Emerald Expositions Acquires Swim Collective and Active Collective Trade Shows

August 12, 2016

Emerald Expositions scooped up a few more trade shows with the acquisition of the Swim Collective and Active Collective events from their founder Shannon Leggett.  

“The Collective trade shows have grown strongly over the last few years under Shannon’s leadership, and we are excited that they will now join Emerald’s Specialty Sports and Apparel Group, which includes leading trade shows such as Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer,” said Darrell Denny, executive vice president of Emerald Expositions.

He added, “The Collective shows are truly must-attend events and share many like qualities with our existing brands.”

Swim Collective, created in 2010 and now held seasonally twice a year, is the leading swimwear trade show on the West Coast.

Active Collective, launched in 2014 and also held twice a year, is recognized as the first activewear-only trade show and has built a national reputation for leading this fast-growing vertical category.

Both events are highly valued by retailers due to the curated selection of premium brands and for the opportunity they present to meet both established and up-and-coming new brands, according to show organizers. 

“It is gratifying to see how critical the Collective shows have become to the swimwear and activewear markets,” said Shannon Leggett.

He added, “I am confident that Collective’s exhibiting brands and attending retailers will benefit from Emerald’s presence in overlapping and adjacent markets, and also from Emerald’s scale, resources, infrastructure and industry relationships.”

Denny added, “Bringing Collective events into Emerald will allow us to quickly leverage the strengths of all our shows to enhance each individual show and create new and better opportunities for brands and retailers to succeed.”

Swim Collective recently was held Aug. 8-9 in Huntington Beach, Calif., followed by Active Collective Aug. 11-12, also in Huntington Beach.

Just more than a week ago, Emerald also acquired The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES), a gathering of wholesale souvenir, resort and gift buyers in the United States.

The team at Collective Trade Shows will join the Emerald organization. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.