Clarion Events, AC Business Media Both Make Strategic Acquisitions
August 1, 2017
U.K.- based Clarion Events, which was just acquired by Blackstone, and AC Business Media both recently made strategic acquisitions to add to their growing portfolios.
Clarion, the parent company of iGB Affiliate, acquired the Affiliate Summit Corporation, which includes the Affiliate Summit tradeshow and conference series, FeedFront Magazine, GeekCast.fm, ReveNews.com, and the annual AffStat industry benchmark reports.
Affiliate Summit Co-Founders, Missy Ward and Shawn Collins will continue running Affiliate Summit in the capacity of Co-CEOs.
"Clarion is widely regarded as a leading event organizer, and we will be harnessing their expertise in order to expand internationally and bring our events to the next level,” Collins said.
He added, “Becoming part of Clarion will add value to our current brands and provide an opportunity to take new products to emerging markets. Bringing Affiliate Summit and iGaming Business together will deliver enhanced benefits to attendees and exhibitors alike.”
Alex Pratt, managing director – iGB Affiliate, Clarion Events said, “This is a really exciting acquisition for Clarion, bringing together the biggest affiliate marketing events company with Clarion’s resources, expertise and successful affiliate shows in igaming and finance.
He added, “Missy and Shawn have established an extremely strong business and we are looking forward to a successful collaboration to improve the US events as well as launch the Affiliate Summit brand internationally.”
Fort Atkinson, Wis.-based AC Business Media acquired the conNextions Trade Show from the Door and Hardware Institute.
“ConNextions is the leading trade show servicing the door, hardware, safety and security sectors in the non-residential construction industry,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate Solutions, whoch handled the deal for DHI.
He added, “Exhibitors are manufacturers of doors, frames, hardware, electronic access control, software systems and equipment. ConNextions recently held its 40th annual event in Phoenix, and it will be held in Baltimore in 2018. AC Business Media, with its existing strong brands and relationships in the construction market, will certainly be in a position to grow the show significantly by all measurements.”
Jerry Heppes, CEO of Door & Hardware Institute, said, 'Nick Curci and Corporate Solutions have been an outstanding partner to DHI on the recent sale of our event conNextions. I have personally known Nick for a half dozen years as he was diligent in always checking in on our needs.”
Hepppes added that DHI initially had not considered selling the show.
“Last year, Nick approached us with an early offer and helped us to understand the strategic and business parameters of this decision. The initial offer was not consummated, but we were so impressed with Nick and had determined it was the appropriate strategic move for DHI, that we engaged Nick as our broker.”
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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