Marketplace Events Expand Portfolio with Shows in Indiana, Virginia
September 27, 2016
Marketplace Events continues to expand its fast-growing portfolio, most recently with a few more shows in Indiana and Virginia.
The company bought two shows in Indianapolis, Ind., and three home shows in Richmond, Va., bringing its portfolio to 51 shows including 47 consumer home shows and four holiday shows.
The company purchased the Indiana Flower & Patio Show, which began in 1958, along with the 67-year-old Christmas Gift & Hobby Show, from HSI Show Productions of Indianapolis.
Both shows run at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where Marketplace Events already runs the Indianapolis Home Show, one of the longest-running home shows in North America.
“We have worked alongside the HSI show team in Indianapolis for a very long time. They produce quality events that deliver solid results for their exhibitors, many of whom are already customers of Marketplace Events,” said Brent Keller, vice president at Marketplace Events who also spent 15 years as manager of the Indianapolis Home Show.
He added, “We are very enthusiastic about folding these events into our portfolio, growing these shows and expanding our business in the Indianapolis market,” he continued.
The Richmond acquisition includes the purchase of three home shows from Royal Productions and comes just five months after announcing that Marketplace Events planned to launch a new home show at the Convention Center in February 2017. “Richmond is a strong and thriving market,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. “This move allows us to consolidate and deliver a quality home show experience three times a year—two events at the Richmond Raceway Complex and our launch at the Convention Center.”
The acquisitions are a continuation of the company’s aggressive growth strategy, which has seen the company acquire 11 shows and launch nine others in the past two years alone. Of those, seven were added since February 2 of this year when Marketplace Events was purchased by Sentinel Capital Partners
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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