The Expo Group Acquires Brede/Allied
January 15, 2020
The Expo Group, an Irving, Texas-based exhibitions and events partner that invests in growth, today acquired Orlando-based Allied Convention Service, commonly known as Brede/Allied. The move gives The Expo Group an expanded footprint in the Southeast and deeper operations to better serve its clients, according to company officials.
“This acquisition expands The Expo Group’s service capabilities in an important region and brings together the top personnel in this business,” said Randy Pekowski, president and chief operating officer for the company. “This is an extenuation of our long-term corporate strategy to grow in the right places at the right time with the right people.”
Brede/Allied’s Jon Mills will continue his executive and operational role for The Expo Group in Orlando and report directly to Pekowski. Charlie Premone will also be part of the executive team and support employees and clients.
Brede Exposition Service will continue as before in its other five locations under the Brede name. Both firms have long enjoyed a cooperative business relationship that is expected to continue as The Expo Group integrates Brede/Allied Convention Service Inc. in Orlando.
Allied clients will now have access to The Expo Group’s array of services, including proprietary tools such as Single Source and the ExpoSuite portfolio of technology tools, plus enhanced creative strategy and Level5 Events offerings.
“This expanded North American footprint allows us to elevate experiences for all our clients and all their stakeholders,” Pekowski says.
The Expo Group’s new Orlando location creates an immediate boost in personnel and operational capacity for the growing firm. The integration plan spans six months and includes the acquisition of Allied’s 160,000-square-foot facility and marshalling yard. The former Brede/Allied office and warehouse will serve as Southeast Distribution Center for The Expo Group, which also has distribution centers in Chicago, Irving and Las Vegas.
“This is the next generation,” Pekowski says. “Our company has grown double digits each of the last five years with Randy at the helm. We retain a tight focus on our mission of ‘Helping People Perform at a Higher Level,’ which means continual improvement, enhanced technology capabilities and commitment to servant leadership.”
For more information related to the acquisition, go here.
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