ReedPOP Expands Its Gaming Community Presence with Gamer Network Acquisition
February 26, 2018
ReedPOP, producer of games and pop culture live events, has expanded its business beyond event production for the first time by acquiring Gamer Network and its portfolio of events, websites and video channels.
Home to popular editorial and community websites and YouTube channels, Gamer Network boasts well-known flagship brands including Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, GamesIndustry.biz, VG247, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry and USgamer.
Founded in 1999, the company also organizes EGX, the U.K.’s biggest games event, as well as indie games event, EGX Rezzed.
By combining the two portfolios, ReedPOP will have the opportunity to combine its live games events across four continents with a large, dedicated worldwide online community of more than 50 million monthly users while ensuring its events and digital channels are focused squarely on the communities they serve, according to Reed Exhibitions officials.
“Gamer Network is one of the world’s leading voices for gamers and gaming culture,” said Lance Fensterman, global head of ReedPOP.
He continued, “The opportunity to be in business with Rupert Loman and the brands, events and team he has created is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bringing ReedPOP and Gamer Network together, PAX and EGX together – these are the kinds of mash-ups you dream of. We are beyond excited to dream up new concepts that will blow the minds of fans all over the world.”
Since the debut of ReedPOP’s first event in 2006, the sold-out New York Comic Con, the group has remained focused on producing one-of-a-kind experiences for passionate audiences and growing the industries surrounding those passions. This has led to consistent audience growth, with the flagship PAX events now known as North America and Australia’s largest consumer games shows.
Besides NYCC and PAX West, East, South and Australia, ReedPOP’s event portfolio includes Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2); Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC); MCM Comic Con; BookCon; Oz Comic Con; Comic Con India; Comic Con Paris; Comic Con Seoul; Star Wars Celebration; TwitchCon and ComplexCon.
Loman, who is founder and CEO of Gamer Network, expressed excitement about joining the ReedPOP group and its company culture.
“The ambition and strategy that we share means we’re extremely excited about what’s next,” Loman said. “The combination of our online channels and European events with their internationally respected U.S. footprint is a powerful one.”
He continued, “I’m so proud that we’ve managed to grow to this point without any external investment and on our own terms. Gamer Network has achieved 18 consecutive years of revenue and audience growth by focusing completely on the needs and passions of our visitors, readers and viewers, and I couldn’t be happier to have found a like-minded partner to take the company further. I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to our incredible journey and I’m really looking forward to seeing where we can take things from here.”
Loman will remain with the company to focus on ReedPOP’s global games strategy and expansion, while Simon Maxwell is being promoted from his current role as COO to managing director of Gamer Network and vice president of ReedPOP UK. Gamer Network’s new 11,000 square foot headquarters in Brighton is set to open next week.
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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