What Edlen does

Edlen (legal entity: Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services) is a Las Vegas-based, family-owned temporary utility contractor founded in 1975 that has grown into the largest independent provider in the U.S. trade show, convention, and special event industry. The company delivers custom-designed, UL-approved power distribution systems, lighting rentals, compressed air, water, and drain services to over 5,000 events annually across 25+ branch offices in 12 states, with exclusive or preferred status at 66 venues including 34 convention centers, 20 stadiums and arenas, hotels, and special event facilities. A proprietary web-based Event Management Program (EMP) at ordering.edlen.com handles exhibitor ordering, floor plan submission, and electronic communication, reducing paper-based processing across the network.

Edlen monetizes through a transaction-based pricing model that charges per outlet/service for each event, with two pricing tiers: standard rates for advance orders placed 21–30 days before an event and premium rates (25–50% higher) for show-site and late orders. Revenue is supplemented by venue consulting (in-house utility reviews, remodeling planning, efficiency assessments) and utility management services (administrative management of on-site utility operations and enhanced labor staffing). Its customer base is dual-sided: (i) venue partners (convention centers, stadiums, hotels) that grant exclusive or preferred contractor status and refer exhibitor business; and (ii) exhibitors, show managers, and corporate event clients (including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and IBM) who purchase utility services directly through branch offices or the online portal.

The company is led by CEO James E. Wetterling, who has overseen operations since 1994 and grown the company from three to 25+ offices; his son Zach Wetterling serves as Executive Vice President, with President Jim Ness (40+ years industry experience) and COO Thomas Ballantine rounding out the executive team. Edlen is privately held with no external investors, parent company, or public listing indicated in the source material.

Name

Edlen

Legal name

Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services

Website

https://edlen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Edlen is the largest independent U.S. temporary utility contractor for the trade show, convention, and special event industry, providing power distribution, lighting, air, water, and drain services to 5,000+ events annually across 25+ offices in 12 states, with exclusive or preferred status at 66 venues.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Vegas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices18 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Temporary Utility Services: Edlen generates revenue through providing temporary electrical, plumbing, and utility services to trade shows, conventions, corporate events, concerts, and special events. Services include power outlets (120V, 208V, 480V), lighting rentals, compressed air, water, and drain services. Pricing is typically quoted per outlet/service with advance order discounts (21-30 days prior to event) and standard rates; late orders can cost 25-50% more.
2. Venue Consulting Services: Edlen provides consulting services to venues for in-house utility review, remodeling/new construction planning, and operational efficiency assessments. This helps venues optimize their utility service departments and increase profitability.
3. Utility Management Services: Administrative management of daily on-site planning, pricing, delivery and removal of temporary utility services. Includes enhanced labor services where Edlen provides trained electricians to supplement venue staff during large or technically challenging events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Edlen provides temporary utility infrastructure services to the trade show, convention, and special event industry. Its core offering is custom-designed, UL-approved electrical power distribution for exhibitor booths, complemented by lighting rental, compressed air, water, and drain services, supported by a proprietary web-based Event Management Program (EMP) and energy-efficient equipment. The company also offers venue consulting and full utility management services to convention centers, hotels, stadiums, and arenas.

Product overview

Edlen offers a unified suite of temporary utility services for the events industry, centered on its core electrical power distribution capability. The company's main offering is its custom-designed, UL-approved power distribution system, complemented by add-on services including lighting rental, air/water/drain utilities, venue consulting, and utility management. All services are supported by Edlen's proprietary online Event Management Program (EMP) for order processing. The company operates exclusively in the B2B events sector, serving trade shows, conventions, corporate events, concerts, sporting events, and special events across 66+ venues nationwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Temporary Electrical Power Distribution Edlen's primary service providing custom-designed, UL-approved power distribution systems for trade shows, conventions, and special events. Services include 120V and 208V outlets, 24-hour power options, and dedicated circuits for exhibitor booths. Sold to venues, event organizers, contractors, and exhibitors nationwide.
• Lighting Rental and Installation Rental and installation of various lighting types including arm lights, track lights, flood lights, and par can/quartz lights for exhibitor booths and event spaces. Power is included in the cost of rental lights. Available to exhibitors at trade shows and conventions.
• Air, Water, and Drain Services Compressed air lines, water hookups, and drain lines delivered to exhibitor booth spaces. Services include daily water fills and pump-assisted drainage where floor drains are not available. Available to exhibitors at trade shows and conventions.
• Venue Consulting Services Expert consulting services for venues to assess efficiency, performance, and profitability of electrical service departments. Includes in-house utility reviews and guidance for remodeling or new construction projects. Sold to convention centers, hotels, stadiums, and arenas.
• Utility Management Services Administrative management services for venues including planning, pricing, delivery, and removal of temporary utility services. Also includes enhanced labor resources to supplement venue staff on large events. Sold to convention centers, hotels, stadiums, and arenas.

Quantifiable outcome

• Edlen has grown from 3 to over 25 offices in 12 states since 1994
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Georgia World Congress CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Edlen became the exclusive temporary utility provider at the Georgia World Congress Center in 2021. This is Edlen's largest exclusive contract to date, requiring the transition and opening of a new branch office.
• Los Angeles Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Edlen became the preferred electrical and plumbing contractor for the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2013. The transition involved significant coordination and is a key West Coast presence for the company.
• Fort Mason CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Edlen has been the exclusive vendor for power management at Fort Mason Center since 2008. The partnership has been reliable with friendly approach and consistent commitment to client satisfaction.
• Mandalay Bay Convention CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1975Edlen has been the exclusive vendor for power distribution at Mandalay Bay since 2008, consistently demonstrating unwavering commitment and delivering high-quality service. This is one of Edlen's largest and most prominent venue partnerships.
• Lumen FieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen has been a trusted partner at Lumen Field since the building opened nearly twenty years ago. Both their professionalism and commitment to the success of the business has made them a valued part of the team.
• Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA 29-year business partnership with Mark Gatley, General Manager, describing the relationship as exceptional and profitable. One of Edlen's longest-standing venue partnerships.
• Cobb Galleria CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen contracted to review utility services practices and provide recommendations. Implemented suggestions resulted in improved customer satisfaction, reduced labor effort, and increased bottom line.
• San Francisco Piers 27 & 35minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen has been instrumental in the success of dozens of events at these unique venues, including large corporate conferences, product launches, non-profit galas, and weddings. Described as key element in success.
• Fontainebleau Miami BeachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn 11-year partnership with the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Edlen's team is described as professional, responsive and customer-service focused, managing events including the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and NYE concerts.
• America's Center (St. Louis)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen has been the exclusive vendor for power distribution at America's Center and The Dome at America's Center, successfully supporting major events including CONEXPO-CON/AGG, IPPE, IWF, Super Computing, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
• Seattle Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen manages exclusive contracts with the Seattle Convention Center and Lumen Field. The northwest region is overseen by VP Mark Galstaun and represents a significant market presence.
• Portland Expo CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen established an exclusive contract with the Portland Expo Center. When Edlen became the exclusive electrical provider for the Oregon Convention Center in 2022, Julia Inman transitioned to open the new branch.
• Oregon Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen became the exclusive electrical provider for the Oregon Convention Center in May 2022, opening a new branch to serve the facility. Matthew Uchtman serves as Director of Facilities & Operations contact.
• Huntington Convention Center of ClevelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen has been at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland since it opened in 2013. The venue is an exclusive contract managed by Steve Mariakis as General Manager.
• Tampa Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen serves as exclusive utility provider at the Tampa Convention Center. Michele Cardello serves as General Manager overseeing events such as Global SOF Week, MRAA Dealer Week, and IBEX.
• Baltimore Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen opened its Baltimore office in 2010 and serves as exclusive provider at the Baltimore Convention Center. Diane DeBarros serves as General Manager handling major events including Natural Products Expo East and NASCC.
• Birmingham-Jefferson Convention ComplexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen established a branch at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama in 2021. Jennifer Maloney serves as General Manager. The venue is managed by Tad Snider, GM.
• Fort Worth Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen opened a Fort Worth branch in 2018 to serve the Fort Worth Convention Center. Brian Fischer serves as General Manager overseeing operations at the FWCC, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, and Will Rogers Memorial Center.
• San Diego Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen is a preferred contractor at the San Diego Convention Center. Jaleh Browder serves as General Manager supporting day-to-day operations. The center hosts major events including IPC/APEX.
• Moscone CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdlen provides services at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The venue is an open-status contractor location, not exclusive.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Smart City Networks: Smart City Networks provides telecommunications, internet, and technology services to convention centers and event venues nationwide. Highly comparable to Edlen as a specialty utility/connectivity service provider contracted exclusively with convention centers, though focused on connectivity rather than power distribution.
• Sparks Exhibits: Sparks is an experiential marketing and exhibit design agency providing trade show exhibits, corporate events, and brand experiences. Direct peer in event services; notably, Edlen San Diego GM Jaleh Browder previously worked at Sparks, evidencing overlap in venue and customer base.
• Fern Exposition Services: Fern Exposition Services is a major trade show and event services company offering event planning, exhibit logistics, and on-site operations. Comparable to Edlen as a trade show services contractor serving convention centers, exhibitors, and corporate event organizers.
• Encore Global: Encore Global (formerly PSAV) is the leading provider of event technology, production services, and venue solutions for hotels, convention centers, and event venues. Comparable to Edlen as a B2B event services provider with deep venue partnerships across major US convention markets.
• Hargrove: Hargrove is a leading event production and design company producing trade shows, corporate events, and experiential activations. Comparable to Edlen as a B2B event services provider serving major conventions and corporate events, though focused on production/design rather than utility infrastructure.
• GES (Global Experience Specialists): GES is one of the largest exhibition and event services companies globally, providing design, construction, installation, and dismantling of exhibits at trade shows. Directly comparable to Edlen as a B2B trade show services provider serving exhibitors and show organizers across major convention venues.
• Shepard Exposition Services: Shepard is a leading exposition services company providing event planning, logistics, and on-site services for trade shows, conventions, and corporate events. Direct peer as a trade show services contractor with a comparable customer base of exhibitors, organizers, and convention venues.

Broad incumbents

• Freeman: Freeman is the largest general service contractor for trade shows, conventions, and corporate events, offering exhibit design, logistics, audio-visual, and event technology. Direct peer in trade show services with broader portfolio than Edlen; notably, Freeman acquired Design Expositions (founded by Edlen President Jim Ness) in 1992.
• PRG (Production Resource Group): PRG is a global leader in event production services providing audio, video, lighting, and staging for concerts, theater, and corporate events. Comparable to Edlen as an event services provider with focus on power/lighting, though at larger scale and broader entertainment verticals.

Emerging players

• Convention Data Services (CDS): CDS provides registration, badge production, and data management services for trade shows and conventions. Adjacent peer to Edlen's EMP platform offering complementary event technology services; notably, Edlen SVP Diane Brule previously served as Director of Event Services at CDS.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EdlenElectrical
• Facebookfacebook.com/EdlenElectrical

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Edlen