Marketplace Events, the largest producer of business-to-consumer shows in North America, has acquired nine home shows from Show Technology Productions of San Antonio.
The purchase positions Marketplace Events in three new markets: Austin, Texas (four shows), San Antonio, Texas (three shows) and Lexington, Ky. (one show). The deal also includes a show in Charlotte, N.C., at Cabarrus Arena.
The company already operates another home and garden show in Charlotte, along with the 12-day Southern Christmas Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center.
The transaction is the 11th acquisition completed by Marketplace Events since being purchased by Sentinel Capital Partners in 2016, bringing their portfolio to 75 shows in 34 markets.
“These markets are of obvious strategic growth importance to Marketplace Events,” said Tom Baugh (pictured), Marketplace Events CEO. “This is the largest deal in our history.”
The company will open an office in Austin, Texas to produce the new shows, and will also run its two Oklahoma City shows out of the new Austin location.
Overseeing the transition will be Brent Keller, VP Operations & Integration, a 25-year veteran with Marketplace Events. Joe Trimble, Regional Sales Director, will move to the market to sales manage the new shows.
“We have a good crew of longtime employees who provide a solid foundation on which to build a new team to manage these shows,” said Keller. “We have a quick turnaround, acquiring these shows in April and running our first shows four months later in August,” he added.
