Deal Tracker: Six Recent Acquisitions to Keep An Eye On This MonthDeal Tracker: Six Recent Acquisitions to Keep An Eye On This Month
As the end of Q3 nears, exhibition industry consolidation accelerates with six strategic acquisitions. CloserStill, Marketplace Events, Terrapinn, EasyFairs, EVG and Explori sign deals in recent weeks.
September 24, 2025
As the end of Q3 nears, a flurry of strategic acquisitions is reshaping the competitive landscape. In recent weeks, six major players have executed deals that reveal clear patterns of portfolio expansion, vertical integration, and geographic growth.
Terrapinn's double acquisition strengthens its position in both sustainable transportation and healthcare technology, while CloserStill Media's cybersecurity expansion demonstrates the growing importance of national security events.
Meanwhile, Marketplace Events continues consolidating the consumer show space, Easyfairs strategically enhances its industrial processing portfolio, and Events Venture Group's investment in Explori signals the critical importance of data analytics in measuring event ROI.
These transactions highlight how show organizers are strategically positioning themselves for future growth through targeted acquisitions in high-value sectors. Here’s a closer look at the buyers and sellers who are making headlines.
Terrapinn Makes Two Acquisitions in September
In September, London-based Terrapinn, a global events company with businesses in the U.S., Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa, announced the acquisition of two trade shows: the EV Charging Summit and Expo (EVCS), an annual conference and trade show held every March in Las Vegas, and Digital Health Festival (DHF), an annual conference and exhibition held each May in Melbourne, Australia.
EVCS was created by event entrepreneurs Galen Poss, Luke Vinci and Byron Mignanelli in 2022.
In 2025, EVCS brought together the growing community of charge point operators across North America, featuring more than 250 exhibitors and over 5,000 delegates.
Inside the Acquisition of EVCS
In 2025, EVCS brought together the growing community of charge point operators across North America, featuring more than 250 exhibitors and over 5,000 delegates. Exhibitors from around the globe showcased innovations and solutions shaping the future of electric vehicle charging.
Context: Terrapinn’s transport portfolio includes MOVE, a mobility event series held in the U.S. and U.K.; EV Charge Live, a charging event series; and Solar & Storage Live, a portfolio of solar trade shows.
Backstory: EVCS was created by event entrepreneurs Galen Poss, Luke Vinci and Byron Mignanelli in 2022, and the show has grown along with the emerging industry. “We’ve built a flagship event for the EV charging community,” said Vinci. “Now it’s time for a more expansive enterprise to carry it forward into its next stage of growth, and we are excited to transfer it to Terrapinn, who can broaden its reach, deepen its impact, and accelerate its global presence.”
What the buyer is saying: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the acquisition of EV Charging Summit & Expo (EVCS),” said Terrapinn CEO Greg Hitchen. “EVCS is the leading charging infrastructure event in North America and is a significant addition to our global portfolio of EV and charging events. It also adds substantially to our U.S. footprint.”
What the seller is saying: Mignanelli said: “We are deeply impressed by Terrapinn’s commitment to the sector and their strong portfolio, and we are confident they are the right partner to take this event forward. Luke and I will ensure the transition of ownership is seamless for all customers and stakeholders,” Poss said: “This is a great opportunity for EVCS to take a significant step forward. Greg Hitchen and the global Terrapinn team are well positioned to provide outstanding leadership and value to all of the EVCS stakeholders as the market continues to grow and expand."
Held annually at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia, the Digital Health Festival, which touts itself the largest event of its type in the southern hemisphere, serves health professionals and their tech partners.
The recent Digital Health Festival attracted more than 8,000 attendees, 350 exhibitors, 125 start-ups and 400 speakers.
Deeper Dive Into DHF
With more than 8,000 attendees, 350 exhibitors, 125 start-ups and 400 speakers, DHF, which touts itself the largest event of its type in the southern hemisphere, serves health professionals and their tech partners.
What the buyer is saying: “All at Terrapinn are so excited to welcome the event and the team to our portfolio of world leading events,” said Matthew Williams, Managing Director, Terrapinn Australia. “We have long admired DHF, and it is such a great fit with our tech-oriented events such as Edutech and Tech in Government. It also offers really strong growth in Australia, as well as international possibilities.”
What the seller is saying: DHF CEO and Founder Hamish Steel said: “Terrapinn gets DHF and has all that is needed to take the show to the next level. We are confident that they will grow the show, serve the community and be a great home to our team.”
Context: “We are delighted to bring the quality of Digital Health Festival to our stable of international life science and health events,” said Hitchen The company’s current roster of events in this portfolio includes a number of shows—from ArabLabLive in Dubai and the Festival of Biologics Basel 2025 to the World Drug Safey Congress America in Boston and World Vaccine Congress Europe at RAI Amsterdam.
CloserStill Media Acquires Billington CyberSecurity
CloserStill Media, producer of business events, exhibitions and conferences, has expanded its North American technology portfolio with the acquisition of Billington CyberSecurity, organizer of U.S. public sector cybersecurity conferences and events. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
From left to right: Troy Schneider, President, Billington CyberSecurity, Yancy Weinrich, President, CloserStill Media North America and Thomas K. Billington, CEO & Founder, Billington CyberSecurity.
The 16th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit, held September 9-12 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC, which broke records with more than 3,000 attendees, over 300 speakers and 158 sponsors.
Backstory: Founded in 2010, Billington CyberSecurity said its mission was to convene thought leaders from across the public and private sectors to examine cybersecurity and strengthen the U.S. cyber defenses. Over the past 16 years, Billington has produced government cybersecurity summits for cyber leaders in the U.S. and among its allies.
The timing: The announcement followed the 16th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit, held Sept. 9-12 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC, which broke records with more than 3,000 attendees, over 300 speakers and 158 sponsors. It was the largest edition to date, featuring senior cybersecurity leaders from across the Five Eyes Community, the U.S. government and industry, according to a press release.
Zooming in: In 2024, the Billington team launched a second event, the Billington State & Local CyberSecurity Summit. Held annually in March, the State & Local Summit is an annual gathering for cyber leaders at all levels of government. Billington also hosts a Leadership Council for both federal and state and local cyber communities.
Why it matters: The acquisition adds to CloserStill’s North American portfolio, which includes more than 25 events and 125 employees focused on the technology, infrastructure and healthcare sectors. Globally, CloserStill produces multiple cybersecurity events across the world.
Leadership plans: Tom Billington, chief executive officer and founder, will stay on as CEO and lead the program’s content with a new role of chief content officer. Billington CyberSecurity’s President Troy Schneider will continue to lead business operations, and both he and Billingtonwill report to Yancy Weinrich, president, North America at CloserStill Media. The full Billington team will join CloserStill Media.
What the seller is saying: “I’m excited and honored for our team to join forces with CloserStill Media, which deeply shares these values, and thank all our partners for making our mission possible since 2010,” Billington said. “CloserStill grasps the importance of our mission, shares our entrepreneurial passion for events and believes that world class cyber education serves the national security interests of our country and allies.”
What the buyer is saying: "Under Tom’s and Troy’s leadership, Billington has built a powerful platform that plays a critical role in protecting the cyber safety of the U.S.,” said Weinrich. “The Billington team’s commitment to advancing public- and private-sector awareness around the importance of cybersecurity has fostered a dedicated community built on trust and purpose. These values strongly resonate with the way we operate at CloserStill.”
Why it matters: “This acquisition marks a significant step in our growth journey,” said Weinrich. “We’re proud to be the new stewards of these market-leading and mission-driven events and look forward to building on the incredible foundation Tom and his team have created. We aim to expand its reach, deepen the content even further and ensure the events continue to shape and influence the future of cybersecurity in the North America market for many years to come.”
Big picture: CloserStill Group CEO Gareth Bowhill said: “We’re very excited to announce this acquisition and to welcome Tom and his team to CloserStill. This strategic transaction deepens the Group’s expertise in cybersecurity as well as broadens our technology portfolio in North America. We believe that, together with the Billington CyberSecurity team, there are multiple exciting opportunities we can reach through this partnership.”
Behind the deal: BrightTower, a New York-based investment banking and M&A advisory services firm, served as exclusive financial advisor to Billington CyberSecurity in this transaction.
Marketplace Events Adds to Its Consumer Show Portfolio
On Aug. 26, Marketplace Events (MPE) acquired the Cincinnati Travel, Sport & Boat Show, from Cincinnati Shows, Inc., a division of Renfro Productions. The consumer show, which has operated in the market for 66 years, will next run over two weekends in 2026 (Jan. 23-25 and Jan. 28-Feb. 1) at the newly renovated Duke Energy Convention Center. Each year, the Cincinnati Travel, Sport & Boat Show attracts hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually, according to a press release.
Leadership roles: Marketplace Events has retained the management team at Renfro Productions, led by Kevin Renfro, to continue operating the Cincinnati show. Renfro Productions will continue to own and produce its four shows in Indiana.
The consumer show, which has operated in the market for 66 years, will next run over two weekends in 2026 (Jan. 23-25 and Jan. 28-Feb. 1) at the newly renovated Duke Energy Convention Center.
The Cincinnati Travel, Sport & Boat Show attracts hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually.
Backstory: The Cincinnati Show was previously owned by Hart Productions Inc., the same company from which Marketplace Events acquired the home & garden and holiday shows that also run annually at Duke Energy Center.
What the buyer is saying: “Cincinnati has been a tremendous market for us with some of the best-attended shows, anywhere in the U.S.,” said Mark White, CEO of Marketplace Events. “We’re thrilled to finally be able to return to the renovated Duke Energy Center in 2026 and to also add the sport show to our home, garden and holiday shows in this vital market.”
What the seller is saying: “Marketplace Events is the right owner for the show in Cincinnati as they have a strong foothold in this market. And given the influence that Renfro Productions has in the outdoor consumer tradeshow space in the Midwest region it was a good match to continue to grow this event for Marketplace Events. We look forward to joining forces with Marketplace Events,” said Renfro.
Context: MPE produces a number of boat shows, including the Portland Boat Show, presented by Progressive, scheduled for Jan. 7-11 at the Portland Expo Center in Oregon; the Halifax International Boat Show, scheduled for Feb. 5-8 at the Halifax Exhibition Center in Nova Scotia, Canada; the Ottawa Boat & Outdoors Show, scheduled for Feb. 19-22 at the EY Centre in Ontario, Canada; the Calgary Boat & Outdoors Show, scheduled for Feb. 20-22 at the BMO Stampede Park in Alberta, Canada; and the Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen’s Show, scheduled for March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre in Alberta, Canada.
Easyfairs Acquires CHEMUK
On Sept. 22, Easyfairs added to its portfolio of industrial processing events with the acquisition of CHEMUK, an annual expo for the chemicals, process engineering and formulated product industries held in the U.K.
Launched in 2019, CHEMUK attracts professionals from across the chemical and process engineering value chain.
In 2026, CHEMUK will be held May 20-21 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Backstory: Launched in 2019, CHEMUK attracts professionals from across the chemical and process engineering value chain. The event is focused on five pillars: the Chemicals Supply Show zone; the Chemical Management Show zone; the Process & Chemical Engineering Show zone; the Chemical Laboratory Show zone; and, newly added in 2025, the Formulated Product Manufacturer Show zone.
Zooming in: Scheduled for May 20-21, 2026, at the NEC in Birmingham, the upcoming edition is expected to welcome more than 5 ,000 attendees, 550+ specialist exhibitors and 150+ expert speakers.
Why it matters: The synergies for Easyfairs are clear and strategically aligned, with events like Lab Innovations and StocExpo already showcasing alignments with CHEMUK in terms of audience, focus and industry relevance, according to a press release. Other European event series organized by Easyfairs, such as Pumps & Valves and Solids, provide additional opportunities for cross-promotion, knowledge-sharing and collaboration, creating a more interconnected network of events that serve the industrial processing and chemical sectors.
What the buyer is saying: “We’ve closely followed the remarkable growth of CHEMUK in recent years,” said Alison Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK & Global. “The event is a natural fit for Easyfairs’ expanding portfolio, and we’re thrilled to work with Ian and the team to further develop the show, deliver even greater value to its dedicated community and ensure it continues to be a cornerstone event for the chemical industries for years to come.”
What the seller is saying: This is not the first successful collaboration between the two parties. Reflecting on their shared history, CHEMUK Founder Ian Stone said: “Back in 2015, we ‘passed the baton’ of the Advanced Engineering UK group of events to Easyfairs, following a similar 5–6-year launch cycle. It has been a pleasure to see the event affirm its position as the U.K.’s leading event for the high-value engineering sector, while expanding with innovative new dimensions under Easyfairs’ stewardship.”
Deeper dive: When asked ‘Why Easyfairs?’ Stone replied: “CHEMUK has seen an incredible growth since launching in 2019 and now stands as one of the largest and most important national events on the UK’s industrial landscape. Easyfairs was the obvious home for this complex show as it will now benefit from their large-scale operational capabilities, access to world-class B2B event ‘experiential’ technologies, critical event marketing expertise and event design innovation.”
Looking ahead: “We are dedicated to not only expanding our portfolio but also enhancing the industries and communities we support,” Willis said. “With this strategic acquisition, we are investing in the future of the chemical sciences, process & chemical engineering & chemical industries supply chains, and we are looking forward to working closely with Ian and the team to ensure CHEMUK continues to grow in relevance and impact.”
EVG Completes Investment in Explori
On Sept. 4, Events Venture Group (EVG)—a venture-backed community connecting event founders and entrepreneurs with investors, operators, and industry leaders—announced its strategic investment in Explori, provider of event customer experience (CX) benchmarking and insights. The investment was led by EVG members, which includes executives across the events, finance, and advisory sectors.
Explori CEO Mark Brewster
Founding EVG Board Member Greg Topalian
“Explori is poised to revolutionize how the events ecosystem leverages data,” said EVG member Harvey Hudes. “EVG was built to support platforms like this—ones that deliver measurable impact for founders, organizers, and investors.”
Backstory: Founded and led by CEO Mark Brewster, Explori provides services for event organizers, associations, and corporates to measure success, benchmark performance, and unlock growth opportunities. Explori recently closed a three-year deal with Questex, a business media and events company whose flagship events include International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), Fierce Pharma Week, and Restaurant & Bar Expo.
Why it matters: Backed by EVG’s syndication, Explori is positioned to accelerate product and AI innovation, expand its global intelligence services, and strengthen its role as the go-to source for event performance benchmarking and attendee, exhibitor and sponsor insights.
What the investor is saying: “I have never been as bullish about the event industry as I am right now,” said Greg Topalian, founding EVG Board Member. “The challenge before us is how to deliver the highest levels of ROI, gain key insights into what our customers want and need and where industries are going. Explori is at the center of solving these challenges.”
What EVG is saying: “In its third syndication within a year, EVG has demonstrated resilience and conviction in the live events sector. The company's consistent dealflow aligns with venture capital ratios, reinforcing its mission to empower event entrepreneurs with transformative capital and operational expertise” said Marilú Páez, EVG Co-Founder.
What Explori is saying: “This syndication is more than just capital—it’s a true partnership with operators and investors who have scaled events, and event technology, from the ground up,” said Brewster. “With EVG’s backing, we’re ready to ignite Explori’s next phase of growth.”
