Emerald Unveils Xcelerator Division to Drive Growth Via Innovative New Brand Experiences

June 3, 2022

Leading event and media company Emerald formed a new division designed to accelerate its market diversification strategy by launching dynamic brands that curate year-round communities through face-to-face and digital experiences.

Emerald Xcelerator will build upon the company's broader capabilities across a diverse portfolio of brands and services, including more than 150 events, media, content, market intelligence, lead generation and digital transactional solutions, according to Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald.

“[With Emerald Xcelerator], we will harness the power of discovery, innovation and actionable insights to help us pioneer into new and emerging markets while driving transformational growth within our industries,” Sedky said. "The formation of Xcelerator not only serves as our opportunity to uncover new ways to create value and advancement for our customers but underscores Emerald's commitment to supporting the industries we serve and the communities in which we operate." 

In March 2022, Emerald launched SIAL America, the first-of-its-kind cross-category food and beverage show in the U.S., as part of the Xcelerator division. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event hosted domestic and international exhibitors and more than 4,600 industry professionals from the U.S. and 60 international countries.

Additionally, Xcelerator plans to bring to market new brands in the mental health, Web3 and breakthrough medicine industries in 2022 and is actively developing additional launches for 2023 and beyond.

The new division aims to build both B2B and B2C brands in emerging industries, focusing on developing deep connections, delivering meaningful content and driving commerce 365 days a year, according to Issa Jouaneh, executive vice president of Emerald Xcelerator and 15-plus-year industry leader who previously led American Express Meeting & Events as senior vice president and general manager.

"Ultimately, our goal is to drive growth by creating dynamic brands that represent the emerging communities and industries around us," Jouaneh said. "We're very proud of the pipeline of opportunities our team has curated and look forward to announcing details about [new] brand launches in the coming months." 

Xcelerator will also serve the wider business and events communities by contributing research and analysis resources to develop industry insights, such as Emerald's recent B2B Events Industry Outlook 2022 Report

Photo: Issa Jouaneh, executive vice president of Emerald Xcelerator

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebook and  LinkedIn!

Add new comment

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.