A B2C show producer, an exhibition graphics provider, and two experiential event agencies announced major acquisitions, expansions, and partnerships in recent weeks. 

Marketplace Events Scoops Up Five Holiday Craft Shows in Oklahoma 

B2C show producer Marketplace Events (MPE) has expanded its event portfolio by acquiring five established craft shows from Oklahoma-based Affair of the Heart Inc. The acquisition includes two shows in Tulsa, Okla., and three in Oklahoma City, Okla., all named Braum’s Affair of the Heart. Boasting a four-decade history in their respective markets, the events collectively attract approximately 1,500 exhibitors and 75,000 attendees annually.  

MPE already has a successful presence in Oklahoma, producing two longstanding home shows in Oklahoma City. With this purchase, MPE increases its holiday and craft show portfolio to 21 events nationwide. 

“We have always done very well in the Oklahoma market and look forward to adding these events to our roster,” said Mark White, CEO of Marketplace Events, “These are Oklahoma’s largest and longest running shopping events with a long history of success and a great partner in Braum’s, offering a solid foundation on which to continue growing these shows for years to come.” 

For Affair of the Heart, the sale marks a significant transition.  

“It is a bittersweet time for our team as we have loved producing these events, but we know they will be in excellent hands with Marketplace Events,” said Anita Hinkle, president of Affair of the Heart. 

To ensure continuity and experienced oversight, all five newly acquired shows will be managed by Tina Robinson, a veteran group manager at MPE. 

MPE creates dynamic face-to-face environments that connect enthusiasts with experts, products, and services. The company portfolio now includes more than 100 B2C and B2B trade shows across North America, including nearly 70 home and garden shows;19 sport and outdoor shows; 21 holiday shows; and 11 regional trade shows.  

Moss Opens New Location in Barcelona 

Moss, an international producer of premium graphics, complex structures and custom installations for branded experiences, has continued to expand its European presence with the recent opening of a new location in Barcelona. 

“With the opening of our new office in Barcelona, we are reinforcing our commitment to service, meaning we’re fast, reliable, personal, and in close proximity to our customers,” explained Peter Bottenberg, managing director of Moss Europe and the new Spain location. “Our goal is to be wherever our customers need us. We see ourselves as a true partner, and that’s exactly what we’re now bringing to life in Spain.” 

Located near Fira de Barcelona, one of Europe’s leading exhibition venues, the new location enables the quick and efficient delivery of Moss’s high-quality graphics across Spain, with shorter lead times, according to Moss officials. 

“Barcelona is one of the most important trade fair and event locations in Europe,” said Jason Popp, president and CEO of Moss. “With its proximity to Fira de Barcelona, one of the largest exhibition centers in the world, and numerous other international event venues, this step is a logical move for Moss and a real added value for our clients in Spain.  

The new office is being led by Marc Montenegro, who now serves as the local contact for clients, partners, and prospective customers.  

As a global production partner for branded experiences boasting more than 45 years of expertise, Moss serves diverse end markets including exhibits, live events and sports, retail and environments. Headquartered outside Chicago, the company maintains a global presence with locations in the UK, Germany, and Poland.  

FOXDOG Joins Forces with TPG 

Event creative and production strategy firm FoxDog Consultants and trade show and event marketing agency TPG Trade Show + Event Marketing recently announced a strategic integration reconfiguring the focus of both agencies while combining their strengths under one streamlined cooperative. 

FoxDog will simplify its brand to FOXDOG, becoming the backbone of creative and production elements, while folding in the interactive media creation capabilities of TPG spinoff agency, Color & Light Creative Agency. Meanwhile, TPG will focus on fulfilling clients’ booth design and fulfillment needs along with show services management to round out a plethora of offerings that are built to be custom designed to meet the needs of individual clients. 

“This integration isn’t about incremental change, it’s about changing the way event teams are created and the way that agencies are viewed by clients,” explained Bryan Pray, managing principal of FOXDOG. “For decades, agencies have operated with rigid roles and clunky red tape that slow down creativity. We’re tearing that model apart with the goal of prioritizing impactful events at a better benefit-cost ratio. The goal is to set a new standard for what’s possible in this industry.” 

He added that by deconstructing the outdated silos of account management, creative, and production, and by pruning out the overhead costs, this integration creates a more agile agency that seamlessly integrates strategy, creativity, and execution to deliver faster, smarter, and more innovative event solutions at a better cost value to clients. 

The two agencies have already spent more than a decade collaborating on some of the most ambitious and high-profile trade show experiences, general sessions, meetings and events, according to TPG officials.  

“Every project we’ve worked together with FOXDOG has exceeded the expectations of our clients, optimized the potential of our creative and production talent, and proven that when you break down walls between teams, magic happens,” said Christina Piedlow, president and CEO of TPG. “This isn’t just a natural evolution; it’s a necessary one. The events industry is changing, and we can lead that charge.” 

Lead image: Attendees at a Braum's Affair of the Heart event in Oklahoma. Courtesy of Marketplace Events