Strategic acquisition unites exhibition organizers and exhibitors in unprecedented industry collaboration

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Exhibitor Group, publisher of the award-winning EXHIBITOR magazine and producer of EXHIBITOR LIVE, the industry’s premier exhibition for trade show and corporate event professionals. This landmark acquisition represents a bold strategic move to unite exhibition organizers and exhibitors within one cohesive ecosystem.

The acquisition brings together two influential forces in the exhibitions and events industry, creating an unprecedented community that spans the entire event lifecycle and value chain. By integrating Exhibitor Group’s expertise in exhibit and corporate event marketing with IAEE’s established leadership in exhibition organization, the combined entity will offer enhanced value to all stakeholders.

“This acquisition reflects our commitment to building a more comprehensive and inclusive exhibitions and events industry,” said Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO of IAEE. “By expanding our universe to include the vital perspectives of exhibit and brand managers, we’re creating a unified space where all voices are heard and represented. This is more than an acquisition – it’s a change that will elevate the entire exhibitions and events industry.”

STAR Exhibits & Environments CEO Mark Johnson acquired Exhibitor Group in 2022 to preserve a critical industry voice during a time of uncertainty and disruption post-COVID – bringing stability, vision, and investment to position the brand for long-term success. “As we grew our overall experiential marketing business, we recognized that EXHIBITOR needed a dedicated owner to fully realize its potential, said Mark Johnson, CEO. “IAEE acquiring EXHIBITOR is a rare opportunity for two market leaders to come together to serve the entire exhibit ecosystem and its stakeholders from exposition managers to event marketers to industry suppliers.”

Brian Pagel, Chairperson of the IAEE Board, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition: “This acquisition reinforces IAEE’s commitment to innovation and connection across the exhibitions and events community. By integrating Exhibitor Group’s trusted education, insights, and community into IAEE’s global association framework, we are creating a powerful platform for growth – expanding the value delivered to organizers, exhibitors, and suppliers across the full event lifecycle.”

What This Means for Stakeholders:

• For IAEE Members: Access to expanded resources, insights, and networking opportunities with exhibit and brand managers, creating a more holistic understanding of exhibition success.
• For Exhibitor Group Community: Continuity of the same high-quality publication and EXHIBITOR LIVE event, now enhanced with expanded access to IAEE’s extensive resources, including connections to organizers and suppliers, plus comprehensive professional and personal development tools.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized by 30 April 2026.  Following the completion of the acquisition, IAEE will work closely with the Exhibitor team to ensure a seamless integration of operations and maximum impact for all stakeholders.

For more information about the acquisition and upcoming initiatives, visit www.iaee.com and www.exhibitoronline.com.

About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard.  For more information, visit www.iaee.com.

About Exhibitor Group
Exhibitor Group is North America’s leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education. The organization produces EXHIBITOR magazine, a monthly publication featuring best practices in trade show marketing, and EXHIBITOR LIVE, the industry’s premier exhibition and conference for trade show and corporate event marketing. For more information, visit www.exhibitoronline.com.

Media Contact:
Nicole Bowman, MBA, CEM-AP
IAEE Vice President, Marketing & Communications
M 469.534.3638
E nbowman@iaee.com