Emerald Expositions Acquires Digital Dealer Conference & Expo
October 11, 2016
Emerald Expositions continues its acquisition streak with the buy of the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo from Dealer Communications.
“This acquisition is truly a great fit for our business,” said Darrell Denny, Executive Vice President of Emerald Expositions.
He added, “Just as our IRCE (Internet Retailer) events serve the broader retail community with best-in-class e-commerce education and a strong expo platform, the Digital Dealer events provide the same formula for the thousands of owners, managers and employees at car dealerships in North America. With Internet auto sales being one of the fastest growing segments within the automotive industry, we’re pleased to expand the Emerald portfolio of markets into the world of e-commerce solutions for retail dealerships.”
Digital Dealer Conference & Expo is the retail automotive industry’s leading digital strategy conference and trade show focused on introducing, exploring and implementing the various digital components required to engage today’s modern automotive customer.
Twice a year, this three-day conference and exposition attracts more than 1,000 dealers and managers and over 100 exhibiting companies.
The next national expo will be hald in April in Tampa, Fla.
The company also produces regional workshops that augment the national expos. These events are known for providing the most progressive educational content focusing on digital business building tools, according to show management.
Emerald also is acquiring Dealer Magazine, the complementary magazine for franchised automotive dealership owners and managers from small single point stores to the largest multidealership groups and public companies.
“While I’m so proud of where we’ve taken the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo and Dealer Magazine over the years, I know that the Emerald team has the capability to take the businesses to the next level,” said Michael Roscoe, owner and CEO of Dealer Communications. “
He added, “There is substantial opportunity for the show to grow and prosper under a leading group like Emerald, and I’m confident our attendees and exhibitors will start to see the benefits very quickly.”
Dealer Communications’ team will join the Emerald organization, and Roscoe will remain as a consultant to the Emerald team, according to Denny.
In August, Emerald also scooped up a few more trade shows with the acquisition of the Swim Collective and Active Collective events from their founder Shannon Leggett.
Corporate Solutions, LLC of Westport, Conn., was the exclusive advisor to Dealer Communications in arranging and negotiating this transaction. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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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