Urban Expositions, Marketplace Events Both Acquire New Show Groups
September 10, 2015
Trade show mergers and acquisitions are in full swing, with two big organizers – Urban Expositions (recently bought by Clarion Events) and Marketplace Events – scooping up more shows for their rapidly expanding portfolios.
Hot on the heels of the first acquisition, Womens Wear in Nevada, under the Clarion ownership, Urban Expositions also bought Hamptons Expo Group.
The New York-based show group founded and produces ArtAspen, ArtHamptons, Houston Fine Art Fair and Palm Springs Fine Art Fair.
Rick Friedman, former owner and president of Hamptons Expo Group, will continue his involvement in a consulting capacity.
Rich Ferrante, Hamptons Expo Group's sales director will continue to focus on gallery outreach for ArtAspen, ArtHamptons, Houston Fine Art Fair, and Palm Springs Fine Art Fair.
In 2013, Urban Expositions acquired SOFA CHICAGO, Chicago's longest continuously running gallery presented art fair.
The Hamptons Expo Group's art fairs feature galleries and dealers from around the world exhibiting modern and contemporary art in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture and mixed-media.
“This new acquisition takes the number of shows under Urban's control to 40, and we are actively seeking more opportunities,” said Doug Miller, CEO of Urban.
He added, “We are excited to further expand our art and design portfolio, which has been our goal since the acquisition of SOFA in 2013. The Hamptons Expo Group fairs are in desirable cities that are important to the galleries and the art community, and we believe we can leverage our activity across the fairs to deliver dynamic and high-quality events."
The Hamptons Expo Group will assist Urban Expositions with the production of the upcoming Houston Fine Art Fair, and Urban Expositions will take over ownership and management at the close of the 2015 event.
The Houston Fine Art Fair takes place at the NRG Center in Houston, Sept. 9-12.
"We have long believed companies that are looking to sell their businesses either in part or whole, want to transact with a buyer who either has the same ethos as them and/or can provide a recognizable growth opportunity," added Simon Kimble, chairman of Clarion Events.
He said, "We clearly would like to continue this approach and look forward to making more acquisitions with Urban in the USA."
Marketplace Events, the largest home show producer in the U.S., purchased two consumer home shows held annually in Winnipeg, MB, from the Manitoba Home Builders' Association (MHBA), a nonprofit trade association with more than 300 members.
Marketplace Events acquired the Kitchen, Bath & Renovation Show held annually in January and the Home Expressions Home and Garden Show held every March, both at the RBC Convention Centre.
"We've been nothing but impressed with the potential of the home show business in Winnipeg and with the leadership of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association," said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. "Based on the strong consumer show history of the Winnipeg market and the dramatic expansion of the RBC Convention Centre, our expectations of growth in Manitoba are significant.”
He added, "We think this is a smart acquisition, both short and long term."
Jan Currier, who managed the events for the MHBA, will continue to manage the shows alongside the Marketplace Events team out of Vancouver, BC.
"The Manitoba Home Builders' Association has been proud to be able to present Home Expressions for 40 years and KBR for 12 years to interested Manitoba consumers," said Mike Moore, president of the MHBA. "We are confident of continued excellence from MarketplaceEvents and look forward to the growth and improvement of both shows in the coming years."
The Winnipeg purchase is the first acquisition of the year for the company that in 2014 added seven home shows to their portfolio, acquiring a show in Edmonton, AB, and two in Raleigh, N.C., while also launching two shows in Ottawa, ON, and one each in Edmonton, AB, and New Orleans.
The acquisition expands the company's footprint in Canada to 13 annual shows in six markets in addition to their 29 U.S. shows.
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