As Q4 comes to a close, a leading event organizer, an industry collaborative, and a supplier are finishing up 2024 with much to celebrate as they announce strategic acquisitions and growth-fueled investments.     

CompuSystems Agrees to Acquire EventsPass  

Event registration, lead retrieval, and data analytics provider CompuSystems has agreed to acquire EventsPass, a SaaS platform that offers advanced ticketing and registration solutions for B2C and B2B events. Announced on December 11, the acquisition strengthens CompuSystems’s portfolio, further positioning the company as a one-stop provider for event technology solutions with a flexible and scalable ticketing platform, according to company officials.    

“With EventsPass’s expertise in ticketing, we’re broadening our capabilities to provide even greater value to event organizers,” said CompuSystems CEO Mark LoGiurato. “Together, we’ll deliver a seamless event lifecycle solution, from registration and ticketing to lead retrieval and post-event analytics.”    

Adam Blakney, CEO of EventsPass, expressed his excitement with the agreement.  

“[This acquisition] signifies a new chapter in delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance event experiences and drive client success,” Blakney said. “With this transition, we can expand our offerings, improve efficiencies, and create even greater value. I’m proud of what our team has built and excited for the opportunities ahead to exceed expectations and continue driving innovation in the event industry.”    

The deal also enables CompuSystems to serve industries and event types that have traditionally been outside its core focus, such as festivals, consumer events, and ticketed public events, thanks to EventPass’s extensive presence in these event segments.    

“Having worked closely with both CompuSystems and EventsPass over the years, we are thrilled about the synergy this acquisition brings to our portfolio of events,” said Terri Kennedy, vice president of registration and customer service for South Florida Ventures/Informa Markets. “It’s an exciting opportunity to combine the strengths of both companies to help deliver even better event experiences to our customers in both B2B and B2C events.”    

Events Venture Group Announces Debut Investment in Quantum World Congress  

Events Venture Group (EVG), a recently formed consortium of founders, entrepreneurs, event operators, and industry thought leaders dedicated to shaping the future of the events industry, has made its first investment: Quantum World Congress (QWC), a leading global conference, trade show, and network series for quantum technology leaders, innovators, and visionaries across the defense, aerospace, life sciences, and cybersecurity sectors. Held annually in the Greater Washington, DC area, the next event will take place Sept. 16-18, 2025, at Capital One Hall.  

 “Our goal is to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and the evolution of future events, [and QWC] truly embodies our mission,” said EVG member Doug Emslie, chairman of Cuil Bay Capital and Raccoon Media Group. “QWC has rapidly established itself as a leader in its space, thanks to its founders, who bring a strong background in consultancy and technology. They’ve done an incredible job creating a top-tier event in such a short time. Recognizing the need for additional financial resources and event industry expertise to scale further, they partnered with EVG.”  

Along with supplying funding, mentorship, and collaborative support, EVG is leveraging its extensive industry relationships and expertise to drive QWC’s growth, he continued.  

“We’re supporting their sales and marketing efforts by introducing key industry personnel and establishing an advisory board,” Emslie explained. “Additionally, we’re facilitating their shift toward greater commercialization by expanding industry relations, enhancing content, and supporting the growth of the show floor to accommodate emerging solutions and products.” 

Stu Solomon, president and CEO of Connected DMV, who heads up QWC, expressed great enthusiasm for the EVG partnership.  

“Working with EVG has already been transformative for QWC, providing us with both capital, invaluable insights, and a powerful network to drive innovation,” he said.    

Diversified Communications Acquires Midwest Solar Expo    

Leading international B2B media company Diversified Communications recently expanded its Clean Energy portfolio of U.S.-based conferences and trade shows with the acquisition of Midwest Solar Expo (MWSE), an annual solar energy industry conference and trade show that unites manufacturers, developers, installers, and policymakers in the solar sector.    

“The addition of Midwest Solar Expo to our Clean Energy portfolio further strengthens our commitment as a company to the renewable energy sector,” said Oakley Dyer, corporate vice president, strategy and corporate development at Diversified Communications. “This acquisition was a perfect fit, both strategically and culturally. We are always looking for acquisitions that align not only with the industries that we serve but also our values as a business.”    

Announced on November 15, MWSE’s acquisition places it in a growing portfolio of events, conferences, and digital networks that include Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA); Energy Storage North America; Smart Energy Decisions; Net Zero Forum; Renewable Energy Forum, and Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Texas. In addition to its media portfolio, Diversified Communications owns and operates a 1.5-megawatt solar farm in Brunswick, Maine.  

“Midwest Solar Expo was founded to illuminate the future of the renewable energy market in the Midwest and now becomes our second regional expansion following Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Texas, which [launched] Nov. 19-20, 2024, in Austin,” explained Wes Doane, vice president, Clean Energy at Diversified Communications. “MWSE’s platform has focused on the intersection of policy, finance, technology, and business model innovation in the Midwest, and its growing exhibition targets the region’s specific challenges, offering professionals the tools they need to successfully navigate this ever-changing market.”   

Lead image: IESNA 2024, courtesy of Diversified Communications.

Have a trade show-related new business deal to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

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