Marketplace Events Acquires 31 Shows from Master Promotions in Largest Acquisition to Date
July 02 2024 - 12:00PM
Marketplace Events (MPE), North America’s largest
business-to-consumer show producer, today announced the expansion
of their Canadian business with the acquisition of 31 events from
Master Promotions, Ltd. of Saint John, NB, Canada’s largest
independent trade and consumer event management company. The
acquisition will take MPE’s Canadian business into 15 new Canadian
markets and Alaska.
“We’re absolutely
thrilled about this acquisition,” said Mark White, CEO of
Marketplace Events. “It’s a monumental step for us, bringing 31
incredible shows and expanding our presence into 15 new Canadian
markets and Alaska. This deal not only increases our portfolio but
also strengthens our ability to deliver top-notch events across
North America. We’re excited to welcome the talented teams from
these shows into the MPE family. We will continue to grow these
dynamic events, providing exceptional experiences for exhibitors
and attendees alike, and driving success in each local market.”
The 31-show deal which includes 14 sport/outdoor
shows, 7 home shows and 10 trade events, is the largest acquisition
in MPE’s history and brings the total number of events produced by
the company to 111. All staff currently associated with the 31
shows will become employees of Marketplace Events and continue in
their current roles.
“Same great shows, same great people. Over the
last 50 years, we’ve built a strong brand across Canada with the
help of our dedicated and skilled staff,” said Wendell Howes,
President of Master Promotions, Ltd., one of the most recognized
names in the trade show industry in Canada with a reputation for
producing high quality, successful events. “I’m really happy that
MPE will continue with these amazing people and I believe only
great things can happen with this portfolio of events. Now is the
perfect time to hand this business over to North America’s leading
show producer. I’ve seen how they’ve grown their other
acquisitions, and I’m confident in the future of these shows in
their capable hands. Their advanced tools and processes will make
doing business with us easier, and I know our incredible staff will
thrive in the positive MPE culture.”
The acquisition includes seven home shows, all
in new markets for the company. MPE already has a strong presence
throughout Canada in the consumer home show sector operating 15
market leading home shows in Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary,
Edmonton and Winnipeg. Additionally, the company’s VP of Western
Canada, Jill Kivett, also serves as the current president of CAEM
(The Canadian Association of Exposition Management).
The purchase of the 14
sport/outdoor shows, which includes 13 Canadian shows and the Great
Alaska Sportsman Show in Anchorage, AK, comes just three months
after MPE announced it was entering the sport/outdoor category with
their acquisition of four US events in March from O’Loughlin Trade
Shows (OTS), the premier consumer event producer in the Pacific
Northwest.
The deal also includes
10 trade events, in the heavy equipment, fisheries, forestry and
technology sectors. While Marketplace Events has
primarily operated business-to-consumer shows, the company operated
a trade show in the motorcycle category which they eventually sold.
“We are excited for the opportunity to re-enter the trade show
category,” said Mark White, CEO of Marketplace Events.
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CONTACT:Jenny AdamsThe Adams
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ABOUT MARKETPLACE EVENTS
Marketplace Events creates vibrant expositions connecting
enthusiasts with experts, products and services in dynamic
face-to-face environments. The company produces more than 100
business-to-consumer and trade shows in North America including
almost 70 home and garden shows, 18 sport and outdoor shows, 16
holiday shows and 10 regional trade shows. The 100+ combined
events, in 53 markets, currently attract 30,000 exhibitors, 2.5
million attendees and another 5 million unique web visitors
annually. The company produces some of the most successful and
longest-running shows in North America, including market-leading
shows in Seattle, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Vancouver, Calgary and
Montreal—some of which have thrived in their markets for more than
75 years. For a full list of upcoming events visit
www.marketplaceevents.com.