Company History

Arata Expositions, Inc. (AEI) was founded outside of Washington, D.C. by Tom Arata in 1971. Still with the company today, he has built AEI to have a reputation in the meetings and convention industry based on long-term customer relationships, mutual trust, and efficient business operations. AEI is enthusiastic about delivering our gold-standard level of customer support to meet, and exceed, your expectations for general contracting support.

Tom got his inspiration for AEI from his father, Clarence Arata, who was well established in the convention industry.  Clarence’s dedication and success while at the Metropolitan Washington Board of Trade, and as the Executive Director of the Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau, resulted in D.C. becoming a leader in the trade show and event industry.  Clarence was recognized for his various accomplishments by his 1969 induction into the U.S. Travel Association’s Hall of Leaders and his 1985 induction into the Events Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders.  Throughout our company’s history, we have honored Clarence’s legacy and continued to build upon it.