Emerald Expositions LLC, a U.S.-based trade show organizer, went on a buying spree recently and acquired several trade shows, each aimed at expanding the company’s gift, home, apparel, and merchandise-show portfolio in the face-to-face marketing industry.
Officials announced that they purchased International Gift Exposition in the Smokies, an event that attracts wholesale souvenir, resort, and gift buyers each November to Eastern Tennessee. That show was founded in 2000 by Susan Mills and Jerry Mayer, and it has grown to become one of the largest shows of its kind in the country. “For the longest time, we’ve had great respect for the Emerald organization and their shows in our market, particularly ASD Marketweek and Surf Expo,” said Mills. “Jerry and I look forward to being actively involved through this November’s show and will then provide our support and insights through the transition to Emerald and next year’s show.”
The company has also acquired Swim Collective and Active Collective trade shows, founded in 2010 and 2014 respectively by Shannon Leggett for the active-wear and swimwear markets. Swim Collective serves the West Coast with twice-yearly shows, and Active Collective is a twice-yearly national show that focuses exclusively on the active-wear industry. The shows will round out Emerald’s offerings in its Specialty Sports and Apparel Group, which currently includes trade shows such as Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer.
IGES will join Emerald’s Gift, Home, and General Merchandise brands, which include ASD Marketweek, NY NOW, and National Stationery Show, and Emerald’s executive vice president, Karalynn Sprouse, will oversee the newly added event.
