Rodd Craig, who had a long and distinguished career in the exhibition industry in Australia and known to his close friends as an ‘exhibition junkie’, such was his enthusiasm for the show floor, passed away 22 September after a short battle with poor health.
Rodd commenced his career in the late eighties in Queensland partnering with local organisations to aide in the delivery events such as the Courier Mail Real Estate & Property Expo, Courier Mail Home Shows, and the Personal Investment Money Shows.
In the late 90s, Rodd joined Exhibition Hire Services (now ExpoNet), which took him through into the Sydney Olympic games. After a short stint with Moreton Hire, he then returned to ExpoNet to continue their expansion in Melbourne.
Early 2000’s as a freelance event consultant under Exhibition Event Services, Rodd’s passion project Exhibiting Green launched, bringing the discussion of sustainability in exhibitions to the table.
Rodd joined AMDA Foundation Limited in 2014 as executive manager for over six years, including heading the Event Production and Business Development for the Australian International Airshow (Avalon, Victoria), Land Forces International Defence Exposition, Brisbane, Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, Drone Showcase Expo, and Conference, plus the RotorTech Helicopter Exposition Brisbane.
Rodd has been an active industry stalwart, sitting on numerous industry committees/boards including EEAA. In semi-retirement, he continued to put back into the industry with special projects, including consulting for Expo Event Services to assist with their expansion in the industry.
The Gold Coast had been his family home for the past three years.
Matt Farthing – director Expo Event Services said: “Thanks for the mentoring, thanks for the friendship, thanks for what you have done for our industry, thanks for making me an ‘exhibition Junkie’, our team are extremely proud of your accomplishments and saddened with your passing, you will not be forgotten on any exhibition floor.”
