Arc Grows U.S. Presence With Acquisition of LRP Media's HR Tech and Ed Tech Portfolios
October 14, 2022
London-based Arc, a global B2B events, data and media platform, is expanding its U.S. footprint with plans to purchase two major portfolios from LRP Media Group, serving business and education professionals worldwide.
Arc signed an agreement to acquire LRP Media Group’s event and related media assets serving the HR technology (HR tech) and education technology (ed tech) sectors. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The acquisition, which will be the sixth and largest for Arc in the 14 months since the company’s inception, is intended to add substantial scale to the overall Arc platform. The new assets will also significantly expand the Arc network in the U.S., creating a robust complement to Arc’s European business, according to Simon Foster, group CEO of Arc.
“This is a major development for Arc,” Foster said. “The acquisition will expand our capabilities and operations in the U.S. and bring an experienced team, strong brands and more high-growth verticals into the network.”
Foster applauded LRP Media Group’s HR tech and ed tech teams for their impressive track record of launching and developing their nine brands, which include two prominent events: HR Technology Conference and Expo, which recently held its 25th annual in-person show at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, and the National Future of Education Technology Conference, set to hold its 43rd annual show Jan. 23-26 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
“We’re looking forward to working with our new colleagues to grow these portfolios and to further develop Arc in the United States,” Foster added.
According to Ken Kahn, president and founder of LRP Media Group, the teams responsible for the nine brands in the HR tech and ed tech portfolios have done a fantastic job transforming and expanding them into best-in-class offerings over many years.
“We are incredibly proud of the teams and brands and believe that we have found a great home for them with Simon and the Arc team,” Kahn said. “We look forward to watching them succeed in this new era.”
The new portfolios reflect Arc’s strategy to connect business communities wherever, whenever and however they need, according to Foster, providing a diverse range of engagement solutions for facilitating networking and business growth. Professionals are brought together through networking and educational events including the HR Technology Conference and Expo and the Future of Education Technology Conference, as well as through content platforms such as HR Executive, District Administration and University Business.
With the acquisition, Arc, which is backed by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, now boasts more than 120 events per year and content platforms in HR technology, agriculture and food, financial services, investing technology and education technology.
Other Arc Investments
The LRP Media Group deal comes on the heels of several other acquisitions by Arc this year and last year, including the following.
- In August, Arc purchased its first U.S.-based business, HighQuest Group, which produces media and events for the agribusiness sector worldwide under four brands: Global AgInvesting, Women in Agribusiness, Unconventional Ag and Ag Clubs.
- In May, Arc made its first investment in Europe, partnering with Netherlands-based Bridge2Food, a global leader in the plant-based foods and alternative proteins sector that produces summits and academy courses around the world.
- In November 2021, Arc acquired five rural and leisure sector U.K. events from Fortem International: Farm Business Innovation, Holiday Park & Resort Innovation, Family Attraction Expo, Country House Business Innovation and Leisure Food & Beverage Expo.
- In August 2021, Arc acquired the U.K. agriculture portfolio of AgriBriefing, which includes LAMMA, the U.K.’s leading farm machinery, equipment and services exhibition, and Farmers Guardian, an editorial platform and digital services company.
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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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