Snöcap March 21, 2025
Snöball correspondent
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Happy 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 that made the waves:
- Emerald expands portfolio with luxury events and insurance tech acquisitions
- Raccoon Media Group launches global accessibility B2B event series
- IMEX makes key appointments in marketing and branding
- Easyfairs acquires Digital Accountancy Show
- IAEE unveils 6th edition of leading exhibition management publication
- DWTC hosted 2.65 million participants across 378 shows in 2024
- Sessionboard's Event Content Lab tackles industry challenges
- Who is hiring?
Emerald expands portfolio with luxury events and insurance tech acquisitions
Emerald Holding, Inc. has agreed to acquire London-based This is Beyond, a producer of business-to-business events in the luxury travel industry.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter and aligns with Emerald's strategic plan to diversify its portfolio and expand into high-growth markets.
This is Beyond, founded in 2009, produces seven B2B events in the experiential and luxury travel sector, which is valued at $1.3 trillion. The company connects travel designers, tour operators and travel managers through specialized events.
In addition, Emerald has acquired Insurtech Insights, a London-based producer of insurance technology conferences, marking Emerald's entry into the insurance technology sector.
Founded in 2018, Insurtech Insights produces conferences in London, New York and Hong Kong that connect insurers, brokers, technology providers and investors focused on digital transformation in the insurance industry.
The company's 2025 events are scheduled for London on March 19-20, New York on June 4-5, and Hong Kong on December 3-4.
These acquisitions align with Emerald's strategy to expand into high-growth markets through targeted acquisitions, the company said.
Read the press announcements here and here
Raccoon Media Group launches global accessibility B2B event series
Raccoon Media Group has launched Abilities International Accessibility Conferences, a series of B2B events connecting professionals in the global accessibility and disability sector.
The new conference series builds upon the established Abilities Expo consumer events held in seven U.S. cities.
The B2B expansion will focus on education, networking and technological advancements in assistive technology, mobility therapy and disability services.
Programming includes CEU-accredited sessions, workshops and forums covering market dynamics, regulatory compliance, consumer needs and distribution strategies.
"This launch is about creating something truly transformative for the sector," said Katy Roberts, Portfolio Director at Raccoon Media Group. "We're bringing together the best minds and innovators in accessibility, forging stronger ties with key associations and delivering a platform that fosters both business growth and better consumer outcomes."
The B2B conferences will debut in Los Angeles, New Jersey and Chicago in 2026, running alongside the consumer-focused Expos in those cities.
IMEX makes key appointments in marketing and branding
IMEX has created two new leadership positions in marketing and branding to adapt to industry changes and expand its audience reach.
Kelly Grant has been appointed Marketing Director, bringing more than 15 years of global events industry experience.
She will oversee the 16-member marketing, content, social media and digital team, implementing personalized marketing campaigns and year-round content strategies based on data analytics.
Natalie Gestetner becomes IMEX Brand Ambassador, working from the U.S. West Coast as part of the Impact team.
She will collaborate with brand executives and senior marketers to demonstrate how IMEX shows can support their strategic objectives.
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer said: “We’ve invested in our team and business so that we’re equipped to respond and flex to changes in the industry.
"Looking at research and speaking to our colleagues and friends around the world, there are many instances now where the event planning role sits within the marketing function and these new roles help us respond to that shift."
Easyfairs acquires Digital Accountancy Show
Easyfairs has acquired Digital Accountancy Show, a London event focused on technology in the accounting sector.
The acquisition leverages Easyfairs' European network to accelerate growth for the event, which launched in 2020 to support evolution in accounting.
"This partnership allows us to drive forward on a global basis," said Dan Cockerton, co-founder of Digital Accountancy Show.
The next edition takes place April 1-2, 2025, at London Evolution in Battersea, expecting over 5,000 visitors and 150 exhibitors.
Alison Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK&Global, said the company is "excited to work with the team who are helping shape the future of the industry."
IAEE unveils 6th edition of leading exhibition management publication
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has released the sixth edition of "The Art of the Show," a resource for exhibition management professionals.
The publication features input from 50 industry experts across 30 chapters, addressing industry evolution since 1997. New content covers pandemic recovery, technology advancements and sustainability.
"The Art of the Show serves as both a foundational resource for future leaders and a reference for practicing professionals," said IAEE President Marsha Flanagan.
The edition expands coverage of globalization, safety and sustainability while integrating AI trends and post-pandemic practices. It serves as the core textbook for IAEE's certification program and is used in universities globally.
DWTC hosted 2.65 million participants across 378 shows in 2024
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) hosted 2.65 million participants across 378 events in 2024, a 7% increase in attendance and 26% growth in event volume from the previous year.
The MICE segment expanded to 135 events, attracting 2.03 million attendees with international participation reaching 942,000. Exhibiting companies increased 9% to 58,665, with 77% being international businesses.
Healthcare led sectoral performance with 465,000 attendees across 25 events, followed by Food and Catering (283,000) and Information Technology (281,000).
DWTC doubled its conference segment to 25 events and expanded globally through GITEX events in Morocco and Singapore.
Sessionboard's Event Content Lab tackles key industry challenges
Sessionboard recently hosted their Event Content Lab in Alexandria, VA, bringing together 20 event content professionals to address 50 tactical challenges in the events industry during a three-hour collaborative session.
See the post here
Key findings included struggles with low-quality content submissions, lack of new voices, and a significant disconnect between event content and marketing communications.
Participants developed practical solutions including dedicated talent scouting beyond traditional call-for-content channels and creating more audience-focused content based on behavioral data.
They also focused on better aligning event content with marketing through metrics-driven decision making.
The Alexandria event, presented by Sessionboard in partnership with CSG Creative, is part of a series with Palo Alto scheduled as the next location.
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:
Tahaluf
Head of Event Marketing https://smrtr.io/pzwP5
Head of Brand and Content https://smrtr.io/pTnr2
Senior Marketing Manager https://smrtr.io/pWYCT
Commercial Marketing Manager https://smrtr.io/pWZg4
Senior Creative Manager https://smrtr.io/ptmyT
Informa
Business Development Manager https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4190261271/RX Global
Event Manager https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4129192122/
Marketing Manager https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4181289030/
Product Marketing Manager https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4151503025/
Clarion Events
Digital Marketing Executive https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4186254942/
Marketing Operations Executive (Data & Analytics) https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4181366869/
CloserStill Media
Marketing Executive - eCommerce Expo & Technology for Marketing https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4189852727/
dmg events
Marketing Executive https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4187156881/
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/
