Emerald Expositions Acquires Digital Dealer Conference & Expo
October 11, 2016
Emerald Expositions continues its acquisition streak with the buy of the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo from Dealer Communications.
“This acquisition is truly a great fit for our business,” said Darrell Denny, Executive Vice President of Emerald Expositions.
He added, “Just as our IRCE (Internet Retailer) events serve the broader retail community with best-in-class e-commerce education and a strong expo platform, the Digital Dealer events provide the same formula for the thousands of owners, managers and employees at car dealerships in North America. With Internet auto sales being one of the fastest growing segments within the automotive industry, we’re pleased to expand the Emerald portfolio of markets into the world of e-commerce solutions for retail dealerships.”
Digital Dealer Conference & Expo is the retail automotive industry’s leading digital strategy conference and trade show focused on introducing, exploring and implementing the various digital components required to engage today’s modern automotive customer.
Twice a year, this three-day conference and exposition attracts more than 1,000 dealers and managers and over 100 exhibiting companies.
The next national expo will be hald in April in Tampa, Fla.
The company also produces regional workshops that augment the national expos. These events are known for providing the most progressive educational content focusing on digital business building tools, according to show management.
Emerald also is acquiring Dealer Magazine, the complementary magazine for franchised automotive dealership owners and managers from small single point stores to the largest multidealership groups and public companies.
“While I’m so proud of where we’ve taken the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo and Dealer Magazine over the years, I know that the Emerald team has the capability to take the businesses to the next level,” said Michael Roscoe, owner and CEO of Dealer Communications. “
He added, “There is substantial opportunity for the show to grow and prosper under a leading group like Emerald, and I’m confident our attendees and exhibitors will start to see the benefits very quickly.”
Dealer Communications’ team will join the Emerald organization, and Roscoe will remain as a consultant to the Emerald team, according to Denny.
In August, Emerald also scooped up a few more trade shows with the acquisition of the Swim Collective and Active Collective events from their founder Shannon Leggett.
Corporate Solutions, LLC of Westport, Conn., was the exclusive advisor to Dealer Communications in arranging and negotiating this transaction. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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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