Emerald Expositions Expands Its Portfolio with American Craft Retailers Expo

December 14, 2016

Emerald Expositions is on a buying streak, snagging another show recently - the American Craft Retailers Expo (“ACRE”) from IndieMe.

“I’m so proud of how far we’ve come with the ACRE events, and what we’ve done to help all constituents within the Maker Movement,” said Nancy Vince, president of IndieMe and founder of ACRE.

She added, “The timing was right for IndieMe to focus on our online marketplace, while handing over the ACRE reins to a first-class event company that can help it grow and add value for all who exhibit and attend.”

This is the fourth recent acquisition for Emerald. They previously bought the RFID Journal LIVE! Event - from RFID Journal; National Pavement Expo from AC Business Media; and Digital Dealer Conference & Expo from Dealer Communications.

Founded in 2006, ACRE is a wholesale craft exposition, consisting of two shows that take place annually in Las Vegas and Philadelphia.

The events connect wholesale American and Canadian makers of handmade products with national and international buyers from art & fine craft galleries, modern gift & home stores, independent retailers, guilds & arts institutions, e-retailers, national retail chains, museums and other key influencers in the home, gift and lifestyle marketplace.

“We are delighted to bring ACRE into our portfolio of leading handmade and jewelry events, which include NY NOW and COUTURE,” said Chris McCabe, executive vice president at Emerald.

He added, “Nancy is a passionate supporter of the artisan community and she and her team have built a great business over the last ten years. By leveraging Emerald’s scale, capabilities and experience, plus our adjacent and highly complementary brands, we expect to bring new and greater benefits to the shows’ exhibitors and attendees.”

ACRE features hundreds of juried artists among six distinct showcases, with an emphasis on carefully selected emerging artists highlighted throughout.

Product categories primarily fall within the following areas of focus: Handmade Gifts & Accessories, The Gallery of Fine Crafts, Handmade Jewelry, High Design Jewelry, Handmade Wearable Art, and Retailer Resources.

ACRE Philadelphia will take place Feb. 18 –20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event is expected to draw more than 2,000 wholesale attendees and 600 unique artists showcasing their fine art, gifts and jewelry in more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space.

ACRE Las Vegas, celebrating its 11th anniversary, will take place during Las Vegas Jewelry Week in early June. The show will be co-located at the Las Vegas Convention Center with Emerald’s Antique Jewelry & Watch Show and The Jewellery Box, a new curated event for high-quality, on-trend jewelry at affordable to moderate price points.

Emerald’s COUTURE show, for designer fine jewelry and luxury timepieces, takes place at the Wynn Las Vegas the same week, with free shuttle service for buyers between shows.

financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.