Two leading event and media companies made event acquisitions in recent weeks. 

Emerald Steps into High-Growth Market with Plant Based World Purchase 

In a strategic move underscoring the rapid expansion and investment interest in the growing plant-based food sector, Emerald Expositions recently acquired Plant Based World (PBW), a B2B trade show platform serving the global plant-based ecosystem, from JD Events (JDE). 

Collingwood, an M&A advisory firm specializing in information, media, and events businesses, advised JDE throughout the sale. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Announced on March 18, the acquisition comes at a time when the plant-based food space is projected to reach $113 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% from 2024 to 2031, according to a May 2024 report by Meticulous Research. As consumer demand for more sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious food choices continues to accelerate and reshape the global food landscape, the category has shifted from niche to mainstream. 

Launched by JDE in 2019 when the global plant-based market was valued at just $3.4 billion, Plant Based World Expo North America serves as vital business gathering for foodservice and retail buyers, manufacturers, investors, and service providers, alongside its sister event Plant Based World Expo Europe and digital news platform PBW Pulse. Both shows are known for offering groundbreaking product launches, curated hosted buyer meetings, and forward-thinking panel discussions. 

PBW’s most recent shows were held at ExCeL London and New York City’s Javits Center, where they attracted more than 5,000 attendees combined.  

Joel Davis, founder and CEO of JDE, shared the factors that led his company to sell Plant Based World to Emerald.  

“JDE is a small boutique firm that incubates trade shows; we have been launching, building, and divesting events for over 23 years now,” Davis said. “It is our unique business model to prove a show concept, establish market leadership, and then find a new owner to take the business to the next level.” 

Davis added that as the plant-based industry gained momentum, the success and scale of PBW began to outgrow JDE’s bandwidth, so it was the right time to sell to a company like Emerald, which had expressed interest in acquiring PBW for many years. 

“[Emerald believes] in the long-term importance of the plant-based market and has the resources to drive strategic growth both domestically and globally,” Davis continued, “[They are also] committed to investing in PBW and its team for the long term. With greater resources and infrastructure, the team will have more support to execute strategic growth initiatives.” 

He added, “The plant-based category is still young, with tremendous opportunities for future growth. As the industry continues to expand, PBW is now positioned with an organization who can capitalize on emerging trends, leverage deeper industry relationships, and expand the event’s reach.” 

Plant Based World Expo North America will return Dec. 2-3, 2025, to the Javits Center while the next Plant Based World Expo Europe is scheduled for Nov. 26-27, 2025, at ExCeL London. 

Sports Business Journal Adds National Sports Forum to Robust Event Portfolio 

Sports Business Journal (SBJ) has acquired the National Sports Forum (NSF), an annual conference for sports industry professionals representing a broad spectrum of teams, leagues, agencies, and corporate partners. NSF most recently held its 2025 conference in February in Boston and is set to celebrate its 30th annual eventFeb. 22–24, 2026, in St. Louis.  

The strategic move will expand SBJ’s event portfolio while providing more valuable engagement opportunities for stakeholders across the sports business landscape. 

SBJ organizes a diverse portfolio of industry events that cater to various facets of the sports business landscape, including CAA World Congress of Sports; Brand Innovation Summit; Intercollegiate Athletics Forum; Leaders Week London; AXS DRIVE; SBJ Tech Week, and more.  

Founded in 1996 by NSF President Ron Seaver, NSF serves as a platform that brings together North American team and league professionals to explore innovations and emerging trends in the sports sector. With programming guided by a steering committee of industry leaders, NSF provides myriad workshops, breakout sessions, a trade show, and a student case competition from collegiate sports business programs. 

“Ron Seaver spotted a tremendous void in the market when he launched the National Sports Forum in 1996 and he has built an incredible asset for stakeholders across sports,” said SBJ Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour. “He is so well respected, and I’m excited to work with Ron more closely on the Sports Forum and leverage SBJ’s extensive resources to amplify this event for the industry.” 

As part of the acquisition, Seaver will assume the role of Managing Director: SBJ National Sports Forum and continue to oversee its operations. He will remain based in San Diego and report to SBJ Managing Director of Conferences & Events Jim Sullivan.  

“When I founded the National Sports Forum, I wanted to create an event like no other for the sports community,” Seaver said. “I’ve known Abe for decades and SBJ is the standard for journalism and conferences in sports business. I’m proud to grow the Forum with SBJ and deliver an even better experience for our attendees and sponsors.” 

Lead image: The show floor at Plant Based World Expo. Photo courtesy of JD Events

Have some trade show M&A news to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

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