This Just In
NEW YORK CITY — Apollo Global Management, Inc., announced that Apollo-managed funds have entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald and Questex. Apollo plans to combine the businesses to create a North American B2B experiential events and media platform, in an all-cash transaction. Together, the organizations have approximately 160 events across complementary end markets. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half […]
AUSTIN — Not long after being recognized for its high growth at the 2026 Trade Show Executive Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, the Texas Restaurant Association’s Texas Restaurant Show will integrate the Texas Bar & Nightclub Convention starting with its 2026 edition, which is set for July 12-13 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio. According to Tony Abruscato, the Texas Restaurant Association’s Chief Marketing Officer, this move positions the event as the most comprehensive hospitality trade show in the Southwest. “We saw a […]
FAIRFAX, Va. — AVIXA acquired the Lightapalooza residential lighting conference and trade show from the Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA). The show’s next edition will be co-located with InfoComm 2027 in Orlando, an event which AVIXA bills as “The World’s Most Vital Pro AV Show.” Lightapalooza launched in 2022 and is a conference and trade show that centers on residential illumination, energy control and natural light optimization, bringing together custom electronics integrators, lighting manufacturers, lighting designers, […]
NEW YORK CITY — Events Venture Group (EVG) announced an investment in The Nest Campus, a growing climate and resilience platform. EVG co-invested alongside SilverCircle. The Nest Campus operates across a multi-vertical resilience landscape — including energy, industrial transformation and infrastructure, AI, finance, food and water, and natural capital — and has positioned itself at the center of a rapidly evolving and fragmented ecosystem. With more than 8,000 attendees and early […]
LONDON — Easyfairs acquired the Paris-based Food Hotel Tech and Tech for Retail events, positioning the events for growth and international reach while strengthening Easyfairs’ tech portfolio. “The team behind these two fantastic shows is clearly at the heart of their communities, something that is so important for us at Easyfairs. We are delighted that the brilliant people behind both Food Hotel Tech and Tech for Retail […]
CHICAGO — Smithbucklin acquired McKinley Advisors, an award-winning association consultancy. McKinley Advisors will retain its name, brand, current leadership team, staff and proven methodologies while leveraging new opportunities to collaborate across the Smithbucklin enterprise. According to Matt Sanderson, President and CEO of Smithbucklin, this combination of businesses, supported by Smithbucklin’s event-focused agency 360 Live Media, creates a unique solution in the marketplace to drive association growth, innovation and mission impact. “The acquisition creates […]
DALLAS — The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)® entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Exhibitor Group. Exhibitor Group publishes EXHIBITOR Magazine and produces EXHIBITORLIVE, an exhibition for trade show and corporate event professionals. “This acquisition represents a deliberate evolution for IAEE and a reflection of where our industry is headed,” Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO of IAEE, said. “For too long, organizers and exhibitors […]
LONDON — The Events Venture Group (EVG) is starting 2026 off hot with its fifth syndication announcement in the group’s history. EVG announced a strategic investment in The Longevity Show™, which will host its inaugural edition June 26-27 in London later this year. Founded by Phil Newman, Founder of Longevity.Technology®, and Carolyn Dawson, OBE, CEO of Founders Forum Group and former Informa Tech President, The […]
NEW YORK — One Rock Capital Partners, LLC, acquired a majority stake in American Furniture Rentals, Inc. (AFR), positioning it for accelerated growth and continued success. AFR, which was established in 1975 and headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey, provides furniture rental solutions for trade shows and special events, as well as for residential, home staging […]
PORTLAND, Maine — Diversified announced the acquisition of Marine Money, which is a leading brand for ship finance events and publications, from International Marketing Strategies, Inc. Founded in 1987, Marine Money organizes events across the globe, such as London Ship Finance Forum, Marine Money Hamburg and Gulf Ship Finance Forum, and produces newsletters, research and industry reports. Diversified will retain Marine Money’s team, including Owners Matt McCleery and Mike McCleery. This […]
