MEET RICH WILLENBERG
Your Go-To Expert for Shows & Events
Providing you with nearly 40 years of tradeshow and event management experience. I have supplier partners around the world that I work with to bring your events to life.
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What We Do
With 29eleven experiences, I have brought nearly 40 years of industry know-how to the table. When needed, you can “pull me off the bench” to jump in and support your marketing efforts—whether it’s strategy, planning, or hands-on project management. I have a rolodex of partners and suppliers, domestic and internationally that I have had great success with over the decades that I can pull into a project at any time.
My flexible, cost-effective approach means I can step in where and when you need me most.
Think of me and 29eleven experiences when you're looking for a trusted, experienced partner to help bring your brand to life.
- Consultation
- Display coordination
- Project Management
- Logistics, on-site support and supervision
- Tradeshow, event training and mentorship
About
Hi, I’m Rich Willenberg. I got my start in the experiential marketing world back in 1988, working at what we used to call a “display house.”
My first role was in accounts receivable and collections—not the most glamorous job, but it gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the industry that most people never get. From there, I moved into sales, where I really found my stride in new business development and started learning the ins and outs of project management.
Over the years, I worked my way up from Account Executive to Executive Vice President, eventually leading a sales team of 33 people. It’s been quite a ride!
In December 2024, I stepped away from the corporate world and along with my wife, Alisa started our own business in experiential marketing.
These days, I consult and manage events and tradeshows for clients, helping them bring their ideas to life. I’m always ready to jump in and support companies looking to take their marketing to the next level.
Hope to get the chance to work with you and your team!
Experience
Over the years, my career in the tradeshow and event industry has taken me around the world.
Every venue, city, state, and country brought its own unique vibe—whether it was dealing with my hometown in Detroit, or the laid-back charm of the southern states, the nonstop energy of New York and Chicago, the elegance of Paris, or the raw, emerging excitement of a newly opened Beijing.
Each experience played a role in shaping who I am today. What’s stuck with me most, though, are the lasting memories and the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Those friendships and connections have been the true highlight of this journey.
Recommendations from our amazing customers'
Rich is a wealth of knowledge and out of box thinker who can manage a team to pivot quickly to adjust to changing needs and goals. Managing our events displays, activations, and special requests, Rich managed to keep team on task while bringing his extensive experience in event management. His collaborative calm approach was easy to work with and helped in the high stress environment of highly visible shows.
Nicole Longhini-McElroy
North America Marketing Director
Working with Rich is like having an extension of your own team that includes someone who is professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of marketing and trade show execution. Having collaborated with Rich on several projects when I was at HELLA, it was always a pleasure to work with him. He made each transaction easier by bringing the right people together for discussion and advancement toward our goals, whether it was to execute at a trade show, develop new materials, or even creating interactive display units that included both hardware and software. Our brand was always well-represented with the highest quality. Rich built our trust almost immediately and that is something that never wavered. I am glad to continue to be in touch with Rich, as I rely on him for professional insights and friendship, and look forward to continuing our working relationship.
Carolyn Sauer
Director of Marketing
What started out as a professional relationship approximately 10 years ago has developed into a great friendship. Rich is a consummate professional. Not only does he know his craft inside and out, he is also a good teacher.
Monique Henderson
Business Owner
Rich has never let me down. He consistently has great ideas, works with me to get to the right budget (with no hidden costs - he's usually under budget at the end!), and consistently exceeds expectations. Best of all, he has earned my trust time and again - I have been impressed that he always gives me the advice that is best for me and my company, not the option that will be most profitable for him. He is highly recommended.
Bryan Mangum
Marketing Manager
Rich is great at learning and understanding the business challenge while formulating a solution that is within the project budget. He is consistent and always follows through and follows up.
Chris Swart
Marketing Manager
Are you ready to talk?