21st Century Expo Group Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence, Legacy, and Innovation in the Exhibitions and Events Industry
21st Century Expo Group (21st CEG) proudly marks its 35th anniversary today, celebrating more than three decades of leadership, craftsmanship, and impact in the exhibitions and events industry.
Founded in 1991 by Ray McFarland, 21st CEG began as a family vision grounded in excellence, integrity, and opportunity. What started as a bold entrepreneurial pursuit has grown into a nationally respected exhibit and event agency serving Fortune 500 companies, global brands, government agencies, associations, and institutions across the United States.
“For 35 years, we have built this company on relationships and trust,” said Ray McFarland, Founder of 21st Century Expo Group. “From day one, our goal was not simply to deliver services, but to create opportunities - for our clients, for our team members, and for the communities we serve. This anniversary is a reflection of the people who believed in us and grew with us.”
Today, 21st CEG proudly operates as a second-generation, family-owned and operated business. Leslie McFarland has been part of the company’s journey since its earliest days, and the next generation of leadership continues to help shape its future direction, ensuring that the company’s foundation remains strong while its vision continues to expand.
To commemorate the milestone, 21st CEG has unveiled a special 35th Anniversary logo and launched a “Year of Celebration” that will extend into 2027. The initiative will highlight milestone projects, long-standing client partnerships, team achievements, and forward-looking investments designed to position the company for its next chapter of growth.
As part of the Year of Celebration, 21st CEG will deepen its commitment to community impact through meaningful financial contributions to selected charitable organizations and organized employee volunteer initiatives. Giving back has long been embedded in the company’s culture, and this anniversary year formalizes that commitment in an intentional and visible way.
21st Century Expo Group is proud to be an African American and woman-owned company -and the only General Services Contractor in the event industry certified by both WBENC and NMSDC. Diversity, mentorship, and workforce development remain central to its
mission, supported by internships, community partnerships, and intentional leadership development efforts.
For 35 years, 21st CEG has designed and delivered custom exhibits, rental programs, portable displays, corporate events, and community activations that empower organizations to connect, learn, and grow. Powered by creativity, operational precision, and long-standing partnerships, the company continues to evolve alongside an industry that is constantly redefining experience.
Looking ahead, 21st CEG will unveil a series of strategic initiatives and leadership developments in the coming weeks and months, signaling an expanded vision for growth and innovation. These announcements will enhance the company’s creative infrastructure, executive leadership framework, and national reach.
“This is not just a celebration of where we have been,” added McFarland. “It is a statement about where we are going. The next chapter will be just as bold as the first.”
Anniversary highlights and updates will be shared throughout the year across the company’s digital platforms and industry channels.
For more information, visit www.21stceg.com.
About 21st Century Expo Group
21st Century Expo Group is a full-service exhibit and event agency specializing in custom exhibits, rental programs, portable displays, and corporate and community events. Headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the company serves clients nationwide and is known for delivering high-impact experiences grounded in strategy, craftsmanship, and collaboration.