New Business Deals: Skyline Exhibits, CloserStill Media and More Make Strategic Acquisitions, Ink New Partnerships
February 7, 2023
As the trade show industry gears up for a busy 2023, event-related companies throughout the U.S. and across the pond are moving forward with strategic acquisitions and partnerships designed to empower and prepare them for a year of robust growth. Take a look!
Skyline Exhibits
Eagan, Minn.-based trade show exhibit company Skyline Exhibits kicked off the new year on a strong growth trajectory by acquiring two of its authorized dealer offices—one in New York and one in California—as part of a strategic effort to provide a seamless client experience and additional expert resources.
Serving clients in Long Island and upstate New York from its office in Hauppauge, N.Y., Skyline New York is an established provider of high-impact, custom modular exhibit solutions that has worked with companies including Bankers Health Group, T.D. Ameritrade, Kyriba, Fannie Mae and ICM Controls.
Owner Bob Watson, a 30-year trade show and events industry veteran with a background in custom exhibits, has worked closely with Skyline Exhibits since 2006 and will continue supporting his client base.
“We look forward to collaborating more closely as we officially join the Skyline Exhibits team,” Watson said. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Skyline team and view this as a springboard for us to reach new heights for our clients, as it offers additional support and expertise with seamless services regardless of their location or venue.”
Since receiving investment from Gemspring Capital in 2020, Skyline Exhibits has continued to grow over the past two years, investing in production assets and completing dealer acquisitions. According to Skyline officials, the company is preparing for a busy year with new members of the executive team recently added and significant investments made in new technology and equipment.
“Our clients are ramping up for a busy 2023,” said Anthony Floreano, CEO of Skyline. “This acquisition will help us to grow and provide an even better experience for our clients in the Long Island and upstate New York area.”
Serving clients throughout the northern California market, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Reno, Nev., Skyline Bay Area is a top-tier dealer boasting more than 20 years in business and multiple dealer awards in recognition of its performance.
Owned by Chuck Boyle and Lorraine Stewart, Skyline Bay Area has built a loyal client base of more than 1,000 companies, including Guidewire Software, Check Point, Amerit Fleet Solutions, FreeWire and Puronics.
The acquisition agreement, which unifies two long-term partners dedicated to helping brand marketers with their exhibiting programs, includes Boyle and several key members of his team joining Skyline Exhibits.
“We have built a strong relationship with Skyline over the years as an authorized dealer and are excited to take this next step,” Boyle said. “Officially joining the Skyline team provides us with additional resources and expertise to ensure our client’s exhibiting experience is seamless and exceeds their expectations.”
This acquisition marks the second to close in 2023 and the third since the company received investment from Gemspring Capital.
CloserStill Media
U.K.-based CloserStill Media, a market-leading global business events, exhibitions and conferences producer, recently purchased a majority stake in CommerceNext, a leading U.S.-based company focused on the ecommerce sector.
As a community, event series and conference for marketers at retail and direct-to-consumer brands, CommerceNext produces and hosts the annual CommerceNext Ecommerce Growth Show and the CommerceNexty Awards program, as well as podcasts, webinars, industry research, an executive dinner series and an online community.
“We are delighted to be bringing the CommerceNext U.S. conferences and events business into ClosersStill Media U.S.,” said Yancy Weinrich, president of CloserStill Media North America. “CSM runs successful ecommerce events in the U.K., Singapore and Spain, so this will allow the teams at CommerceNext and CloserStill Media to collaborate globally with the content, commercial sales and audience development to add even more firepower to the already successful events around the country.”
Founded in 2017 by ecommerce and marketing technologies industry veterans Veronika Sonsev, Scott Silverman and Allan Dick, CommerceNext has successfully developed an engaged community through the delivery of custom content, B2B events and networking opportunities to its community of ecommerce and marketing leaders.
CommerceNext will retain its existing operating structure with Silverman, Sonsev and Dick leading the business, working alongside CloserStill Media’s U.S. leadership led by Weinrich.
“Joining forces with CloserStill Media gives CommerceNext the resources to deliver even more amazing conferences and events for our growing community of ecommerce executives,” Silverman said. “We look forward to tapping into CloserStill Media’s deep experience in delivering best-in-class business conferences to bring more value to the CommerceNext community.”
CompuSystems
Leading registration, data analytics and lead retrieval services provider CompuSystems (CSI) recently inked a new deal and renewed an existing agreement with two association clients.
In December, CSI renewed its contract with the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) through 2025. CSI will provide event registration, data analytics and lead capture services for WPGA’s 73rd Annual Western Propane Trade Show & Convention, which attracts more than 200 exhibiting companies.
CSI also signed a new contract with the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), a non-profit trade service organization representing manufacturers, distributors, retailers and room operators in the billiard and home recreation industry. CSI will supply event registration, analytics and lead management services for the BCA Billiard & Home Leisure Expo (BCA Expo), which is collocating with Amusement Expo International (AEI), which will be held March 27–30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“We are excited and thrilled to start this new relationship with BCA,” said Mark LoGiurato, CEO of CSI. “We are confident we can help the BCA team achieve an amazing event experience with our best-in-class registration technology and customer service.”
Have an event-related business deal to share? Please send announcements to lpsavas@tsnn.com.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
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.
Add new comment