Dave Hinton Tribute

Dave Hinton was one of the first hoteliers I met when I started my association management career in the late 70s. He was fairly new to Chicago and I was as green as they came. I will never forget when he walked into my office on a cold call - it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, except I had no idea how intertwined our careers would become over the 30 years.

Dave quickly became a mentor and gave me tremendous encouragement when I started interviewing for a new job in 1979, but I could tell he wasn't so sure I was ready for an opening for an executive director ... of the Chicago Society of Association Executives in 1980. I landed that spot and for the next 20 years he became one of my best volunteers, board members, and advisors.

In the mid 80s Dave was insistent that Chicago had its own "Springtime in the Park." As CSAE Past President Tom Sharpe has written elsewhere in this space, there were a lot of doubters, myself included. But when we stole the idea of a holiday season event from the California SAE (thanks to Marta Hayden's suggestion), the pieces started falling into place, and Holiday Showcase was born. (Dave chose the name and also secured Lou Holtz as our first luncheon guest star.) I told Dave I'd jump in the Chicago River if we got over 1,000 executives to attend ... and I was saved from that fate by the absence of only 50 people. Today, over 1,500 execs attend, and booths have grown from 175 to maxing out the Hyatt's Riverside Exhibit Hall.

Due to all of this I dubbed Dave "Father Showcase." I mean, really, he LOOKED like Santa! And goodness knows his genius brought a lot of business "presents" and holiday cheer to our community. After two years Dave and Bill started their "Encore" party after the show - and I think 2010 will be the 20th anniversary of the party. I only wish my good friend would be with us to celebrate.

Even after his retirement, Dave remained a good friend ... he'd "hold court" at the Encore party, regaling us with great stories ... we chatted periodically ...and he even attended my Mom's memorial service to my surprise. Now that's a friend. I've said too much, but Dave was such a tremendous influence in my career, I felt compelled to get this "on the record."

Thanks, Dave. I will never forget you.

Chris Mahaffey