Exhibitor Media Group Acquired by 30-Year Industry Veteran Mark Johnson

June 24, 2022

Mark Johnson, chairman and CEO of Minneapolis-based The STAR Groupe, has acquired leading trade show and corporate event marketing education company Exhibitor Media Group, publisher of the award-winning EXHIBITOR magazine and producer of EXHIBITORLIVE, the national conference and exhibition for trade show and corporate event marketers. 

As the founder of Star Exhibits and Environments in 1993, Johnson made a strategic decision following the COVID-19 pandemic to establish a holding company dedicated to serving the face-to-face marketing industry. 

“The trade show industry was significantly impacted by the pandemic, which nearly decimated a professional community I have proudly served for more than 30 years,” Johnson said. 

He added, “Knowing the important role EXHIBITOR plays in the industry, I wanted to ensure the entire face-to-face marketing community continues to have access to the unbiased content, education and expertise they need to create successful programs now and in the future.”

Besides EXHIBITOR and EXHIBITORLIVE, which ran June 20-23 in Las Vegas, Exhibitor Media Group also produces a range of professional learning events and platforms for industry connection and education, including the EXHIBITORFastTrak accelerated learning regional conferences; EXHIBITOR eTrak professional online learning, complimentary EXHIBITORInsight webinars and the industry’s only university-affiliated Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) professional certification program

“The best way to honor our past is to continue providing the rich content and exclusive educational opportunities that have helped guide the professional transformation of the industry for the past 40 years,” said Travis Stanton, editor of EXHIBITOR magazine. “By fostering professional connection, exploring both trusted and new event-marketing strategies and highlighting our communities’ key learnings and successes, we are proud to contribute to the emergence of a vibrant new phase in event marketing.” 

He added, “While looking toward the future, we fully intend to build on the foundation of the company in a way that nurtures its roots and promotes new growth.”

According to Johnson, his first priority as new owner of the company will be to ensure a smooth transition for the EXHIBITOR team by focusing on the company’s people, benefits and culture. 

“Because of the unique role that EXHIBITOR plays in our industry, I intend to run it as a separate business and will not have ongoing operational responsibilities,” Johnson explained. “Once I am confident we have established a strong footing, I will turn the business over to a newly appointed CEO/president who will be accountable for running Exhibitor Media Group. 

He continued, “I am honored to now be a part of the EXHIBITOR legacy and look forward to watching the organization grow and evolve in the years to come. Long live the show!”

Johnson added that he plans to establish an advisory board comprising leaders across the globe to help the company identify and accommodate any unmet industry needs.

As far as the near future of plans with the show, he said EXHIBITORLIVE may not run in 2023, instead possibly partner with Euroshop, and then return to Las Vegas in 2024. 

“We want to move (the show) out of the the first quarter (overall),” Johnson added. 

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
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.