JD Events Buys Audio Expo North America
October 8, 2013
With four trade shows already in its portfolio, Trumbull, Conn.-based JD Events added another feather in its cap, purchasing Audio Expo North America (AXPONA).
AXPONA is a high-end audio and music technology event that was launched five years ago.
The most recent AXPONA show was sold out at Chicago’s Doubletree by Hilton O'Hare in March, attracting manufacturers, retailers, and consumers with a dedicated focus on high-end playback equipment, products and supporting media, according to show organizers.
“It is a great day for high-end audio and music technology, now and in the future, as it pertains to visibility and professionally-produced events,” said Steve Davis of AXPONA.
He added, “When we founded AXPONA five years ago, our goal was to produce a show the caliber of the event in Munich, now considered the world standard. This acquisition provides AXPONA with the personnel and experience necessary to achieve this goal."
As part of the JD Events portfolio, AXPONA joins four existing shows, including Content and Communications World, SATCON, Customer Engagement Technology World and Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Steve Davis to help him achieve his long-term vision for AXPONA,” said Joel Davis, founder and CEO of JD Events. “Steve has done a remarkable job of creating a first-class forum for the manufacturers of high-end audio equipment to meet thousands of passionate consumers and audiophiles in a professional, high-energy environment.”
He added, “We look forward to bringing the event expertise and resources of JD Events together with Steve’s industry knowledge, customer relationships and creativity to establish AXPONA as the premier audio event in the U.S.”
Joel Davis said, for now, no changes would be made to the show, since Steve Davis recently implemented several in an effort to attract a younger audience.
Some of those enhancements include a "dealer day" event to attract more trade to the show and business-to-business networking, as well as a new pavilion - Ear Gear Expo - to focus on the fast-growing market of ear buds, head phones and other personal listening device technology.
With Joel Davis' 8-year background running consumer events for Reed Exhibitions, AXPONA was a natural fit.
"I’ve been seeking opportunities within the music industry, and I believe that well-niched consumer events have a bright future … especially those with a broad and passionate enthusiast following," Joel Davis said. "And who isn’t interested in music?
Overall, the show fits into company's business model, he added.
"The JDE business model is based on finding unique early stage business opportunities with significant upside growth potential, and AXPONA fit that criteria beautifully for us," Joel Davis said.
AXPONA previously held shows in New York City, Atlanta and Jacksonville, Fla., and next year's show is on tap April 25-27 at the Westin O'Hare - Chicago.
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.
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