Gary Hobstetter
Principal
Gary founded Gary Hobstetter & Associates (GHA) in 2004 to provide cutting edge trade show design, fabrication, logistics, and customer service to San Francisco Bay Area companies at competitive prices. He and his team are committed to creating exceptional exhibits for clients while keeping production local. The GHA team focuses on developing long-term client relationships, and many of our clients have been with Gary for more than a decade.
With over 30 years in the Bay Area’s design and trade show industry, Gary’s professional experience includes positions as a staff designer, design director and senior account executive. Before launching GHA, Gary worked for Color & Design, Exhibit Group San Francisco, Exhibit Dynamics, and Formetrics.
Gary has a B.S. in Industrial Design from Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, Ohio. When not focused on his business, Gary enjoys architectural design and historic home renovation.
Rawley Bushman
Account Manager
Prior to joining GHA as an account manager in 2009, Rawley spent more than 15 years in the trade show and events industry. After spending eight years on the client side of the industry – managing more than 50 shows per year for a Santa Cruz-based surfing company – he moved to the vendor side in 2002. This experience gives Rawley unique insight into the show process and client service. For Rawley, personal touches make the difference, and he focuses on building long-lasting relationships and exceeding client expectations. At events, Rawley never hesitates to get his hands dirty, assisting with setup where he can, and always helping his clients control their costs and stay within budget.
When he’s not working with clients, Rawley enjoys all sports involving a board, mountain biking, photography, and camping.
Traci Hobstetter
Senior Account Manager
When you work with Traci, she’s with you every step of the way. Whether her clients need an exhibit at the last minute or are ready to plan ahead for future shows, Traci matches her client’s objectives, style, timeline, and budget to deliver the most effective marketing of their products and services. Traci understands that having someone on your side allows you to focus on your business. As an expert planner and organizer, Traci is exceptionally responsive to her clients’ needs and is always available to answer questions and devise creative solutions to make her clients stand out.
Traci has been a member of the GHA team for over six years. Her background includes her work as an artist, designing and creating her signature Wire Ware jewelry, home, and body products. She holds a degree in Visual Presentation and Space Design from Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Traci’s personal interests include art and travel.
Todd Patterson
Warehouse Manager
As head of the construction department, Todd is responsible for building all of GHA’s exhibits, arranging transportation, and working with freight carriers. He enjoys meeting with clients when they come to see their designs being transformed into full-sized exhibits. Todd studied furniture-making in Switzerland in the early 1990’s, and with this training, Todd understands the intricacies of building. He uses these skills to build exhibits for GHA’s clients, using methods that save clients money and give them extraordinary results.
Joining GHA in 2005, Todd brings over 15 years of experience in the exhibit industry to the warehouse and building team. His has worked as a lead builder, project manager, account executive, and purchaser for Bay Area exhibit companies Color & Design and Exhibit Group San Francisco. When not constructing exhibits, Todd takes time out for diving, hiking and golf.
Allan Gordon
Senior Account Executive
Allan joined the GHA team in January 2012 as Senior Account Executive. Allan brings industry expertise to GHA and his clients, with over 20 years of experience in the trade show industry. Allan worked for over 15 years at ExhibitGroup before moving to Hood Exhibits, where he worked as an account executive for seven years. Allan received his BA in Business Administration and Marketing from San Jose State University.
Elizabeth Christensen
Account Manager
Elizabeth joined the GHA team in 2007 as a project manager. Her previous experience in the hospitality industry informs her approach to client relations and her commitment to making her clients happy. Elizabeth’s clients love her organizational skills and her personalized client care. Elizabeth makes sure that her clients never have to worry about meeting deadlines for deliverables, and ensures that each client is able to make the most of their trade show experience.
Prior to joining the GHA team, Elizabeth worked as an elementary school teacher and in development at the University of Oregon. Elizabeth received a B.A. in Journalism from San Diego State University and her California State teaching credential from Notre Dame de Namur University. In her spare time Elizabeth enjoys travel, acting, and art.
