Private Equity Firm Blackstone Buys U.K.-based Clarion Events

A few years after Providence Equity Partners bought U.K.-based Clarion Events, the trade show company has changed hands again to another private equity firm – Blackstone.

“We are delighted to invest in Clarion and back Chairman Simon Kimble and CEO Russell Wilcox in the company’s next chapter,” said Lionel Assant, head of European Private Equity at Blackstone.

How to Sensibly Transport Your Products to a Trade Show

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 10:38

When thousands of people attend a trade show exhibition hall with their colleagues, customers and client prospects, the good news is that there is a lot of sales prospecting and high-powered networking going on. The bad news is that you might have a bulky product to transport.

If you can take your products to a show in your own van, then this post might not be for you. But if you have a large item to exhibit or if you are exhibiting overseas, you may want to take the following ten tips and pointers into consideration.

Always Plan

Greg Lennox

Greg Lennox is the Owner and Managing Director of RAL Display & Marketing Ltd, a leading provider of display stands across the U.K. that provides portable and permanent exhibition stands.

Meetings Mean Business Relaunches Worth Meeting About Campaign

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has re-launched Worth Meeting About, an industry campaign designed to showcase the importance of face-to-face meetings for business and society.

With an expanded lens that uses major world events, case studies and personal testimonials to highlight the industry’s role in driving progress and innovation, the coalition’s refreshed campaign will harness digital tactics and storytelling to emphasize the message that, “when it’s important, it’s Worth Meeting About.”

ASAE Names the 2017 ‘Power of A’ Award Winners

American Society of Association Executives will honor six associations with the 2017 Summit Award, which is the highest recognition under The Power of A Awards.

The six organizations will accept their awards on October 4 during the 18th Annual Power of A — Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. 

The winners were selected by the Power of A Awards Judging Committee, and the committee received 149 entries.

Comexposium Buys MFV’s Portfolio of Franchise Shows

Paris-based Comexposium has acquired MFV, which includes franchise trade shows and conferences in the United States (International Franchise Expo in New York, Franchise Expo West in Los Angeles, Franchise Expo South in Dallas); Franquicias Feria International, the leading annual event in Mexico; and The Franchise Show in London.

A portfolio of developmental events in Latin America and Europe also are part of the acquisition.

Three Trade Show Marketing Tips You Can’t Ignore

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Mon, 07/17/2017 - 12:26

According to Exhibit Surveys Inc.’s annual Trade Show Trends report, 84 percent of exhibition attendees make or recommend final purchasing decisions at their companies. Therefore, failing to promote an organization’s event attendance effectively can factor to a colossal missed opportunity.

To maximize your event marketing and exhibition ROI, we’ve put together 3 essential tips you should implement when exhibiting at an industry event.

1. Creative CTAs Stimulate Interest

Alexander Kesler

Alexander Kesler is the founder and CEO of INFUSEmedia, a leading demand generation firm. Alexander leads a team of digital marketing experts who specialize in B2B lead generation, content marketing and syndication, ABM and intent strategies, data processing and validation, programmatic media buying and brand amplification. 

Freeman Invests in Data-driven Event Personalization Company Feathr

Freeman has become a key investor data-driven event personalization company Feathr’s most recent round of funding.

Feathr’s proprietary technology allows organizers and marketers to leverage their data by combining sources like registration, CRM, social followers and website analytics to launch effective multi-channel campaigns across email, landing pages, online advertising, social media and chatbots.

Destination Marketing Association International Renamed as Destinations International

Destination Marketing Association International has been renamed, officially becoming Destinations International, effective July 13.

The new name was unveiled this week during the association’s Annual Convention in Montreal, Canada.

Several other announcements, including a partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Canadian engagement initiatives and the results from the Defining the Impact of the Weaponization of Travel and DestinationNEXT studies also were made.

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.