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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