Industry Vet Paul Mackler Launches New Company, Buys Border Security Expo

May 16, 2012

Longtime trade show industry veteran Paul Mackler has launched Eagle Eye Expositions and already has started growing his portfolio with the purchase of the Border Security Expo from E.J. Krause & Associates.

Mackler is CEO and president of the new company that was formed by former trade show and media entrepreneur investors.

“There were certain dynamics and growth characteristics that really attracted me to Border Security Expo,” Mackler said of the acquisition.

He added, “This is a large, growing, global and sustainable multi-billion dollar marketplace. I look forward to working with U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the show’s distinguished advisory board, faculty and exhibitor base to build upon what E.J. Krause & Associates had developed.”

The show focuses on international border security, and this year’s event had a 24-percent increase in exhibit space with a waiting list of more than 70 companies.

Attendance also saw an uptick of 21 percent and event participants visited from 40 states and 10 countries.

Ned Krause, president and CEO of E.J. Krause, said of the sale, ““We plan on utilizing the proceeds from this sale to continue to support (our) global growth strategy.”

Mackler has a strong history in the trade show industry, with previous positions as chairman of HMP Communications Holdings; president and CEO of Cygnus Business Media; president of Reed Exhibition Companies, N.A.: and principal and CEO of CMC, a privately held trade show and conference producer.      

Also coming on board at Eagle Eye Expositions is another industry veteran, John Moriarty, who most recently was vice president of sales and marketing at Hannover Fairs USA.

Prior to Hannover, Moriarty held senior management positions at Penton Media as group show director and was an event director at Reed Exhibitions.

During his 11 year tenure at Reed, Moriarty spent six years on the International Security Conference portfolio as group sales director.

“I am extremely excited to join Eagle Eye Expositions and take charge of the Border Security Expo,” Moriarty said.

He added, “This event serves an incredible important function in bringing together the brave men and women who protect our national borders, and the many companies who provide the necessary tools, technology and services to help them achieve their critical mission.”

The Border Security Expo conference and exhibition focuses on issues of terrorism, drug smuggling, human trafficking and technological infrastructure.

The next Border Security Expo is on tap March 12-13 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Add new comment

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