Emerald Expositions Buys HOW Design Events from F+W Media
October 14, 2015
Emerald Expositions has acquired HOW Design Live and the HOW Interactive Design Conference series (“HOW Design Events”) from F+W Media, Inc., a Content and e-Commerce company, for an undisclosed sum.
HOW Design Live is the largest graphic design conference and expo in the nation, combining five separate conferences into a single event focused on creativity, business and inspiration for designers.
F+W’s retained HOW Media Brands, including HOW Magazine, Print Magazine and HOW University, will continue to work closely with Emerald’s HOW Design Events.
“Our strategy of supplementing organic growth with tuck-in acquisitions of industry leading, high-quality businesses makes the decision to add HOW Design Events to the Emerald portfolio a natural one,” said David Loechner, Emerald’s CEO.
He added, “HOW is an institution in the graphic design industry and Emerald looks forward to continuing to deliver highly inspirational and educational events to this growing professional community.”
Gary Lynch, former vice president/community leader for the HOW Media Brands, now has been named vice president of Emerald Expositions.
“I expect Emerald’s acquisition of the HOW Design Events to benefit the graphic design market enormously,” Lynch said.
He added, “Each organization’s expertise and talent is perfectly suited for the product lines they will own and operate. The transition of HOW Design Events from F+W will be seamless and we are intent on delivering even more value to our customers as part of the Emerald organization.”
F+W’s Interim CEO, Jim Ogle, noted that for more than 20 years, F+W has been dedicated to providing its customers with the very best conferences for designers.
“We are confident the Emerald Expositions team will take these events to the next level, providing a best-in-class experience for attendees, partners, speakers, and exhibitors while staying true to the HOW brand promise,” he added.
Corporate Solutions of Westport, Conn., was the exclusive advisor to F+W in arranging, structuring and negotiating this transaction. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
F+W sold another piece of its portfolio recently, World Tea Media, which included World Tea Expo, to Penton Media.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment