-moment, putting the client first and upholding our standards of excellence. These individuals are truly remarkable people that embody what it means to go above and beyond on behalf of our customers.

For more information on the awards and each award category, please click here.