Clarion Events, AC Business Media Both Make Strategic Acquisitions
August 1, 2017
U.K.- based Clarion Events, which was just acquired by Blackstone, and AC Business Media both recently made strategic acquisitions to add to their growing portfolios.
Clarion, the parent company of iGB Affiliate, acquired the Affiliate Summit Corporation, which includes the Affiliate Summit tradeshow and conference series, FeedFront Magazine, GeekCast.fm, ReveNews.com, and the annual AffStat industry benchmark reports.
Affiliate Summit Co-Founders, Missy Ward and Shawn Collins will continue running Affiliate Summit in the capacity of Co-CEOs.
"Clarion is widely regarded as a leading event organizer, and we will be harnessing their expertise in order to expand internationally and bring our events to the next level,” Collins said.
He added, “Becoming part of Clarion will add value to our current brands and provide an opportunity to take new products to emerging markets. Bringing Affiliate Summit and iGaming Business together will deliver enhanced benefits to attendees and exhibitors alike.”
Alex Pratt, managing director – iGB Affiliate, Clarion Events said, “This is a really exciting acquisition for Clarion, bringing together the biggest affiliate marketing events company with Clarion’s resources, expertise and successful affiliate shows in igaming and finance.
He added, “Missy and Shawn have established an extremely strong business and we are looking forward to a successful collaboration to improve the US events as well as launch the Affiliate Summit brand internationally.”
Fort Atkinson, Wis.-based AC Business Media acquired the conNextions Trade Show from the Door and Hardware Institute.
“ConNextions is the leading trade show servicing the door, hardware, safety and security sectors in the non-residential construction industry,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate Solutions, whoch handled the deal for DHI.
He added, “Exhibitors are manufacturers of doors, frames, hardware, electronic access control, software systems and equipment. ConNextions recently held its 40th annual event in Phoenix, and it will be held in Baltimore in 2018. AC Business Media, with its existing strong brands and relationships in the construction market, will certainly be in a position to grow the show significantly by all measurements.”
Jerry Heppes, CEO of Door & Hardware Institute, said, 'Nick Curci and Corporate Solutions have been an outstanding partner to DHI on the recent sale of our event conNextions. I have personally known Nick for a half dozen years as he was diligent in always checking in on our needs.”
Hepppes added that DHI initially had not considered selling the show.
“Last year, Nick approached us with an early offer and helped us to understand the strategic and business parameters of this decision. The initial offer was not consummated, but we were so impressed with Nick and had determined it was the appropriate strategic move for DHI, that we engaged Nick as our broker.”
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
Add new comment