# Derse

> Derse, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned experiential marketing agency and exhibit builder that designs, fabricates, and manages trade-show exhibits, events, and branded environments worldwide.

Company page on Leadbay: https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/company/derse.com · loaded 2026-10-30

## At a glance

- Website: https://derse.com
- Team based in: Milwaukee (Leadbay's record and 2 more)
- Registered: California (no. 2112759) (register)
- Registry: California Secretary of State 2112759
- Founded: 1948 (derse.com and 2 more)
- Industry: Events Services
- Employees: 579 (employees and founders, investors not counted; derse.com and 1 more; Sources disagree: 530 (derse.com), 600 (derse.com))
- Backed by: David Sudjian (Chief Strategic Advisor, Experiential Events)
- Seen in its site's code: HubSpot (js.hs-scripts.com), Google Tag Manager (googletagmanager.com/gtm.js), Google Analytics (googletagmanager.com/gtag/js), LinkedIn Insight (snap.licdn.com/li.lms-analytics), Microsoft 365 (MX derse-com.mail.protection.outlook.com) (read 2026-10-30)
- Phone: (414) 257-2000
- Email: info@derse.com
- Address: 3800 WEST CANAL STREET
MILWAUKEE, WI 53208

## What it sells, to whom

- Derse, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned experiential marketing agency and exhibit builder that designs, fabricates, and manages trade-show exhibits, events, and branded environments worldwide. ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [exhibitoronline.com](https://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/article.asp?ID=24009), [derse.com](https://derse.com))

## Why it stands out

- Recognized by Advertising Age as a top experiential and event marketing agency. ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [exhibitoronline.com](https://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/article.asp?ID=24009))
- Described by Derse and industry coverage as producing award-winning exhibits, events, and environments. ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [exhibitoronline.com](https://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/article.asp?ID=24009))
- Competes with: SPOON Events, Acer Exhibits & Events, Metro Exhibits, Other trade-show exhibit, event-production, and experiential-marketing agencies; Derse does not publish a formal competitor list. ([derse.com](https://derse.com), [spoonevents.com](https://spoonevents.com), [acerexhibits.com](https://acerexhibits.com))

## Products and services

- Trade-show exhibit strategy, design, fabrication, rentals, logistics, installation, dismantling, and inventory management ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [derse.com](https://derse.com/healthcare), [derse.com](https://derse.com/solutions/exhibits))
- Live events and experiential marketing programs ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [derse.com](https://derse.com/healthcare), [derse.com](https://derse.com/solutions/exhibits))
- Branded environments and permanent installations ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [derse.com](https://derse.com/healthcare), [derse.com](https://derse.com/solutions/exhibits))
- Strategic services, customer-experience design, program management, measurement, and analytics ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [derse.com](https://derse.com/healthcare), [derse.com](https://derse.com/solutions/exhibits))
- Healthcare congress and medical-event marketing, including HCP engagement, product theaters, symposiums, and hybrid/virtual experiences ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [derse.com](https://derse.com/healthcare), [derse.com](https://derse.com/solutions/exhibits))
- Derse iQ measurement and analytics platform ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [derse.com](https://derse.com/healthcare), [derse.com](https://derse.com/solutions/exhibits))

## Customers and markets

- **Customers**: Approximately 500 clients; serves small and medium-sized businesses as well as global and Fortune 500 companies., Client programs span more than 50 countries (Derse's 2024 description) and more than 60 countries (company data profile)., Publicly referenced recent client work includes Michelin, Verkada, SentinelOne, and Ainsworth Game Technology. ([derse.com](https://derse.com/about), [derse.com](https://derse.com/solutions/exhibits), [prospeo.io](https://prospeo.io/c/derse))
- **Markets**: B2B life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. ([derse.com](https://derse.com/blog/derse-breaks-ground-on-new-international-headquarters), [blachreport.de](https://www.blachreport.de/meinung/86265-derse-bettina-hemberger-und-felix-boerner-ziehen-jahresbilanz/), [derse.com](https://derse.com/blog/great-minds-lasting-partnerships-and-stronger-healthcare-convention-industry))
- **Markets**: Global enterprises requiring exhibit, event, and environment design. ([derse.com](https://derse.com/blog/derse-breaks-ground-on-new-international-headquarters), [blachreport.de](https://www.blachreport.de/meinung/86265-derse-bettina-hemberger-und-felix-boerner-ziehen-jahresbilanz/), [derse.com](https://derse.com/blog/great-minds-lasting-partnerships-and-stronger-healthcare-convention-industry))

## Team

- Brett W Haney, CEO
- James Elser, Vice President and General Manager
- Steve Mann, Division Vice President/General Manager
- Michael Libow, Chief International Officer
- Carrie Johnson, Senior Account Director
- Corinna Chan, Senior Account Director
- Lori Filloon, Vice President of Healthcare Strategy
- Shashin, Divisional Vice President
- Jamie, Operations Director
- Stacey Nelson, VP of Marketing
- Katy, Account Director
- Jon Ellms, Vice President of Client Development, Healthcare

Backed by: David Sudjian

## Latest news

- 2026-08-27 · [Derse plans major expansion in Oak Creek - WEDC](https://wedc.org/derse-plans-major-expansion-in-oak-creek/) (wedc.org)
- 2026-07-14 · [Derse to Celebrate Groundbreaking of Future Global Headquarters in Oak Creek](https://www.webull.com/news/15226022362768384) (webull.com)
- 2025-10-16 · [Derse Reasserts Leadership in Healthcare Experiences with the Addition of Industry Veteran Jon Ellms](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/derse-reasserts-leadership-in-healthcare-experiences-with-the-addition-of-industry-veteran-jon-ellms-302585546.html) (prnewswire.com)
- 2025-06-16 · [Derse Announces Plans For Major Facility Expansion in Southeast Wisconsin — Home - EDPA](https://www.edpa.com/news/2025/6/16/derse-announces-plans-for-major-facility-expansion-in-southeast-wisconsin) (edpa.com)
- 2025-06-12 · [Milwaukee manufacturer Derse moving to new Oak Creek facility](https://eu.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2025/06/12/milwaukee-manufacturer-derse-moving-to-new-oak-creek-facility/84163544007/) (eu.jsonline.com)

## Where to find more

- [This page in Markdown, for agents](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/company/derse.com.md)

## Decision makers

- [Brett W Haney](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/brett-w-haney--derse.com.md), CEO
- [James Elser](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/james-elser--derse.com.md), Vice President and General Manager
- [Steve Mann](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/steve-mann--derse.com.md), Division Vice President/General Manager
- [Michael Libow](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/michael-libow--derse.com.md), Chief International Officer
- [Carrie Johnson](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/carrie-johnson--derse.com.md), Senior Account Director
- [Corinna Chan](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/corinna-chan--derse.com.md), Senior Account Director
- [Lori Filloon](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/lori-filloon--derse.com.md), Vice President of Healthcare Strategy
- [Shashin](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/shashin--derse.com.md), Divisional Vice President
- [Jamie](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/jamie--derse.com.md), Operations Director
- [Stacey Nelson](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/stacey-nelson--derse.com.md), VP of Marketing

Work emails and direct phones come with a Leadbay account: https://wow.leadbay.ai/?register=true

Where it comes from: 30 sites read (derse.com, grupoliderse.com.br, exhibitoronline.com, prospeo.io, spoonevents.com, acerexhibits.com, prnewswire.com, biztimes.com, …).

## Best angle

2026-07-29 · Product: We are so excited to announce two key leadership hires who will strengthen the next chapter of Derse Healthcare–Caroline Johnson and Corinna Chan. 👏 Each brings decades of experience helping life sciences … (1 source)

## Best way in

- Call the main line, (414) 257-2000: The main line, in Leadbay's record, verified 2026-09-02
- Message on X: The company's own account
- Write to info@derse.com (generic): A shared mailbox, in Leadbay's record, verified 2026-10-22

## Signals: what happened

- 2026-10-06 · News: Proud to help bring this experience to life with onsemi at VISION 2026. Smarter technology deserves a smarter experience that makes it easy to see, understand, and engage with. 👏 (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_proud-to-help-bring-this-experience-to-life-activity-7513281838401130497-Ni-9))
- 2026-09-30 · News: The walls are going up in Oak Creek! 🏗️ (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_experiencesmatter-experientialmarketing-activity-7511137607167238144-PXH0))
- 2026-09-28 · News: The energy was high at 2026. Over three days at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the physical security industry came together for technical breakout sessions, an immersive attendee hub, hands-on demos, and conversations about … (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_verkadaone-liveevents-experientialmarketing-activity-7510370686813753344-wWKx))
- 2026-09-14 · News: We can't stop thinking about SentinelOne's exhibit at Black Hat 2026 in Las Vegas. 💜 (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_blackhat2026-cybersecurity-tradeshow-activity-7505279371193008128-0pS7))
- 2026-09-04 · Interviews: Episode 57: Dr. Jen Derse on D… – The Technology Evangelist Podcast (1 source: [podcasts.apple.com](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-57-dr-jen-derse-on-dental-business-strategy/id1845949845?i=1000787895550&l=vi))
- 2026-08-28 · Partnership: We're celebrating a huge milestone for our people, clients, and partners: the groundbreaking of our new headquarters and full-service facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin! The new facility will be the largest Derse … (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_experiencesmatter-newbuilding-bignews-activity-7499189718744535040-CLBj))
- 2026-08-27 · Expansion: Derse plans major expansion in Oak Creek (1 source: [wedc.org](https://wedc.org/derse-plans-major-expansion-in-oak-creek/))
- 2026-08-19 · News: Derse stepped into the future of cybersecurity at Black Hat 2026 in Las Vegas, NV. This year's business hall featured more than 400 striking exhibits by top cybersecurity companies and startups.📱👏 (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_blackhat-cybersecurity-tradeshow-activity-7495915778878197760-H1yt))
- 2026-07-29 · Product: We are so excited to announce two key leadership hires who will strengthen the next chapter of Derse Healthcare–Caroline Johnson and Corinna Chan. 👏 Each brings decades of experience helping life sciences … (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_we-are-so-excited-to-announce-two-key-leadership-activity-7488243650125131776-6Vzu))
- 2026-07-27 · News: Great conversation at EXHIBITORLIVE 2026 about what really drives results in live events: trusted relationships, strategic ROI, and experiences that create lasting impact. (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derse_great-conversation-at-exhibitorlive-2026-activity-7487542253544972288-QR26))
- 2026-07-14 · Projects: Derse to Celebrate Groundbreaking of Future Global Headquarters in Oak Creek (1 source: [webull.com](https://www.webull.com/news/15226022362768384))
- 2026-03-10 · Fundraising: The Implications of Private Equity Investment in Emergency Medicine (1 source: [doi.org](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acepjo.2026.100348))

## Working on now

- Consolidating Milwaukee and Waukegan operations into a new $48M international headquarters facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
- Strengthening leadership and operational strategy for experiential events and brand experience capabilities.
- Expanding its healthcare practice with recent senior leadership additions to support global life sciences clients.
- Growing Derse Germany as a production agency to bridge transatlantic market needs for US and European clients.

From: [David Sudjian Joins Derse for Brand Experience Growth](https://derse.com/blog/david-sudjian-joins-derse-leadership), [Derse Breaks Ground on New International Headquarters in Oak Creek, Wisconsin](https://derse.com/blog/derse-breaks-ground-on-new-international-headquarters), [Jon Ellms Reflects on HCEA GST26 and What’s Ahead](https://derse.com/blog/great-minds-lasting-partnerships-and-stronger-healthcare-convention-industry), [Derse Strengthens Healthcare Practice with Key Leadership Additions](https://derse.com/blog/derse-strengthens-healthcare-practice-key-leadership-additions)

## Summary

Derse, Inc. is a family-owned experiential marketing agency that specializes in designing, building, and managing trade show exhibits, corporate events, and branded environments [1][2][3]. It serves a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and challenger brands across sectors like life sciences, technology, and manufacturing [4][5][3]. Founded in 1948 by James F. Derse, the company is now led by CEO Brett Haney and remains privately held, intentionally avoiding outside investors [1][2][6]. Derse operates as a full-service provider with approximately 600 employees across multiple U.S. and European locations [2][5][3]. As of August 2026, the company is constructing a new 300,000-square-foot international headquarters in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a $48 million project expected to be completed in late 2027 [2][7]. While Derse does not publicly list its competitors by name, it frequently distinguishes itself from industry peers that rely on private equity ownership [2][6].

[1]: https://derse.com/about "About Derse: Our Story & Brand Evolution"
[2]: https://derse.com/blog/derse-breaks-ground-on-new-international-headquarters "Derse Breaks Ground on New International Headquarters in Oak Creek, Wisconsin"
[3]: https://www.exhibitoronline.com/findit/listing.asp?ID=27 "Derse - Find It Marketplace"
[4]: https://derse.com/ "Derse Experiential Marketing: Exhibits, Events, Environments"
[5]: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/derse-reasserts-leadership-in-healthcare-experiences-with-the-addition-of-industry-veteran-jon-ellms-302585546.html "Derse Reasserts Leadership in Healthcare Experiences with the Addition of Industry Veteran Jon Ellms"
[6]: https://derse.com/blog/derse-announces-plans-major-facility-expansion-southeast-wisconsin "Derse Announces Facility Expansion Due to Growth and Success"
[7]: https://biztimes.com/5-minutes-with-derses-brett-haney/ "5 Minutes With: Derse CEO Brett Haney"
[8]: https://derse.com/75-years-of-experiences-that-matter "75 Years of Experiences That Matter"

## Sources

- [Derse, Inc.'s website](https://derse.com)
- [David Sudjian Joins Derse for Brand Experience Growth](https://derse.com/blog/david-sudjian-joins-derse-leadership)
- [Jon Ellms Reflects on HCEA GST26 and What’s Ahead](https://derse.com/blog/great-minds-lasting-partnerships-and-stronger-healthcare-convention-industry)
- [Derse Strengthens Healthcare Practice with Key Leadership Additions](https://derse.com/blog/derse-strengthens-healthcare-practice-key-leadership-additions)