Clarion Events has acquired Eaton Hall Exhibitions, a company specializing in targeted, pre-arranged in-person meetings. The acquisition created a new division. Clarion Connect, an event dedicated to promoting one-on-one meetings.
Eaton Hall, based in New Jersey, organizes forums for banking, law enforcement and hospital security, among other areas.
Quartz Network, Consero Events, LeftField Media and current Eaton Hall president Kelly Comboni will lead the new division. Comboni joined Clarion in 2016 following the acquisition of LeftField Media.
“Our goal has always been to create events that our customers love to attend because they are targeted, productive and truly welcoming to the unique populations we serve,” said Eaton Hall Founder Scott Goldman. “I share the experience with Clarion’s leaders Having known each other for over ten years, they share our commitment to ’embracing our customers’. “
The acquisition of Eaton Hall Exhibitions follows the recent Information Forecast (Infocast) transaction, which adds the renewable energy event organizer to Clarion’s expanding energy portfolio.
Is Clarion considering future acquisitions? Liz Irving, president of Clarion Events North America, said: “We recognize that today’s evolving market has opened the door to strategic acquisitions and mergers, and our focus is on how to complement our existing product portfolio and expand our presence in industries and geographies. Influence.
Greg Topalian, chairman of Clarion Events North America, predicted an increase in M&A activity at the Exhibition and Conference Executives Forum (ECEF) in Washington, D.C., and he sees the trend coming
“The willingness to get deals done has never been higher,” he said.