Fern Acquires Triumph Expo & Events, DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services

April 1, 2019

Cincinnati, Ohio-based event production services provider Fern has acquired Seattle-based Triumph Expo & Events and Portland-based DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services.

The two event services companies will both operate under the Fern brand, while the leadership from both organizations will be integrated into the existing Fern leadership team.

Not only will Fern’s move into the Pacific Northwest allow the company to serve this growing market for its existing customers more effectively, but also the acquisitions of Triumph and DWA represent a natural integration of shared philosophical values and approaches to customer service, according to Fern officials. 

“Both Triumph and DWA are the preferred contractor in the markets they serve while also having a core customer base they serve across North America,” said Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern.

He added, “I have personally known the leadership of both Triumph and DWA for many years and have great respect for the values and culture they have instilled in their businesses. We are very excited to have the teams from both companies join the Fern family.”

With a focus on solution-oriented processes that assist their clients in realizing their goals, Triumph is a 20-year-old event services company that has grown and evolved from a small, local trade show contracting company to a full-service marketing partner boasting a national client base. 

“As Triumph celebrates its 20thAnniversary, we are excited for this next chapter where we will be better able to meet the needs of our clients directly, regardless of location and with additional services,” said Christine Skrak, founder and owner of Triumph.

According to Dave White and Patti Beyer, owners of DWA, which has been serving the Northwest region for more than 40 years, being able to combine with Fern will allow DWA to provide greater opportunities for its employees while allowing the expansion of its client services.

To ensure a smooth and effective transition as Fern integrates Triumph and DWA into its company culture, all business and customer-facing aspects associated with event servicing and production will remain unchanged, according to Fern officials. 

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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