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.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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