The International Association of Exhibitions and Events finalized its acquisition of Exhibitor Group as planned yesterday, a deal initially announced in February. Upon closing, the organization revealed some details about the integration strategy, which will adhere to the objectives of leadership continuity, program preservation and expanded benefits for the combined community of exhibition organizers and exhibitors.
The newly created Exhibitor Group Division of IAEE will be led by general manager Stephanie Gibbs, CTSM, who had been serving as both general manager and director of events for Exhibitor Group prior to the acquisition. She will oversee all Exhibitor Group brands, including Exhibitor magazine, the ExhibitorLive trade show and the Certified Trade Show Marketer certification program.
"We're committed to preserving what makes these brands invaluable to our industry while enhancing their reach and impact through IAEE's global network," said IAEE president and CEO Marsha Flanagan, CEM. "Stephanie’s leadership ensures that the quality and innovation our community expects will not only continue but flourish."
Gibbs highlighted the benefits of aligning exhibitors with exhibition organizers. "By uniting Exhibitor Group’s deep expertise in education and engagement with IAEE’s global platform, we're creating a more connected, informed and empowered industry," she said."Our focus is on elevating the role of exhibitors and ensuring they have the tools, insights and community they need to succeed in an evolving events landscape."
There was no reduction in staff as a result of the acquisition.
Merging the main events
In December 2028, ExhibitorLive will be integrated with Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting and Exhibition. The inaugural fusion of the major industry events will take place in Las Vegas, and will coincide with IAEE's 100th anniversary. The combined event will bring together organizers, exhibitors, suppliers and stakeholders.
"Bringing these two premier events together into one location to mark IAEE’s centennial year creates an unparalleled opportunity for connection, learning and celebration," said Flanagan.
Strengthening the exhibitions industry
IAEE executives see the unification of these segments as extremely beneficial to the overall health of the exhibitions industry. Among the benefits they've cited are:
• Stronger industry advocacy, providing a unified voice for exhibition organizers and corporate event marketers;
• Research across the exhibitions ecosystem that encompasses exhibitor ROI, booth strategy, audience engagement and attendee expectations;
• An expanded professional community and global network of peers and additional suppliers;
• Broader reach for the respected Certified Trade Show Marketer and Certified in Exhibition Management professional credentials, and
• A unique cross-ecosystem perspective, offering insight into the organizer and suppliers sides of the industry and bolstering partnerships.
