IAEE to Acquire Exhibitor Group

The purchase of Exhibitor magazine and Exhibitor Live, an exhibition for trade show and corporate event professionals, aims to create a comprehensive exhibition community.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Exhibitor Group, publisher of Exhibitor magazine and producer of Exhibitor Live, a gathering for trade show and corporate event professionals.

Both organizations will continue to operate as they do today — with no changes to staff, leadership or day-to-day operations. Exhibitor magazine and Exhibitor Live will continue without interruption, and IAEE's programs and services remain intact.

The acquisition aims to unite exhibition organizers and exhibitors within one ecosystem, creating a community that spans the entire event lifecycle and value chain. By integrating Exhibitor Group's expertise in exhibit and corporate event marketing with IAEE's leadership in exhibition organization, the combined organization aims to offer enhanced value to all stakeholders.

"This acquisition reflects our commitment to building a more comprehensive and inclusive exhibitions and events industry," said Marsha Flanagan, CEM, president and CEO of IAEE. "By expanding our universe to include the vital perspectives of exhibit and brand managers, we're creating a unified space where all voices are heard and represented. This is more than an acquisition. It's a change that will elevate the entire exhibitions and events industry."

Serving the exhibit ecosystem 

Star Exhibits & Environments CEO Mark Johnson acquired the Exhibitor Group in 2022 to preserve a critical industry voice during a time of uncertainty and disruption after the pandemic. "As we grew our overall experiential-marketing business, we recognized that Exhibitor needed a dedicated owner to fully realize its potential," said Johnson. "IAEE acquiring Exhibitor is a rare opportunity for two market leaders to come together to serve the entire exhibit ecosystem and its stakeholders from exposition managers to event marketers to industry suppliers."

Brian Pagel, executive vice president of business development for Emerald Expositions and chair of the IAEE Board, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition. "This acquisition reinforces IAEE’s commitment to innovation and connection across the exhibitions and events community. By integrating Exhibitor Group’s trusted education, insights and community into IAEE’s global association framework, we are creating a powerful platform for growth — expanding the value delivered to organizers, exhibitors and suppliers across the full event lifecycle."

Expanding member resources

Through the purchase, IAEE members will receive access to expanded resources, insights and networking opportunities with exhibit and brand managers, creating a more holistic understanding of exhibition success.

Those in the Exhibitor Group community will continue to have access to the publication and the Exhibitor LIVE event, now enhanced with expanded access to IAEE's extensive resources, including connections to organizers and suppliers, plus comprehensive professional and personal development tools.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized by April 30. Following the completion of the acquisition, IAEE will work closely with the Exhibitor team to ensure a seamless integration of operations and maximum impact for all stakeholders.

Source: NorthstarMeetingsGroup.com