New Business Deals: CloserStill Media, Taffy Event Strategies and More Announce New Strategic Partnerships
February 29, 2024
Event producers and suppliers across the country have been inking new business agreements and forming partnerships to improve their offerings and grow market share. Here’s our monthly roundup on trade show industry deals and partnerships.
CloserStill Media
Business events, exhibitions and conferences producer CloserStill Media has acquired a majority stake in the Trailblazer Summits event group in Hamburg, Germany. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Why it matters: Now set to become one of Germany’s largest independent event operators, the group produces a series of two-day, content-led events serving several key German market verticals, including logistics, accounting, procurement, digital marketing and construction.
Who are the key players: Trailblazer Summits Founder and CEO Thomas Promny will continue to lead the business and its 30-person team at its Hamburg headquarters, while Astrid Jaeger, CloserStill’s managing director for Germany, joins the Trailblazer board of directors.
What they are saying: “CloserStill’s expertise in the global tech sector and their successful track record in launching and growing events makes this a powerful combination,” Promny said. “We are excited to see how this partnership will ignite our business and allow us to get to lots of new opportunities for our team to expand the business and better serve our customers and communities.”
What’s next: With the addition of Trailblazer’s 10-event portfolio, CloserStill now organizes more than 25 exhibition and conference events in Germany. These include industry-leading brands, such as Zukunft Personal Europe (Cologne); Automotive Testing Expo (Stuttgart); Frankfurt Tech Week; Hydrogen Technology Expo (Hamburg); Passenger Terminal Expo (Frankfurt); Online Educa Berlin; Tire Technology Expo (Hannover); Electric and Hybrid Aerospace Technology Symposium (Frankfurt); Professional Motor Sport Expo (Cologne); ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo Europe (Stuttgart).
Taffy Event Strategies
Full-service trade show and event management company Taffy Event Strategies joined forces with NJ-based Leading Edge Expositions (LEExpos) to produce CWCBExpo (Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition), an East Coast cannabis business event. The new partnership is intended to expand the reach and influence of the show, which is gearing up to produce its 10th annual edition June 5-6 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Back story: As a business forum for all sectors of the cannabis industry, CWCBExpo New York has been at the forefront of professionalizing the business side of the cannabis industry since 2014, according to LEExpos officials. The show is recognized for preparing entrepreneurs on how to enter the market and providing credible information and resources to companies looking for investment, growth and scale.
What they are saying: “New York and the East Coast clearly hold the most growth and opportunity for the cannabis industry, and we’re very proud to partner with and support the leading show in this fertile region,” said Jennifer Hoff, CEO of Taffy Event Strategies.
Who are the key players: Under this new long-term partnership, trade show industry veteran Mary Bender will serve as CWCBExpo show director, while Christine Ianuzzi will remain its CEO.
Why it matters: “Leading Edge Expositions planted a flag in the cannabis industry by having the first cannabis business trade at the Javits Center In New York, long before the state had legalized adult use,” Ianuzzi explained. “We are thrilled to have Taffy Event Strategies navigate and lead us through the next phase of producing CWCBExpo events in this dynamic industry that continues to evolve and grow.”
Looking ahead: Ianuzzi added, “It was a successful endeavor having Taffy Events support our sales effort in 2023, and we are looking forward to combining our resources and expertise to produce even more fruitful and engaging events for the industry and our stakeholders.”
CompuSystems
Registration, data analytics and lead-retrieval services provider CompuSystems inked a five-year deal with the High Point Market Authority, the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market home furnishings events in High Point, N.C.
Why it matters: Under the terms of the agreement, which spans from fall 2024 through 2028, CompuSystems will provide registration, data analytics and lead-retrieval services for the annual High Point Spring and Fall home furnishings events to enhance the overall guest experience and improve High Point’s data-tracking capabilities.
What they are saying: “This long-term partnership is not only a testament to our expertise but also a reflection of our shared vision of delivering unparalleled event experiences,” said Mark LoGiurato, CEO of CompuSystems. “We eagerly anticipate supporting High Point Market Authority in making their Spring and Fall events the industry benchmarks.”
Have a trade show-related new business deal to share? Please send announcements to lisa.savas@informa.com.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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