Tarsus Connect Acquires BizBash

December 2, 2019

Tarsus Connect has today announced the purchase of BizBash, the iconic trade media company for event and meeting planners, further expanding Connect’s market-leading position. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition of BizBash adds four premier events — including the BizBash Live in New York and L.A. shows for event pros — to the current Connect portfolio of more than 30 national, regional and vertically focused events around the United States. Connect will now also publish two of BizBash’s popular magazines and oversee all of its digital properties. In cities where Connect and BizBash events overlap, they will collocate and combine efforts, including some pop-up events in markets new to BizBash.

“After nearly 20 years building the BizBash brand, we are thrilled to be joining forces with Connect to create a next-generation event and media company to serve organizers and marketers of all types,” said David Adler, BizBash CEO and founder. It is a marriage that will inspire collaboration not only in the meeting, event and event marketing industries but will have an impact on the 60 million people who attend the events, conferences, festivals, meetings and gatherings planned by our diverse organizers."

Adler will remain with the business and will continue in capacity of chairman. 

Chris Collinson, president and founder of Tarsus Connect, echoed Adler’s enthusiasm. “BizBash brings a new perspective to the Connect portfolio, rounding out the tools that event organizers use to make their events more effective.

He continued, "Connect has excelled in assisting meeting planners with site-selection needs; however, BizBash inspires a different audience of event professionals with education on design, inspiration and technology that creates a meaningful experience and wow factor for event attendees.”

Commenting on the deal, Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie, said, “Having known David Adler for almost 20 years, I’m delighted to be finally working with him on how to shape events for the future. This is a really exciting acquisition for the Group and our dynamic Connect division.

Emslie continued, "The addition of BizBash to the growing Tarsus Connect portfolio heralds a phase of further growth and access to new markets. The U.S. is one of the world’s largest exhibition markets and a key area of focus for us. We have already identified numerous opportunities to grow both brands thanks to the synergies created by this acquisition.”

The acquisition closes out a record-breaking year for Tarsus Connect, which has seen the company’s growth propelled by its expansion into new markets and verticals, including the launch of Connect Medical, Connect Tech and Connect Midwest.

Photo credit: Haute Photography and Videography for BizBash

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Partner Voices
Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? Our team was at The Big Game’s handoff ceremony earlier this month, and I couldn’t help but think, “We’re going to crush it next year!”  These high-profile events and venues not only drive excitement, but also provide unmatched opportunities for event planners. Allegiant Stadium hosts events from 10 to 65,000 people and offers on-field experiences. Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas in November, after the year-one F1 race, the four-story paddock building will be available for buyouts and will also offer daily ride-along experiences that will be available for groups. And, of course, the MSG Sphere officially announced that it will open in September, ahead of schedule, with a U2 residency. It’s going to be the most technologically advanced venue as far as lighting, sound, feel, and even scent, and it will be available for buyouts and next-level sponsorships inside and outside. 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As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees. What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events? We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.  Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. 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Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.