Emerald Expositions Events Acquires Connecting Point Marketing Group
November 30, 2017
Emerald Expositions Events acquired Connecting Point Marketing Group from lower-middle market private equity firm Corridor Capital, mezzanine investor Aldine Capital Partners and management.
Founded by Nancy Splaine and Kim Haulk in 2004 in Rye, N.H., CPMG organizes and hosts nine senior executive level business-intensive trade events focused on innovation for the hospitality, restaurant, healthcare, grocery and retail industries.
These four-day events are curated, invitation-only forums that bring together leaders in each vertical market. Events include RestaurantPoint East and West, HotelPoint, HealthPoint and StorePoint, among others.
“We have been innovators in the hosted trade event business, benefitting from growth and change in the industries we serve, and I believe that our events will continue to be an important forum for business to be done in the future,” Splaine said.
She added, “At this point in CPMG’s evolution, we are excited to leverage the experience and market relationships of the various Emerald brand teams, take advantage of Emerald’s resources and infrastructure and bring new capabilities to the Emerald portfolio.”
Under this “hosted-buyer” model, CPMG curates the buyer attendees and covers the cost of travel, hotel and meals for all attending buyers, and then generates revenue from the sale of supplier participation packages and sponsorship opportunities.
CPMG’s proprietary technologies customize the event experience for both buyers and suppliers, and create significant internal efficiencies, a well-conceived user experience and broad data insights.
CPMG has demonstrated strong organic growth since its inception and, similarly to Emerald, benefits from favorable cash characteristics and good visibility into future performance, according to Emerald officials.
The CPMG team of 19 employees, all based in Rye, has more than 165 years of combined experience working in the events industry.
The entire team will join Emerald, and Splaine, senior vice president/general manager of CPMG, will report to David Loechner, CEO and president of Emerald Expositions.
“Nancy, Kim and the entire CPMG team have built a great business with an impressive track record of organic growth,” Loechner said.
He added, “We are very pleased to add CPMG’s best in class capabilities, industry relationships and technologies to the Emerald portfolio, to complement our existing expertise in trade shows, conferences and other face-to-face events.”
Corridor CEO, Craig Enenstein, said, “Corridor Capital has been honored to work with the Connecting Point Marketing Group team to increase its pace of new event implementation, build out more scalable infrastructure and optimize the use of its robust data analytics capabilities. CPMG is a true thought leader in the hosted trade event business offering an exceptional level of service and value to its partners. We believe that the scale and scope of Emerald’s operations and their commitment to preserving the culture of CPMG will only help them improve this offering and reach a broader audience.”
JEGI, an independent investment bank for the global media, information, marketing, software and tech-enabled services sectors, was the exclusive financial advisor to CPMG in this transaction. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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.
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