Snöcap April 4, 2025
Snöball correspondent
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It's Friday and welcome to another edition of Snöcap!
This is a weekly event industry news recap where we cover the peaks in the world of exhibitions and associations. Scroll down for more details 👇
Here are the top stories of this week:
- CloserStill Media acquires majority stake in Ai4 - the largest AI industry event in the US
- ICC Belfast makes key moves to strengthen leadership team
- Hyve Group's Shoptalk unveils advisory board and partners for Shoptalk Luxe
- UK exhibitions grew 4% in 2024: Event Industry Council's SASIE report
- GES launches EMEA Net Zero roadmap
- Eventprofs celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day
- Who is hiring?
CloserStill Media acquires majority stake in Ai4 - the largest AI industry event in the US
CloserStill Media has acquired a majority stake in Ai4, the largest AI industry event in the United States. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 2018 by Michael Weiss and Marcus Jecklin, with Michelle Troop joining in 2019, Ai4 connects AI/ML experts, IT leadership and Fortune 500 decision-makers.
The event will take place at MGM Las Vegas August 11-13, 2025, before moving to the Venetian in 2026. The upcoming edition expects 8,000 delegates, 250 exhibitors and 600 speakers.
This acquisition marks CloserStill's first major technology event in the U.S.
"We are delighted to be working with the team at Ai4 to accelerate its growth," said Gareth Bowhill, CloserStill CEO. "The co-founders have built an outstanding platform."
Michelle Troop, Ai4 CRO, added, "CloserStill's approach to growth and event innovation aligns perfectly with ours."
ICC Belfast makes key moves to strengthen leadership team
ICC Belfast has announced one key appointment and two promotions to its leadership team.
Jill Houlahan joins as Head of Corporate Sales, while Laurel Gray and Jenni Yau have been promoted to Head of Events and Head of Association Sales, respectively.
Houlahan brings commercial sales experience to her new role.
Gray, who joined ICC Belfast in 2016 as an event planner and senior manager, has developed an international network through programs like AIPC Future Shapers.
Yau, an eight-year veteran of the venue, previously worked with a leading local hotel group. She helped secure ICC Belfast's winning bid to host One Young World in 2023.
The appointments strengthen the venue's leadership structure as it continues to develop its presence in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Hyve Group's Shoptalk unveils advisory board and partners for Shoptalk Luxe
Shoptalk, a Hyve Group event, has announced the advisory board and launch partners for Shoptalk Luxe, scheduled January 2026 at Emirates Palace. The event will gather 2,500 global luxury retail decision-makers.
The advisory board features executives from Kering, Mytheresa, Loro Piana, TOD'S Group, Montblanc, Majid Al Futtaim, Kayali Fragrances, Breitling and Moncler.
Chalhoub Group leads over 20 launch partners including Bloomreach, Deloitte, KPMG, Mastercard, Salesforce and Shopify.
The event will focus on luxury market changes through collaboration between brands, innovators and technology firms.
"The industry's enthusiasm has been phenomenal," said Sophie Warro, Shoptalk president. "This shows the appetite for premium retail innovation and cross-industry collaboration is stronger than ever."
UK exhibitions grew 4% in 2024: EIA's SASIE report
The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has released its ninth Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASIE) report showing UK exhibitions grew 4% in 2024, reaching their highest level since 2017.
The report estimates 1,145 exhibitions and conferences at UK venues attracted 7.2 million visitors, a 3% increase from 2023.
Trade exhibitions exceeded pre-pandemic levels while conference events rose nearly 10%. March, September, October and November remained the busiest months, accounting for 50% of all exhibitions.
"The SASIE report provides crucial market intelligence and establishes the baseline against which future growth can be measured," said Rachel Swann, EIA chair.
"The UK exhibitions industry continues to have a significant impact in enhancing international trade and contributing to local economies," added Rachel Parker, AEV director and EIA director.
The report was compiled using data from Association of Event Venues and Association of Event Organisers members.
GES launches EMEA Net Zero roadmap
Global Experience Specialists (GES) EMEA have released their Roadmap to Net Zero, outlining the company's strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The roadmap details progress in implementing sustainability initiatives, including eliminating emissions-intensive materials in favor of sustainable alternatives.
"We understand how ambitious our plans are but we're confident that by collaborating with partners our plans are achievable," said Jason Stead, President of GES EMEA Exhibitions.
GES recently earned ISO:20121:2024 and ESSA Sustainability Accredited Tier 5 certifications, and published its first ESG Progress Report.
As an early signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, GES has committed to resource conservation and pollution prevention across its operations.
Eventsprofs celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day
Event industry professionals worldwide marked Global Meetings Industry Day on April 3, highlighting the economic and professional impact of business events.
"In-person gatherings are the heartbeat of business and connection," said U.S. Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman.
The industry generated $126 billion in U.S. spending in 2024, supporting nearly 620,000 jobs. Globally, business events represent a $1.6 trillion economic sector.
Events benefit local economies through venue bookings, hotel stays and restaurant visits, while fostering professional connections that advance careers and build brand trust.
Who is hiring?
This section highlights the latest job positions in the events and associations industry. Here are some new roles that have opened up:
Emerald
Tradeshow Event Operations Manager
Society of Petroleum Engineers International
Marketing Coordinator, Events
SHRM
Specialist, Integrated Marketing (B2B2C) Strategy & Project Management
Senior Specialist, Integrated Marketing (B2B2C) Strategy
Crain Communications
Events Manager
Goldman Sachs
Event Management Associate
Financial Times
Marketing Executive - B2B Events, FT Live
cytiva
Event Manager
Blackthorn.io
Content Marketing Manager
Snöcap is your Friday weekly event news roundup. Follow us on LinkedIn to get regular news and job updates https://www.linkedin.com/company/snoball-events/
