MAGIC Marketplace's Advanstar Global Acquires ENK International
November 15, 2012
Advanstar Global, parent company of the biennial MAGIC Marketplace fashion shows, has acquired ENK International, owner of 14 high-end trade show fashion brands, including ENKUSA, ENKVEGAS, Fashion Coterie, Intermezzo and Sole Commerce.
This acquisition adds to Advanstar’s existing events portfolio with shows such as MAGIC, PROJECT, FN Platform, Licensing International, among several other events and conferences.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Having ENK, MAGIC and PROJECT within the same family of companies provides the fashion industry a choice of intimate and customized environments that satisfy their market needs,” said Joe Loggia, Advanstar Global’s CEO.
He added, “This allows us to be more responsive to our customers as we work to coordinate dates and venues, which makes the process more valuable for exhibitors and retailers. Moreover, Advanstar Global has made significant investments in new technology that will enable our company to further drive value, service and solutions across the entire fashion marketplace.”
Advanstar Communications and ENK International will continue to operate separately, according to Advanstar officials.
Private Equity firm Forstmann Little bought a majority interest of ENK International in 2006, and the company has been for sale since Ted Forstmann died last year, according to press reports.
ENK’s founder, Elyse Kroll, left the company earlier this year and since then its president, Tom Nastos, has been at the helm.
Advanstar Global’s financial sponsors include Anchorage Capital Group LLC, Ares Management LLC and Veronis Suhler Stevenson.
Both Advanstar and ENK shows will have the opportunity to utilize the new “Shop the Floor” digital solution, on tap to launch in early 2013.
Shop the Floor combines the power of personal connections with the convenience of an online marketplace and will create fashion’s largest digital business network, according to Advanstar officials.
The acquisition of ENK has the support of leaders and brands in the industry.
“The evolution of MAGIC, PROJECT, and ENK will form the most comprehensive collection of tradeshows serving every major fashion segment,” said David Witman, GMM Menswear, Nordstrom.
He added, “As retailers, we benefit from expanded access to all of the key brands, diversity of in-market offerings, and a more impactful experience. It’s the smart thing to do for our industry.”
Jeff Rudes, founder and CEO of J Brand, said, “The combined talent driving this initiative will create the best show space in our industry. We support it and look forward to an evolution of concept and a curated experience that will help us anticipate trends and drive growth in our business through broader access to key retailers.”
In August, MAGIC Marketplace attracted some 81,000 attendees and more than 4,000 exhibiting companies, according to show organizers.
Last February, the biennial show spanned approximately 800,000 square feet and saw around 60,000 attendees and 3,800 of exhibitors.
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.
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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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