George Little Management Buys Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition
November 8, 2012
George Little Management continues to expand its events portfolio with the acquisition of the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition, an e-commerce event, and related assets from Vertical Web Media for undisclosed terms.
The acquisition also included two other events – the Internet Retailer Mobile Marketing & Commerce Forum (MMCF) and Internet Retailer Web Design and Usability Conference (IRWD).
“The IRCE event presents top-quality, forward-looking conference content and continues to see strong growth as to both conference attendees and exhibition participants,” said Charles G. McCurdy, GLM chairman and CEO.
He added, “Because internet retailing and e-commerce are such important growth topics for the retailers and suppliers who attend GLM’s existing shows, this is a natural extension of GLM’s reach and impact within the supplier and retailer community.”
The IRCE sales, marketing and operations team will remain with the events group and operate as an independent division of GLM, according to GLM officials.
“We are extremely excited about this collaboration with GLM,” said Jack Love, Vertical Web Media’s chairman and publisher.
He added, “Our extensive knowledge of and contacts within the e-commerce and online retail space, combined with GLM’s tradeshow expertise and expansive reach within the retail community, lay a strong groundwork for future development of GLM events and Internet Retailer publications around the globe.”
Vertical Web Media will continue to provide conference agenda development, which features 100 sessions, speaker recruitment services and marketing support.
In addition, as part of the deal, Vertical Web Media will retain all of its media properties, including its Internet Retailer Magazine, news and informational web sites, e-mail newsletters and research databases and directories.
IRCE was launched in 2005 and quickly became one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the United States.
The event now attracts approximately 600 exhibitors and 9,000 attendees. Next year’s event will run June 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
“There is a high degree of fragmentation in the e-commerce space, with both established and new service providers competing for retailers’ business,” McCurdy said.
He added, “We know from our research that retailers and suppliers whom GLM supports are in a high-adoption phase of online marketing and e-commerce capabilities. IRCE gives us the ability to embed access to credible e-commerce content and suppliers into our existing shows, above and beyond IRCE’s strong base of participants and growth prospects.”
In addition, GLM plans to collocate e-commerce content and resources drawn from IRCE’s network with many of its existing shows beginning next year, according to GLM officials, as well as, possibly expand IRCE-related events in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
This latest acquisition adds to GLM’s retail portfolio that includes the biennial New York International Gift Fair, Surf Expo and The Stationary Show.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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