Emerald Acquires EDspaces Trade Show & Conference from Education Market Association
January 14, 2021
Emerald Expositions recently acquired the EDSpaces Trade Show & Conference from the Education Market Association.
“Through our alliance with Emerald, with its added resources and trade show creativity, we look forward to growing EDspaces and making it an even better investment for the exhibitors, buyers and our industry members,” said Lee Stapp, president of Officescapes and 2021 EDmarket chair of the board.
As part of the business agreement, EDmarket will remain committed to EDspaces by continuing to sponsor and support the event.
The EDmarket team will be working closely with the EDspaces team at Emerald for a smooth transition and will play an integral part in the conference content development.
Joe Tucker, Loraine Coleman and Scott Beyer have joined Emerald and will be key resources for exhibitor success.
The remaining EDmarket staff members will be refocusing efforts to improve the value of membership, along with growth and opportunity for the education market.
“As a result of this deal, EDmarket will be able to continue its 105-year history as a key resource and connector to the education marketplace,” said Jim McGarry, EDmarket president and CEO. “We are excited to work with the Emerald team to deliver the high-quality content the industry has come to expect.”
The Education Market Association is the leading trade organization for the educational products marketplace. They represent companies of all sizes that produce and deliver every type of product one would find in an education environment. Founded in 1916, the company promotes an open market for quality educational products and services that are produced and delivered by professional suppliers and dealers.
The Association, along with its 400+ member companies, represents, connects and serves people who want to succeed in the education market by providing events, opportunities, resources and leadership to those serving education.
Corporate Solutions of Westport, Conn., was the exclusive advisor to Education Market Association in arranging, structuring and negotiating this transaction.
“The Education Market Association built EDspaces over the past 25 years into a major industry trade show with more than 600 booth units along with a strong conference program of 50 individual sessions,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate Solutions.“This event is a great addition to the existing Emerald portfolio of design industry-related events that will strengthen their presence in this growing sector.”
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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