New Biz Deals: STAR Group, Marketplace Events and More Make Acquisitions, Secure and Renew Strategic Partnerships
December 11, 2023
Q4 2023 has been a busy time for the trade show industry, with event-related organizations across the country inking new business deals, extending partnerships and consolidating companies as they prepare for a robust start to 2024.
STAR Group
Experiential marketing and trade show exhibit company STAR Group recently acquired Exhibit Edge, a Washington, DC-based exhibition and events company.
According to STAR Group officials, the combined expertise of both companies will not only elevate the level of creativity, innovation and client-focused solutions for the exhibits, environments and events industry but also open up new opportunities for the companies to collaborate on larger, more varied projects while being better positioned to support clients.
The Exhibit Edge team will continue to operate from its current facilities in Chantilly, Va.
Marketplace Events
In October, Marketplace Events (MPE) acquired the SAHBA Home & Garden Shows (Spring and Fall editions) in Tucson, Ariz., from the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA).
According to Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events, which produces more than 70 B2C shows annually, the company has a long history of acquiring and growing consumer shows originally owned by nonprofit homebuilder’s associations (HBAs).
“It’s a natural fit for MPE to acquire established HBA shows and use our resources to build an even stronger foundation supporting their legacy of helping local home improvement businesses grow and thrive,” Baugh said.
To be managed by veteran Group Manager Dave Maughan, the Spring and Fall Home & Garden Shows will take place March 15-17 and Oct. 25-27 at the Tucson Convention Center, respectively.
Smithbucklin
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) selected Smithbucklin to serve as the organization’s first association management partner. As part of the agreement, AAML will transition from a standalone association to a member of Smithbucklin’s Professional Societies and Communities client network.
“We look forward to establishing a relationship with AAML built on trust, solutions, and growth,” said Jim McNeil, president of association management at Smithbucklin. “Our passionate and talented teams will work together to help AAML attract new demographics and specialists to the field and execute a cohesive strategy from the board’s diverse and valuable perspectives.”
A leader in family law continuing education, publications, networking and training, AAML is comprised of nearly 1,400 members who provide a wide range of legal services in all issues related to marriage and divorce. The search for an AAML executive director is currently underway.
IAEE
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) tapped Grit Productions & Expositions (Grit), a single-source provider of live event services and equipment, to serve as production partner for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in 2023 and 2024, and as both production and show partner in 2025.
“The entire Grit Team is excited and proud of this partnership with IAEE,” said Kelly Massey, managing partner of Grit. “We were privileged to work closely with IAEE through the trials of the pandemic; broadcasting and facilitating IAEE meetings from Grit Studio. We are looking forward to continuing that partnership with our production and expo services for the next three years.”
ASM Global
Global venue management company and live events producer ASM Global has secured and extended venue operations and management contracts with convention centers throughout the U.S. in this quarter.
In October, the Jekyll Island Convention Center (JICC) in Jekyll Island, Ga., renewed its management agreement through 2029 with ASM Global, which has operated the Silver LEED-certified venue since its opening in May 2012. The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) board approved the management term extension for an additional five years followed by an option for an additional five-year renewal.
Also in October, ASM Global renewed its 10-year partnership with Onondaga County, NY, to manage The Oncenter and Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse.
ASM Global will continue to manage The Oncenter, a multipurpose convention and entertainment facility, comprising the 99,000-square-foot Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the 7,000-seat Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial and the three performance theaters in the John H. Mulroy Civic Center. Also included in the deal is the 17,500-capacity Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, a lakeside outdoor concert venue.
Have a new trade show-related business deal to share? Please send announcements to lpsavas@tsnn.com.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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