Our Founder, Gerald George "Jerry" Kallman
January 10, 1931 — May 20, 2020
A lifetime devoted to fostering international friendship
Born in 1931, a child of the Great Depression, Jerry was a natural entrepreneur whose innovative spirit and tireless work ethic led him to establish Kallman Worldwide (then “Kallman Associates”) in 1961. Since his first international trade show in 1964 (the inaugural “Electronica” event in Munich, Germany) Jerry spent a lifetime connecting ideas, people, and businesses around the world.
Kallman started as a one-man consultancy firm representing and recruiting U.S. companies to exhibit at trade fairs in Munich, Germany. However its capabilities and reach quickly grew—evolving into the management of a worldwide network of events in partnership with the Bryan Montgomery Group, Overseas Exhibition Services (OES), Reed Exhibitions, and other major international trade show organizers around the globe.
As one of the trailblazers of USA Pavilions abroad, Jerry was an advocate for U.S. exhibitors large and small and helped “startup” companies like Nike take their first steps in the international arena.
Enjoyable as it was for him to support the industry giants at international trade shows, helping the smaller “moms and pops” (now called SMEs) is what truly drove Jerry. In USA Pavilions around the globe, he was always “the first in and last out,” looking after every detail possible for his clients—who all came to call him a friend.
Friendship was, in fact, Jerry’s pole star. He believed the most successful long-term business relationships are built on a solid foundation of personal friendship. Jerry was known for remembering anniversaries, birthdays, and other milestones. Whether he was on the road, halfway across the globe, or at home with his wife of 43 years, Lorraine, Jerry thoroughly enjoyed hosting friends for good meals, good discussion, and lots of laughter.
Jerry spent 37 years at the helm of Kallman, establishing what is now America’s leading U.S. Pavilion and trade show management firm; earned many lifetime achievement awards from every major U.S. and international trade show association; and received the German Government’s Federal Cross of Merit But these accolades and successes are not Jerry’s legacy.
His true legacy is reflected in the thousands of people around the world who think of Jerry Kallman and recall his smile and sincerity and warm-heartedness—and still proudly call him a friend.
A statesman, educator, industry leader, philanthropist, husband, father, and friend, Jerry Kallman, Sr., brought great things to the world for 89 years.
Kallman Worldwide is proud to continue to honor his philosophy, memory, and enduring legacy.
Why Choose Kallman?
60 years of experience. Thousands of clients. The world’s top trade shows.
“It's taken about 5-6 yrs of doing this show but we are now seeing an increase in business and creating new relationships directly related to ADIPEC. This year was one of the best years for meeting new potential customers and distributors and we will be back next year.”— Robert Atwood, VP/Chief Operating Officer, GP:50
“I would just like to say that everyone at Kallman has been excellent to deal with. Very, very helpful, available, and diligent in their positions. My hats off to your fine staff.” — Larry Debord, Vice President, NUVO
“We had a great experience — efficient — polite professional — we will be back.”—Mike Creed, Managing Director, MD Helicopter & Jag Aviation
“Kallman allows me to have a beautiful Chalet without the overhead we would otherwise need to build it ourselves.”— Don Lane, President, Makino Aerospace
“The booth they designed was not only visually impressive, but also strategically optimized to attract potential clients. Kallman’s commitment to excellence truly stood out, and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking trade show services.”— Charles Stevens, Senior Marketing Manager, The Marvin Group
“We had the privilege of working with Kallman Worldwide for our recent trade show, and could not be happier with their services. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail to make our show a success.”— Charles Stevens, Senior Marketing Manager, The Marvin Group
“The Chalet is a good environment for conducting business; one that we couldn’t replicate in other settings.”— Jim Melvin , VP Sales and Marketing , Kaman Aerostructures
“Kallman provides our company with numerous different services… They lead delegations through the American halls and it gives us opportunities to interact with them. I believe that if we were in another location at the Paris Air Show, we would not have that opportunity.” — Lourdes Maglieri, Marketing Manager, Kaman Aerospace Group
“We’ve had numerous comments from the upper management on the great booth design. All agree the custom work you did was perfect in showcasing our products and services. Looking forward to working more shows together! Thank you to you and your team.”— Cathi Anthony, Business Development Coordinator, Cubic Corporation
“Kallman helped my company reach viable potential clients without having to focus on the logistics of setting up a booth thousands of miles from home. Being in the U.S. Pavilion at this amazing business aviation event allowed our company to easily stand out among 500+ exhibitors and get noticed by potential Middle Eastern jet owners that we normally wouldn't be exposed to.”— Joe Celentano, Principal, Rudy's Inflight Catering
“Kallman Worldwide made our exhibiting experience incredibly easy! Including conference rooms in the Pavilion package was a fantastic benefit. Being part of the USA Partnership Pavilion, which represents global leaders of the aviation industry, assures we'll meet the right customers.”— Aimee Okamoto, Manager of Business Development, Industrial Metals International LTD
“The Kallman team has consistently gone over and beyond to ensure Novaria has a successful show from designing and building our booth to logistic support to the exhibitors’ lounge and meeting services, their professionalism is truly world class. We look forward to working together at future shows.” — Marissa Kelly, Director of Strategic Marketing, Novaria Group
“We have been participating with the Paris Air Show for many, many years under the umbrella of Kaman Aerospace. One of the reasons that we have decided to select Kallman Worldwide in particular, through the USA Partnership Pavilion, is because we have a broader ability of reaching out to many customers, not only American customers, which are located in the USA Partnership Pavilion, but International customers as well.”— Lourdes Maglieri, Marketing Manager, Kaman Aerospace Group
“The USA Partnership Pavilion gives us access to companies that we would never have access to, in a period of three days. It would take us three years to be able to interact and interface with all these companies in this one unique location. We’re in it for the long term.”— Steve Fox, Vice President, Business Development & Program Management, Marotta Controls
“The US International Pavilion and the Kallman Worldwide team are professional,highly effective and always customer focused to provide a positive experience.”— Chris Macfarlane, Executive Manager Exhibitor Relations, Aerospace Maritime & Defence Foundation Australia
“On behalf of the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy Bangkok, I would like to thank you for organizing the U.S. Pavilion and Exhibitors/VIP Reception at the Defense & Security Exhibition. It was a great pleasure to see many U.S. defense and security companies showcase their equipment and technologies at the show this year. This is because of your excellent recruitment efforts, and understanding of the current challenges in the Thai defense market environment for American companies. The success of the U.S. Pavilion is a great example for all American companies wishing to conduct business in Thailand, and I am happy that we were able to conduct a walkthrough of the U.S. Pavilion and meet with the U.S. exhibitors. Thank you, again, for organizing this very successful event."— Gregory Wong, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand
“I’ve never received such great support at a show! International shows have their added challenges, and Kallman clearly knows how to adapt and take care of the booth teams in attendance.” — Cathi Anthony, Business Development Coordinator, Cubic Corporation
“Your slogan "Exhibit with Confidence" is really exemplified in your service. It's such a pleasure to work with you. Now dealing with this side of your operation (show logistics, creative services), I feel privileged to work with Kallman. Your efforts do make a huge difference and directly impact the success of each show.” — Elvira Amankwa, CMP, CIM, Trade Show Manager, Breezer Holdings
“Absolutely stoked to work with Kallman Worldwide on U.S. Pavilions at five major trade shows across Australia and Singapore. Kallman’s team has delivered excellent logistical, marketing and event management to ensure American exhibitors get the best value out of their participation.”— Dr. Douglas Hartley, Commercial Specialist, Embassy of the United States of America, Canberra, Australia
“The Marvin Group has been a Kallman Creative Services client for over 10 years because the support they provide for our international exhibits year after year is outstanding and invaluable. With their on-site support during the show, you can have peace of mind knowing from start to finish you’re taken care of with the Kallman Creative Services Team.”— Shannon Sharpe, Vice President, Sales Development, The Marvin Group
