Clarion Events, the world's largest privately owned event and exhibition organiser, has acquired Eaton Hall, an event organiser specialising in targeted, pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings-based events. The acquisition also marks the launch of a new division, Clarion Connect.
Operating from Florham Park, New Jersey, USA, Eaton Hall runs forums and summits for Bank Facilities, CopTech, Cop Fleet, Work Fleet, 911 Directors, and Hospital Security. As part of the acquisition, Scott Goldman, founder of Eaton Hall, will continue in the role of chairman of Eaton Hall and the company will now operate under Clarion Connect, the newly formed division of Clarion Events designed to consolidate the strengths of Clarion's existing 1-to-1 focused connections businesses, including Quartz Network and Events, Consero Events, and Connexa. For the transaction, Eaton Hall was represented by John McGovern, CEO of Grimes, McGovern & Associates.
Clarion Connect now runs 80 events, summits, online networks, and forums annually, facilitating more than 60,000 connections across various industries. With operations spanning the United States and UK/Europe, Clarion Connect represents an offering of bespoke, high-impact events designed to create meaningful business connections.
Lisa Hannant, group CEO of Clarion Events, said of the acquisition: "We are thrilled to welcome Eaton Hall into the Clarion family through our newly formed division, Clarion Connect. Eaton Hall's expertise in delivering exceptional experiences aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the event experience globally. With the creation of Clarion Connect, we now have the ability to offer an unrivalled portfolio of 1-to-1 events that foster deep, strategic relationships across industries. We look forward to the future of Eaton Hall within our growing network and are committed to building on the legacy that Scott Goldman and his team have established."
Scott Goldman, added: "Our goal has always been to create events that our customers love to be part of, because the events are targeted, productive, and truly welcoming for the unique niches of people we serve. Clarion, whose leaders I've known personally for over ten years, shares our commitment to 'hugging our customers.' Without changing that passion but adding new resources and knowledge, our client-focused team can do even more to serve our guests. We'll make sure that our clients continue to call the Forums ‘their favourite event of them all!’
Clarion Connect is led by Kelly Comboni, president of Quartz Network, Consero Events, LeftField Media, and now Eaton Hall. She joined Clarion in 2016 with the acquisition of LeftField Media and will continue reporting directly to Lisa Hannant and Greg Topalian, chairman of Clarion Events North America.
