Naylor, a media and events services provider for the association industry, has acquired Global Exchange Events (GEE).

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

GEE, which plans to host 13 events this year, specializes in the increasingly popular “exchange event” segment where industry buyers are paired with qualified sellers for prearranged appointments. The events have an 80 percent renewal rate, according to the firm.

Its portfolio includes the Global Beauty and Wellness Exchange, the Global Inventive Meetings Exchange, Condé Nast Traveler Exchange and the four-show Builder Exchange franchise.

The deal is a step out for Naylor in terms of both services and markets.

“Adding exchange event expertise and capability is a logical extension of the Naylor menu of print, digital and event offerings,” says Alex DeBarr, president and CEO of Naylor, in a statement. “It brings industry leading suppliers together with key members in a model that can include strong non-dues revenue opportunities.”

GEE will continue to operate independently out of its Darien, Conn. offices. Naylor is headquartered in Gainesville, Fla.

Robert Ingraham, founder and president of GEE, will join Naylor as an executive vice president.

Naylor manages 17 tradeshows and provides services for more than 500 associations across 85 industries.

PennWell Buys Oil and Gas Pipeline Conference

PennWell has announced the purchase of the Oil and Gas Pipeline Conference from Willbros Engineers for an undisclosed sum.

The group has also agreed to terms with the Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA) to continue producing the event.

“The pipeline and transportation sectors of the industry are experiencing phenomenal growth due to the resurgence of exploration and drilling in North America,” says Robert F. Biolchini, president and CEO of PennWell, in a release. “We intend to leverage PennWell’s publishing assets and event expertise in a close collaboration with GITA to expand the conference.”

Mark Peters, vice president of PennWell and group publishing director of several industry-related publications, will manage the event.

The conference, now in its 22nd year, attracts over 350 industry professionals. This year’s event will be held October 28-30 in Houston.

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