Diversified Sells Two Australia-based Show Portfolios to Newly Formed Talk2 Media & Events
March 14, 2016
Diversified Communications has sold two of its Australia-based show portfolios - Good Food & Wine Shows and Fitness & Health Expos - to their international director, Matthew Pearce, and finance director, Steve Malbourne.
Pearce and Malbourne have stepped down to launch their new company, Talk2 Media & Events. All of the product and support teams that serve the two groups of shows have all been offered roles withTalk2 Media & Events.
“This is an exciting and mutually beneficial business decision. We are pleased that our Australia division can now focus on our trade events, while knowing our consumer events are in the best of hands,” said Theodore Wirth, president and CEO of Diversified Communications.
He added, “Diversified is proud of the business opportunities we give our employees. This, however, is the first time employees have launched a business through the acquisition of our products. We wish Matt and Steve and their staff great success as they continue to grow these exceptional consumer products.”
With Pearce’s departure, Diversified Communications Australia will now solely be led by General Manager David Longman and his leadership team.
Longman was promoted to general manager in October of 2014 after 10 years with the company.
“This decision allows the Australian division to focus on our core capabilities and business investments around the trade show and conference models. We will continue to seek launch and acquisition opportunities within the trade show and conference markets and are keen to explore industry specific content opportunities in Australia.” Longman said.
He added, “Matt and his team are passionate about consumer events. Knowing the staff and the brands are in good hands was an important part of the decision to divest. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Matt and Steve and the teams involved in these consumer events for their dedication to Diversified; and whilst we wish Matt, Steve and his team all the very best for the future, we are equally excited for what lies ahead for Diversified Communications Australia.”
Wirth and his corporate team will directly oversee Diversified Communications’ Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong divisions. T
hey will be working with Longman, Kavin Kittiboonya – managing director of Diversified Communications Thailand and Stuart Bailey – managing director of Diversified Communications Hong Kong.
Bailey will take on oversight responsibilities of HRM Asia, Diversified’s division in Singapore. He will be working with Joanna Bush, the newly appointed executive general manager of HRM Asia.
“We look forward to working more closely with these strong leaders to provide corporate support as they continue to grow their businesses and produce valuable media solutions to their diverse industries,” Wirth said.
He added, “Our Asia-Pacific divisions have portfolios of market-leading trade shows, publications and digital communities serving the food and beverage, business management, travel and transportation, building and construction, oil and gas, waste and recycling, education, technology and retail business sectors.”
Partner Voices
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
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