November/December 2007 From the Publisher: A new home for EXPO By Donna Sanford
Here’s part of a recent conversation between me and an industry friend: Me: Guess what? I’ve got really big news! EXPO’s been acquired! Him: What, again? Me: Yeah, but this time it’s different. Him: That’s what you said last time. Me: Well, last time was different. But this is even more different! Him: Whatever. Do you still have a job? (I’m thinking it’s time for some new industry friends.)
Yes, for anyone keeping score, EXPO’s been acquired again. I’d like to believe it’s because I’m personally in such high demand, but in all honesty, EXPO’s simply been a part of the private equity boom in publishing that started in the 1980s. My father and I sold it to the first PE firm, and each, in turn, has flipped us five to six years later. Through it all, the staff has remained consistent, and the content and quality of EXPO, therefore, undisturbed.
What makes this acquisition truly exciting is that this is the first time since the original sale that EXPO has been acquired individually — because it was wanted — rather than a ridealong as part of a larger acquisition. And this is the first time EXPO’s been acquired by a magazine publishing company in our industry — if you haven’t heard of Red 7 Media, I guarantee your exhibitors have.
In its event division, Red 7 owns Event Marketer, for corporate event marketers, Event Design, for builders of events and environments, and Agenda, for special event planners. The synergies between EXPO and these other publications are obviously huge. And Red 7 is an entrepreneurial, energetic, hip company — filled with idea people who like to create. Knowing the company as I do, I think it’s safe to say that EXPO has found a great long-term home at Red 7 Media. (Did I mention Red 7 is privately owned and doesn’t have to flip me within seven years?)
Imagine the things EXPO and Event Marketer can do together with 7,500 show organizers and 10,000 corporate marketers — the insights we can gain from one another, the ideas we can share. I don’t want to tip our hand too early, but the ideas flowing from the two staffs are amazing. And you’ll be the chief beneficiary.
The Agenda publications, too, will offer insights and ideas. These are directories that list thousands of special event locations by city. Need someplace unusual to hold your Board dinner or networking event? Agenda can be your conduit.
In short, EXPO is now part of the largest network of publications, Web sites and live events covering the full spectrum of the event industry.
All the EXPO staff is staying in place and our contact information won’t change for at least a few months as we search for new office space (still in Kansas City). But be on the lookout for a bigger, better magazine. It really is different this time. EXPO doesn’t just have a new owner. It has a home. Donna Sanford, Publisher can be reached at dsanford@ascendmedia.com
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