Wicks Group Buys Northstar Travel Media
July 8, 2012
Northstar Travel Media, a business-to-business media company serving the travel industry, has gone from one private equity owner – BV Investment Partners – to another, Wicks Group, which purchased the company for an undisclosed sum.
“We are very impressed with the growth of Northstar Travel Media over the last few years during challenging economic conditions,” said Dan Kortick, a managing partner at Wicks.
He added, “The management team has done an excellent job of migrating its core business to an integrated information and marketing solutions company. We are excited about partnering with the current management team to continue to grow the Company through product development and strategic acquisitions.”
Northstar publishes meetings magazines such as Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings and Meeting News, as well as travel publications Travel Weekly, Business Travel News and TravelAge West.
In addition, Northstar produces more than 20 face-to-face events, including the Travel Weekly Home Based Agent Shows in Fort Lauderdale and Seattle and meetings events such as the Meetings and Incentives Summit.
Along with the print publications, Northstar also publishes several e-publications, and it owns PhoCusWright, a research and event producer serving the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry - online travel distribution.
“We are very pleased to welcome Wicks as our new partner to provide the capital and investment experience to help Northstar achieve its full potential as an information company that serves one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world: Global travel and tourism,” said Thomas Kemp, chairman and CEO of Northstar Travel Media.
He added, “BV Investment Partners has been a great partner of the Company. Wicks possesses many of the same qualities as BV with their depth of experience and success investing in the media and information industries.”
Kemp and his team will continue to run Northstar under the new ownership.
“We are very pleased to complete the sale of Northstar to Wicks,” said Andrew Davis, managing director of BV Investment Partners.
He added, “The growth of the company and the aggressive diversification of revenue channels the past few years created much interest among investors for Northstar. We congratulate Wicks on closing the transaction and partnering with a great management team to continue to grow the business.”
Based in Secaucus, N.J., the company also has offices in New York City; Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Los Angeles; Sherman, Conn.; and Winston-Salem, N.C.
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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