From our beginnings as a sail maker serving the shipping trade of Michigan's Great Lakes and providing decorations for the first auto shows, through nearly ten decades of serving clients with breakthrough ideas in events from world's fairs to conferences of world leaders, we have continuously adapted, evolved and innovated to meet the demands of the marketplace.
Today, we create nearly 5,000 events annually all over the world. This legacy of excellence is an ever-present call-to-action for GPJ as we advance our clients' vision and business objectives.
Today, GPJ creates nearly 14 events everyday worldwide through more than 1,000 employees in 25 offices.
Today, we create nearly 5,000 events annually all over the world. This legacy of excellence is an ever-present call-to-action for GPJ as we advance our clients' vision and business objectives.
1910s
While working for the family-owned Johnson Sail and Awning Company, entrepreneur George P. Johnson decorates and designs his first ever Detroit Auto Show, giving birth to auto-show-as-marketing-theatre.
1914
George P. Johnson is officially established as a stand-alone flag and decoration company.
1918
George P. Johnson's flag business flourishes as demand for American flags skyrockets at the conclusion of WWI. GPJ creates world's largest flag in 1923 (and again in 1949).
1920s-1940s
GPJ's prominence as an event producer grows with a major role in the design of Detroit-area celebrations receiving national attention while the burgeoning automobile industry turns to the agency for live marketing services.
1950s
GPJ evolves into the premier provider of live marketing services for automobile manufacturers, pioneering the use of new technology and materials such as rear projection lighting, animation and Plexiglas into increasingly stylistic auto show displays.
1960s
The GPJ-produced National Auto Show moves from New York to Detroit at GPJ's suggestion and hosts U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower as the keynote speaker.
1970s
George P. Johnson sets the stage for the growth of experiential marketing with the introduction of innovative concepts such as automotive racing games, audience participation, illusionists and robotics.
1980s
George P. Johnson expands, creating and managing a variety of events for an international client roster across a diverse range of industries.
1990s
GPJ builds out its international footprint, creates the industry's first Program Strategy practice and becomes IBM's event marketing Agency of Record with a groundbreaking consolidation program.
2000s
GPJ expands into entertainment sponsorship marketing, winning Billboard's inaugural Concert Promotion and Marketing Award.Today, GPJ creates nearly 14 events everyday worldwide through more than 1,000 employees in 25 offices.
