About Hamptons Expo Group

Hamptons Expo Group was founded (in 2005) and run by Rick Friedman, a Southampton homeowner who is forever searching for hi-quality products and reliable services. Mr. Friedman has nearly 20 years successful experience in producing expos and conferences around the world. His many large-scale events in the computer and filmmaking industries are renowned marketplaces where buyers and seller benefit.

Our Events
The Hamptons Home and Garden Show, is now a Hamptons tradition, in its 6th year. Over 5,000-6,000 local homeowners shop and return every year, eager to meet vendors and get ideas. It’s the only Home Show on the East End of Long Island. It’s average attendee’s discretionary income and home property-value is among the highest in the nation.

In July, we produce the highly successful ArtHamptons in Bridgehampton. Called the “mini-Art Basel in the Hamptons”, it features 80+ world renowned fine art galleries selling museum-level modern and contemporary art. In 2009, onsite and residual sales totaled $10 million, making it the most successful new art fair in America in 2009.



Hamptons Expo Group is quickly emerging as one of the top producers of upscale fine arts fairs in America with their 2010 additions of the SF Fine Art Fair in May and ArtAspen in August. Combined with ArtHamptons in July, these fairs provide exclusive entrance into the wealthy playgrounds of the elite art buying circles in America.


Meet The Team

Rick Friedman, President
During the 90's Mr Friedman pioneered advanced software technology through his many magazines, journals, books, expos and conferences. Founding SIGS Publications in his basement with just a thousand dollars, it grew to become one of the fastest growing businesses in the nation in the mid-late 90's, with offices in the UK, Germany, France and Australia. SIGS became a thought-leader company for some 200,000 programmers in over 100 countries. After successfully selling SIGS in 1999, Mr. Friedman turned his attention to a new emerging technology, digital video and visual effects. Soon his NY and LA based Digital Video Shows became "the" industry event and he was able to acquire in 2003, Hollywood's venerable filmmaker trade show, ShowBiz Expo (formerly owned by Variety ) Over 20,000 filmmakers and 250 sponsors - including Avid, Apple, Panavision, Panasonic, Sony, Canon and Kodak - supported his shows in NY, LA, and Chicago. Mr Friedman, is a colorful entrepreneur whose earlier diverse range of ventures includes creating the 80's syndicated TV show " Dance Fever " (original MC), producing and directing 80+ theatrical shows, musical concerts, and cabaret shows.. and also owning the USA Women's Volleyball Team in 1985. His entrepreneurial achievements led CNN to create a segment on his life

Jeff Wainhause, Vice President
Jeff has a rich and diverse 17 years experience in the trade show business, beginning his career with Rick Friedman’s SIGS Publications. Highly result-oriented with a strong customer bent, he has successfully created and managed over 40 major trade shows, conferences and expos in a wide range of industries, from software, and healthcare to fine art fairs and home shows. He has overseen the operations and internet marketing of every event created by HEG since inception, 6 years ago. Currently, Jeff will assist in running sales, operations, internet marketing and corporate technology. Few in the trade show business are able to multi-task at his level, be as resourceful and resolution driven, and think creatively and strategically across disciplines as Mr. Wainhause.

Marilyn Lew, Operations Manager
Marilyn oversees all on-site and pre-event operations for events in efforts to make exhibiting a fun, lucrative and user-friendly experience. She is a day-to- day liaison in helping exhibitors achieve their show goals and a facilitator in booth placement, design and layout while problem solving by looking for the most cost-efficient solution. - She also keeps her hands around the company’s accounts payables and receivables and is co-coordinator with our show vendors. Her 3 years experience in staging fairs and expos at HEG has focused her in quickly finding win-win solutions. . She has over 2 decades experience in the purchasing and operations of a mid-size, highly successful, family-owned manufacturing operation. Always well-grounded, respectful, enthusiastic yet realistic, Marilyn is a popular and active member of the local Hamptons community.

Margo Bishop, Sales Manager
Born and raised in Italy, Margo has resided in the Five Towns area, Conn. and Florida . She now has lived in the Hamptons since 1998. Over the years, she has personally built and renovated 8 homes, serving as the project manager. Margo worked with Suffolk County hi-end home builder Bob Reed Construction Organization for several years as well as serving as interior designer/consultant to some of their clients. With a strong understanding of what's really needed to renovate, build or decorate a multi-million dollar estate, Margo is eager to help vendors land sizable accounts in the area.