Horticultural Trade Show Industry Loses Veteran Leader

Donn Sanford, director of the Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show from 1977 to 2000, died August 30, in Tucson, Ariz. He was 64.

Sanford is credited with fostering the growth and development of the Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show.

Sanford had an early career in journalism before establishing the Sanford Organization in 1975. In 1989 he partnered with his daughter, Donna, to launch EXPO magazine, a publication for those in the professional trade show field. He is also partially responsible for the establishment of TS/2 (“The Trade Show about Trade Shows”).

Sanford has managed the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) and is among the initial class of certified association executives (CAE), a credential he carried throughout his career.

Sanford retired to Tucson, Ariz. in 2003.