Michael Hough, co-founder of the A/E/C SYSTEMS family of trade shows and conferences, passed away recently. He was 65. Founded in 1980, A/E/C SYSTEMS quickly became the must-attend event for learning about new computer-based technology for AEC, GIS, and EDM. Many successful firms today owe their start to attracting customer attention at these shows. At its peak in the late 1990’s, A/E/C SYSTEMS International, Inc., produced the largest CAD and IT-related productivity events for design professionals in the world. Encompassing over a dozen major concurrent shows-within-a-show directed to all segments of the design/construction community, the A/E/C SYSTEMS main event had grown to annually attract 25,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors in more than 1,400 booths. A second fall event attracted 6,000 attendees to a 400 booth show. Additionally there were seven licensed events running internationally. The company also published AEC Computer Solutions magazine, subscribed to by some 30,000 design professionals. In 1997, the shows, licenses, and magazine were sold to Penton Media.
Carl Howk, Chairman of PlantSuccess, LLC, comments: “During the years I owned and published A-E-C Automation Newsletter, we were involved with the A/E/C SYSTEMS show and co-founder Mike Hough. For many years, Mike’s extensive experience, knowledge and positive demeanor contributed substantially to this successful annual event. By this association, Mike also has contributed to the success we’ve had with PlantSuccess over recent years; he will be missed.”
AECNews Publisher emeritus David Weisberg comments: “I first met Michael in the mid-1980s when I was a marketing manager at Auto-trol Technology. This positive relationship continued throughout the 1990’s while I was publisher of Engineering Automation Report and later A-E-C Automation Newsletter. I always found Michael to be a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. The industry has lost one of its pioneers.”
Hough was a 1963 graduate in civil engineering from Manhattan College in New York. He worked for the Federal Highway Administration and The Maguire Group before co-founding A/E/C SYSTEMS. Hough was a founding member of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and lectured and wrote extensively on the various aspects of producing tradeshows, including authoring two books. After selling A/E/C SYSTEMS, he went on to become a business consultant and private investor.
A/E/C SYSTEMS co-founder George Borkovich remembers: “Mike was the most influential person in my professional career. When no one else would step up to fund my idea for the SYSTEMS show, he recognized the importance of the subject and provided the cash to make it happen. Together we launched the first show in 1980, me handling content and him marketing and promotion. We remained partners on it for 17 years, before selling the business to Penton Media in 1997. I will miss him.”
Dr. Joel N. Orr, Chief Visionary Officer at Cyon Research, remembers: "Mike Hough was the kind of guy with whom I enjoyed interacting. Conversations with him were always to the point, and I always knew that whatever we talked about would be backed up with action. He developed unusual expertise in a difficult and competitive field - trade shows. He understood the business profoundly, and was able to help others with his knowledge. More than anything, I knew Mike as a 'straight shooter' - a decent person. I'm glad to have known him. I'll miss him."
The family requests contributions in honor of Michael Hough’s memory be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 628, Hartford, CT 06103. For condolences please visit: www.carmonfuneralhome.com. His personal obituary may be read at: http://www.legacy.com/HartfordCourant/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=100463280.
--RSN