New Business Deals: CloserStill Media, Taffy Event Strategies and More Announce New Strategic Partnerships
February 29, 2024
Event producers and suppliers across the country have been inking new business agreements and forming partnerships to improve their offerings and grow market share. Here’s our monthly roundup on trade show industry deals and partnerships.
CloserStill Media
Business events, exhibitions and conferences producer CloserStill Media has acquired a majority stake in the Trailblazer Summits event group in Hamburg, Germany. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Why it matters: Now set to become one of Germany’s largest independent event operators, the group produces a series of two-day, content-led events serving several key German market verticals, including logistics, accounting, procurement, digital marketing and construction.
Who are the key players: Trailblazer Summits Founder and CEO Thomas Promny will continue to lead the business and its 30-person team at its Hamburg headquarters, while Astrid Jaeger, CloserStill’s managing director for Germany, joins the Trailblazer board of directors.
What they are saying: “CloserStill’s expertise in the global tech sector and their successful track record in launching and growing events makes this a powerful combination,” Promny said. “We are excited to see how this partnership will ignite our business and allow us to get to lots of new opportunities for our team to expand the business and better serve our customers and communities.”
What’s next: With the addition of Trailblazer’s 10-event portfolio, CloserStill now organizes more than 25 exhibition and conference events in Germany. These include industry-leading brands, such as Zukunft Personal Europe (Cologne); Automotive Testing Expo (Stuttgart); Frankfurt Tech Week; Hydrogen Technology Expo (Hamburg); Passenger Terminal Expo (Frankfurt); Online Educa Berlin; Tire Technology Expo (Hannover); Electric and Hybrid Aerospace Technology Symposium (Frankfurt); Professional Motor Sport Expo (Cologne); ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo Europe (Stuttgart).
Taffy Event Strategies
Full-service trade show and event management company Taffy Event Strategies joined forces with NJ-based Leading Edge Expositions (LEExpos) to produce CWCBExpo (Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition), an East Coast cannabis business event. The new partnership is intended to expand the reach and influence of the show, which is gearing up to produce its 10th annual edition June 5-6 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Back story: As a business forum for all sectors of the cannabis industry, CWCBExpo New York has been at the forefront of professionalizing the business side of the cannabis industry since 2014, according to LEExpos officials. The show is recognized for preparing entrepreneurs on how to enter the market and providing credible information and resources to companies looking for investment, growth and scale.
What they are saying: “New York and the East Coast clearly hold the most growth and opportunity for the cannabis industry, and we’re very proud to partner with and support the leading show in this fertile region,” said Jennifer Hoff, CEO of Taffy Event Strategies.
Who are the key players: Under this new long-term partnership, trade show industry veteran Mary Bender will serve as CWCBExpo show director, while Christine Ianuzzi will remain its CEO.
Why it matters: “Leading Edge Expositions planted a flag in the cannabis industry by having the first cannabis business trade at the Javits Center In New York, long before the state had legalized adult use,” Ianuzzi explained. “We are thrilled to have Taffy Event Strategies navigate and lead us through the next phase of producing CWCBExpo events in this dynamic industry that continues to evolve and grow.”
Looking ahead: Ianuzzi added, “It was a successful endeavor having Taffy Events support our sales effort in 2023, and we are looking forward to combining our resources and expertise to produce even more fruitful and engaging events for the industry and our stakeholders.”
CompuSystems
Registration, data analytics and lead-retrieval services provider CompuSystems inked a five-year deal with the High Point Market Authority, the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market home furnishings events in High Point, N.C.
Why it matters: Under the terms of the agreement, which spans from fall 2024 through 2028, CompuSystems will provide registration, data analytics and lead-retrieval services for the annual High Point Spring and Fall home furnishings events to enhance the overall guest experience and improve High Point’s data-tracking capabilities.
What they are saying: “This long-term partnership is not only a testament to our expertise but also a reflection of our shared vision of delivering unparalleled event experiences,” said Mark LoGiurato, CEO of CompuSystems. “We eagerly anticipate supporting High Point Market Authority in making their Spring and Fall events the industry benchmarks.”
Have a trade show-related new business deal to share? Please send announcements to lisa.savas@informa.com.
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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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