Kennesaw, Ga.-based Urban Expositions — which runs regional gift shows all over the country —has announced that Clarion Events Ltd. of the United Kingdom has become a majority partner in the company. Clarion’s global view and depth of resources will strengthen the existing Urban Expositions portfolio as well as open doors to new growth opportunities.
Urban Expositions will maintain its existing corporate identity, executive management team, staff, office locations, brands and events, with plans for collaboration on current, as well as future events and acquisitions. Managing Partners, Doug Miller and Tim von Gal, retain significant ownership in Urban Expositions and will continue to oversee all facets of the business.
“We are thrilled to partner with such a well-established, international event organizer as Clarion,” says Doug Miller, president and CEO of Urban Expositions. “We look forward to working closely with the Clarion team to start a whole new chapter for our respective companies. Clarion’s forward-thinking leadership, proven experience, and extensive resources will allow us to build upon our current show offerings while also pursuing new opportunities to diversify and grow.”
“We have been searching for a strategic U.S. partner that shared our growth vision and customer service commitment and Urban Expositions was the perfect match,” adds Simon Kimble, Executive Chairman of Clarion Events. “In addition to the synergy we’ll find in the industry spaces we share —like retail trade, art and gaming — we each bring complementary skills and capabilities to the table in other areas that promise to fuel our growth.”
“We are extremely excited about the new opportunities our Clarion partnership will deliver,” states Tim von Gal, COO of Urban Expositions. “The chance to reinforce our own assets and talented team with Clarion’s global vision, expertise and versatile interests ensures that we’re well-positioned to seek out new ventures and proactively respond to the ever-changing marketplace.”
