Mr Stephen R. Pitt

Stephen R. Pitt was the greatest automotive showman in the world and
worked for the National Automobile Dealers Asssociation for nearly a
half a century rising to Senior Vice President of NADA’s Conventions
and Expositions Group. His professional visions and leadership doubled
NADA membership and grew the NADA Show — the largest event in the U.S.
auto industry. NADA CEO Mike Stanton in a statement noted that the
NADA Show “grew exponentially” under Pitt’s direction, expanding from
about 10,000 attendees and 140,000 square feet of exhibit space to
more than 20,000 attendees and 700,000-plus square feet of space.

Stephen’s businuss acumen, planning, production, and execution of the
annual Automotive Convention reshaped cities, contributed to American
culture, the automotive industry and economies across the United
States. During that time he worked with automotive giants, industry
leaders from around the globe, and many local city governments. He
collaborated with Presidents, CEOs, generals, true American heros,
famous musicians, hilarious comedians as well as major influencers and
many unique individuals from all walks of life.

Stephen served three tours in the United States Air Force including
two tours in Vietnam, one tour on a nuclear base in Maine and he
served his country with honor. After Vietnam he then worked in the
hotel industry for ITT Sheraton’s national sales office in Washington,
D.C. . While working there in 1974 he received three job pitchs from
NADA, accepting the last offer and the rest is history he wrote into
the history books.

A world traveler Stephen saw many countries, cultures and things that
most of us will never get to see and experience. His travels around
the globe were more than most people could ever hope to experience in
many lifetimes. He was blessed with business success and a diverse
life experience.

Stephen passed away on August 13th 2022 of complications from a major
stroke and COVID-19. He is survived by his two sons Jason, Todd and
his grandchildren Thomas, William, Imogen, Ashland and Lucian. Stephen
had a great love for siamese cats, raquetball, amazing art and New
Orleans jazz.

After he passed away his peers and friends wrote publicly of him on
social media:
“Steve was a great guy. Friendly and knowledgeable. He will be missed.”
“A One in a Million guy…Hell of a raquetball player too!”
“God has plans for him to run the next big show in heaven.”