Tarsus Group Scores Second Acquisition in a Week with U.K.-based Smarter Shows

December 4, 2019

U.K.-based Tarsus Group, a global B2B media company, has acquired Smarter Shows, a U.K.-based exhibition and conference organizer.

The acquisition enables Tarsus to strengthen its position in the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industry sectors while increasing its coverage of the related industry supply chains and opening up access to new verticals.

“Over the years, I have observed and admired what James [Reader] and the Smarter Shows team have achieved,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group CEO.

He added, “I’m pleased to be working with them to develop and expand the business going forward. This acquisition is a perfect fit with our strategy of combining organic growth, replications and strategic acquisitions to achieve our ambitious growth targets. I’m delighted to welcome the Smarter Shows team to Tarsus Group and look forward to an exciting future ahead.”

Founded in 2010, Smarter Shows has built a highly focused portfolio of B2B supply chain exhibitions and technical conferences held in North America and Germany, with a particular focus on the aerospace, automotive and materials industries.

Events in the Smarter Shows portfolio include FOAM Expo, Space Tech Expo, Ceramics Expo and other niche events.

“We’re delighted to announce the next phase of Smarter Shows’ development as part of Tarsus Group,” said Smarter Shows’ Co-founder and CEO James Reader.

He added, “We are proud of the reputation that we have built for delivering value to our customers along with our strong market knowledge and relationships; this deal represents a fantastic opportunity to further develop our events and international market presence, especially in China and the Middle East where Tarsus has very successful and established operations.”

James Reader will take up the role of non-executive chairman at Smarter Shows post acquisition, while joint Managing Directors Emma Stokes and Mindy Emsley will continue to run day-to-day operations from their offices in Brighton, England.

This is the second acquisition that Tarsus Group has made this week, with the first being New York City-based BizBash, a media and live events company that is part of Tarsus Connect.

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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.