Diversified Communications Buys Three Clean Energy Events
March 11, 2019
Diversified Communications has acquired three North American events focused on renewable energy and clean energy storage – Intersolar, ees (electrical energy storage) and Power2Drive North America – from German-based Solar Promotion International and FMMI.
Held annually at San Francisco’s Moscone Center for the past 10 years in July, Intersolar and the two collocated events will forgo a 2019 edition and resume Feb. 4-6, 2020, at the San Diego Convention Center, according to Diversified officials.
“Our teams are very excited to be a part of the solar and energy storage industries, and for our part in energizing these rapidly growing markets with a world-class event experience,” said Mary Larkin, president of Diversified’s U.S. operating division.
According to Oakley Dyer, Diversified’s vice president of strategy and corporate development, for several years the media company has been looking to enter the solar market in a significant way. It had been keeping a close eye on Intersolar due to its strong worldwide footprint and positive reputation.
“The time was right for both parties, and we are thrilled to bring our depth of expertise in trade show operations to these exciting markets; and perhaps most importantly, bring Diversified’s enthusiasm for solar’s role in the new energy economy,” Dyer said.
Since 2008, the Intersolar North America exhibition and conference has served as the industry’s go-to source for solar technology, energy storage, smart renewable energy and networking opportunities to drive the North American market forward.
Covering the entire value chain of innovative battery and energy storage technologies, ees North America is an exhibition and conference for the electrical energy storage industry. The event connects manufacturers, distributors, users and suppliers of stationary and mobile storage products in California, known as the epicenter of the U.S. storage market.
As a special exhibition for charging infrastructure and electromobility, Power2Drive focuses on batteries for electric vehicles as well as charging technologies and infrastructure for clean mobility and distributed storage. The event attracts suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and start-ups in the emerging electric mobility and transportation field.
“Growing our own event series in solar and energy storage is an exciting way to further contribute to the renewable energy industry,” said Theodore Wirth, president and CEO of Diversified Communications. (Besides producing more than 50 trade shows and conferences in more than a dozen industries, the company also owns and operates a 1.5 Megawatt solar farm in Brunswick, Maine.)
After creating three successful events in the U.S., Dr. Florian Wessendorf, managing director of Solar Promotion International, said the company plans to pivot to focus on its new “smarter E concept” that encompasses several clean energy shows across the globe, along with growing its presence in the Central and South American markets.
“With the strong interest shown by Diversified and their desire to expand into the solar and storage market, it was an ideal time for us to turn over the next phase of growth to their very capable and experienced team,” Wessendorf said.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
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