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Experience

Over 100 years of combined experience including...

  • I&D labor and supervision
  • General contracting
  • Convention center management
  • Special event management
  • Road tours
  • Tradeshow consulting
  • General contractor invoice auditing
  • Tradeshow production

Co-Owners

Susan Renner JohnsonSusan Renner Johnson - CEO
Prior to establishing The TERM Group in 1998, Susan served as president of Metro Exhibitors Service, an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor company based in Chicago, IL. Susan started her I&D career in 1980, working with her father, Arthur Ursin, a pioneer in installation and dismantling. In addition to her vast experience, Susan served on the Board of Directors for the Exhibit Designer Producer Association (EDPA) for 14 years, holding the office of President in 1999.  She has been on the Board of Directors for the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA) / Chicago Chapter since 2001, serving as president in 2008.

Tony Barras
Tony Barras - President
Prior to establishing The TERM Group, Tony served 10 years in the field of tradeshow sales and installation and dismantling operations. He recently served as the Director of Exhibit Services for GES Exposition Services in Los Angeles. Prior to this, Tony served as the General Manager, Los Angeles for ECC (Exposition Contractors Company), a division of Andrews Bartlett. In addition, Tony held the position of Account Executive of I&D Group from 1990 to 1992 and Event Coordinator for Ross Roy Productions handling logistics and production aspects for their Chrysler automotive road tours.
Our Team

Joe MondelliJoseph Mondelli - Vice President General Manager
Joseph Mondelli has joined the TERM Group as Vice President General Manager.  Joseph has over 30 years of experience in the tradeshow and event industry with expertise in logistics, marketing, event planning, and new market development.  Joseph began his career in the early 70’s as carpenter lead man for Giltspur in Chicago.  Five years later,  he joined Czarnowski Exhibit Services in Chicago as a lead carpenter in the field.  After nearly two decades,  he resigned as Vice President of Development.  Joseph recently held the position of Division President  for MC2, until his early retirement to pursue other personal interests. Joseph decided to return to the industry and will be responsible for all aspects of The TERM Group’s operations and business development.

Scott SokolScott Sokol - Vice President of Business Development
Scott brings 20 years of valuable industry experience to The TERM Group LLC.  Prior to joining the team, he was employed with Coastal International for 14 years focusing on client development and account management.  Scott previously worked with ECC (Exhibition Contractors Company) as an account executive.  Scott began his career in the exhibit industry in 1988 as a marketing coordinator/tradeshow manager for a computer manufacturer.  As an exhibit manager, he established insight into the client side of the trade show industry.  This valuable education has enhanced his significance with The TERM Group as Vice President of New Business Development.

John ScopelletiJohn Scopelleti - Director of Operations
John began in the exhibit industry in 1981. During this time, he held various positions enabling him to gain experience in fabrication, estimating, account management, and project management.  John also worked as journeyman lead builder and working foreman.  In 2000 John joined The TERM Group as the Southern California City Manager. It is this vast knowledge of all aspects of the business that make John such a valuable team player.


Debbie KadowDebbie Kadow - National Account & Operations Manager

A thirty-plus year veteran in the tradeshow industry, Deb began her career as an exhibitor with a major computer-publishing firm. Upon relocating to Southern California from Boston, Massachusetts, she was introduced to the independent contractor side of the industry where she gained her knowledge and experience in operations, sales and project management. Deb has served as the Southern California EACA Chapter Secretary since 1998.  She is a customer-driven, detailed-oriented individual; her dedication to excellence brings her to The TERM Group.

Monica ParkMonica Park - Senior Account Manager, Automotive
Monica began her career in the exhibit industry in 1988.  Prior to joining The TERM Group in 1997, she worked at GES Exposition Services in Seattle, WA, enabling her to gain knowledge and experience in the Customer Service and Exhibit Services departments. Monica also worked for Centennial Conferences, a meeting and planning company where she earned the title Exhibit Manager for small international scientific tradeshows. Monica's planning experience, customer service skills and attention to detail are assets to The TERM Group.

Nancy VireneNancy Virene - National Account & Operations Manager
In 1987, Nancy joined Metro Exhibitors Services, Inc., now The TERM Group, LLC, as a show coordinator. She currently holds the title of Operations Manager overseeing all aspects of production, logistics and customer service for Chicago-based tradeshows and events. Her prior experience in public relations enables Nancy to anticipate the needs of our customers from a marketing and sales perspective.  She currently is on the Chicago EDPA Board of Directors and Chairperson for the Chicago EACA/EDPA Charity Golf Outing, benefitting the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic since 2002. 

Steve Kull Steve Kull - Midwest Regional Manager

Steve has been with The TERM Group since its inception into the Chicago area, and subsequent merge with Metro Exhibitors. He has been a carpenter and contractor for over 25 years, and has been working tradeshows since 1993. He has been involved in all aspects of the industry from design, sales, shipping and receiving to installation. After eight years as a lead carpenter/field supervisor, he has stepped into the city manager role to oversee all Chicago area work. In this position he provides a superior liaison between client and carpenter.

John O'DowdJohn O'Dowd - Southern Regional Manager
With over 20 years experience, John is a well-rounded industry professional.  John started his career with Nth Degree in 1987 as a Planning Coordinator.  Over time he worked for various independent contractors holding positions such as Philadelphia City Manager, Atlanta City Manager, Southeast Regional Manager and Auto Show Labor Coordinator.  Prior to joining The TERM Group as our Southern Regional Manager in 2005, John worked as the E&D / I&D Senior Operations Manager for GES Exposition Services.

Bobby SimpsonBobby Simpson - Southern City Manager
Bobby began his independent contractor experience in 1988 working for various I & D companies. He gained knowledge in exhibit installation, modification, vinyl application, and crew leadership. He quickly became a requested traveling leadman for several major exhibitors. His experience brought him to The TERM Group in 1998 as a Project Manager and our Atlanta City Manager.


Harry RepasHarry Repas - Eastern  Regional  Manager
Harry joined The TERM Group as the East Coast Regional Manager in 2007.  He has been in the exhibit industry for 25 years.  His previous positions include the Baltimore/Washington DC division manager with Exhibition Contractors Company for 12 years, division manager with MC² for 10 years and division manager with Exhibitor Appointed Services for 3 years.  Harry specializes in the installation of light shows and special events, some of which include working with the bands Van Halen and Hall & Oates.  His vast experience and knowledge of the many convention facilities up and down the east coast give Harry the tools he needs to provide the quality service our customers expect. 

Joe WrightJoe Wright - Northwest & Texas Regional  Manager
Joe began in the tradeshow industry in the early 1970s working for a manufacturer as the Tradeshow Manager for both domestic and international tradeshows.  In 1984 while working as a project manager for ExhibitGroup, Joe had the opportunity to work at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. After relocating to Portland, OR,  he worked as a Show Service and Production Manager for a small exhibit house.  In 1999, Joe started his own labor service company.  He came to The TERM Group in 2003 bringing a wealth of knowledge thus allowing him to understand as well as anticipate our customers’ needs.

TJ SylviaT.J. Sylvia -Southwest Regional Manager
T.J. joined The TERM Group in January 1998 as a working lead Foreman and with his vast knowledge and experience, he quickly became an assistant to our Southern California Manager. Prior to The TERM Group, T.J. was an aerospace mechanic for McDonnell Douglas and Boeing working on several commercial aircraft and the International Space Station.  T.J.’s mechanical background and years of assisting in the day-to-day operations in Southern California have given him the tools to provide our customers with quality service and the ability to meet their individual needs.

Mark HamerMark Hamer - Northern California Regional Manager
Mark began his career in the tradeshow industry in 1985 with The Freeman Companies and quickly became a floor manager. He was selected as a preferred decorator for President's Ronald Regan and George Bush, which included the presidential inauguration. Mark recently held the position of City Manager for Rise & Shine. His extensive knowledge and customer oriented attitude brings him to The TERM Group as our Northern California Regional Manager.

Lou SabaLou Saba - Las Vegas Regional Manager
Lou began in the convention business over 10 years ago, and at the time never thought it would lead to a second career.  After selling several successful Texaco stations in Las Vegas, he started working part-time for a friend in I & D, to keep himself busy. He found the work to be challenging and enjoyable and soon became the Las Vegas Operations Manager for Coastal International before joining the TERM Group in December, 2008.  As a small business owner and manager, Lou has always known the key to success is communication and service, and he brings a strong commitment to providing the highest levels of both to our clients.

Kathy BartolKathy Bartol - Office Administrator
Kathy began in the exhibit industry in 1998 as a receptionist.  She was quickly promoted to Account Manager.  In 2000, she joined The TERM Group as an Office Administrator.  In addition to the duties associated with this position, Kathy is responsible for Accounts Receivable.  She is a strong team player with an amazing ability to multi-task.  Kathy also assists in the planning of the Chicago EACA/EDPA Charity Golf Outing, benefitting the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic.

This experience....
.......enables The TERM Group to provide your organization with the countless resources to collectively resolve situations that may arise in the production of your event. The ability to listen, anticipate and react to your needs are the unique differences offered by The TERM Group.