U.K.-based Clarion Events Takes Majority Partnership in Urban Expositions
September 1, 2015
U.K.-based Clarion Events, with more than 200 events in 35 countries, has become a majority partner in Kennesaw, Ga.-based Urban Expositions, which has a portfolio of 37 events serving nine industry sectors.
"We are thrilled to partner with such a well-established, international event organizer as Clarion," said Doug Miller, president and CEO, Urban Expositions.
He added, "We look forward to working closely with the Clarion team to start a whole new chapter for our respective companies. Clarion's forward-thinking leadership, proven experience and extensive resources will allow us to build upon our current show offerings while also pursuing new opportunities to diversify and grow."
Urban Expositions will keep its existing corporate identity, executive management team, staff, office locations, brands and events, with plans for collaboration on current, as well as future events and acquisitions.
Managing partners, Doug Miller and Tim von Gal, will retain significant ownership in Urban Expositions and will continue to oversee all facets of the business.
"We have been searching for a strategic U.S. partner that shared our growth vision and customer service commitment and Urban Expositions was the perfect match," said Simon Kimble, executive chairman, Clarion Events, which is headquartered in the U.K.
He added, "In addition to the synergy we'll find in the industry spaces we share - like retail trade, art and gaming - we each bring complementary skills and capabilities to the table in other areas that promise to fuel our growth."
Urban's first acquisition under Clarion's ownership was announced last week when the company acquired the Womens Wear in Nevada (WWIN) trade show, held semi-annually in Las Vegas, from Specialty Trade Shows.
"We are extremely excited about the new opportunities our Clarion partnership will deliver," said Tim von Gal, COO, Urban Expositions.
He added, "The chance to reinforce our own assets and talented team with Clarion's global vision, expertise and versatile interests ensures that we're well-positioned to seek out new ventures and proactively respond to the ever-changing marketplace."
Some of Clarion’s shows cover sectors that include defense, telecom, gaming and oil and gas, to name a few.
Urban Exposition’s shows are in the gift, souvenir, apparel, art, aviation, foodservice, halloween & party, pet and gaming sectors.
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