Clarion Events Makes Second Acquisition in Two Weeks
November 11, 2024
Despite months of rumors that its private equity owner Blackstone is exploring a sale of the $2.6 billion events group, Clarion Events made its second acquisition in recent weeks. The world’s largest privately owned event and exhibition organizer, according to data from Stax, scooped up Eaton Hall, an event organizer specializing in targeted, pre-arranged face-to-face meetings-based events.
Related: Clarion Events Expands Energy Portfolio with Acquisition of Infocast and Its 18 Events
The acquisition also marks Clarion’s launch of a new division, Clarion Connect, positioning it as the largest organizer of 1-to-1 events globally that hosts more than 80 events, summits, online networks, and forums annually, facilitating more than 60,000 connections across multiple industries, according to Clarion officials.
Based in Florham Park, New Jersey, Eaton Hall organizes forums and summits for various sectors, including Bank Facilities, CopTech, Cop Fleet, Work Fleet, 911 Directors, and Hospital Security. Eaton Hall will now operate under Clarion Connect and consolidate its strengths with Clarion’s existing 1-to-1 focused connection businesses, including Quartz Network and Consero Events.
Eaton Hall Founder Scott Goldman will remain as chairman post-acquisition to ensure brand vision continuity and operational excellence.
What they are saying: “Eaton Hall’s expertise in delivering exceptional experiences aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the event experience globally,” said Lisa Hannant, Group CEO of Clarion Events. “With the creation of Clarion Connect, we now have the ability to offer an unrivaled portfolio of 1-to-1 events that foster deep strategic relationships across industries. We look forward to the future of Eaton Hall within our growing network and are committed to building on the legacy that Scott Goldman and his team have established.”
New leadership: Clarion Connect will be led by Kelly Comboni, president of Quartz Network and Consero Events, LeftField Media, and now Eaton Hall. Comboni, who joined Clarion in 2016 with the acquisition of LeftField Media, will continue reporting directly to Hannant and Clarion Events North America Chairman Greg Topalian. She will work to guide the division’s mission to continue delivering tailored, high-impact meeting opportunities designed to facilitate strategic partnerships and business development.
Deeper dive: Goldman expressed excitement about the acquisition, which marks a new chapter in the evolution of the company he founded in 1984. “Our goal has always been to create events that our customers love to be part of, because the events are targeted, productive, and truly welcoming for the unique niches of people we serve,” Goldman said. “Clarion, whose leaders I’ve known personally for over ten years, shares our commitment to ‘hugging our customers.’ Without changing that passion but adding new resources and knowledge, our client-focused team can do even more to serve our guests. We’ll make sure that our clients continue to call the Forums ‘their favorite event of them all!’”
Looking ahead: Operating in the U.S. and UK/Europe, Clarion Connect offers bespoke high-impact events designed to foster meaningful business relationships and empower growth.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on TLinkedIn!
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