Marketplace Events Buys Calgary Homexpo, Plans 6 more Launches

April 13, 2016

Two months after Marketplace Events was acquired by Sentinel Capital Partners, the show organizer scooped up Calgary Homexpo from the nonprofit CHBA-UDI Calgary Region. 

The company also announced the launch of six new shows in the 2016-17 show season, including shows at the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., and Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. 

"It’s a very exciting time for Marketplace Events," said Tom Baugh, Marketplace Events' CEO.  "We are well positioned for growth, and under Sentinel’s ownership, we are able to be more aggressive in acquiring and launching shows in the home improvement sector." 

The Calgary acquisition, to be renamed the Calgary Renovation Show, will take place Jan. 13-15 next year at the BMO Centre.

It will be the third home show in the market operated by Marketplace Events, which also produces shows in February and September at the same facility. 

"Our organization has proudly presented this show for more than 40 years," said CHBA-UDI Calgary Region Association CEO Donna Moore. 

She added, "We know the show and our members will be in good hands with Marketplace Events, a top producer, whose standards of excellence mirror our own. The multi-day event served our members well, however, those companies which took advantage of the marketing opportunities Homexpo provided will benefit further from working with North America's largest home show producer. It is the primary focus of their business."  

The six launches include four markets where the company already operates and two shows in new markets, including Nashville and Richmond, Va.  

The Nashville Home + Remodeling Expo will run March 10-13 at Music City Center, and the Richmond Home + Remodeling Expo will run Feb. 10-12 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.  

The four in-market launches include two events at the new, state-of-the-art U.S. Bank Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings, to be completed in July of this year.  

The all new Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show will run annually in January starting in 2017 and a Holiday event will take place in November on the stadium’s concourse level. 

The company’s flagship event, the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show, runs in this market in February at the Minneapolis Convention Center and is now in its 82nd year. 

Also included are new fall home shows in Kansas City, Kan. and Oklahoma City, Okla., where the company already produces spring home shows.

"We are excited to expand our footprint in all six of these terrific markets.  In particular, the Music City Center and U.S. Bank Stadium are extraordinary new structures where competition for show dates is intense,” Baugh said. “Marketplace Events is honored to have been selected by these venues to produce major Q1 shows.”
    
In the last two years, Marketplace Events also completed three acquisitions: two home shows in Winnipeg from the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA) in 2015; two shows in Raleigh, N.C., from American Consumer Shows (ACS) in 2014; and a show in Edmonton, AB from Young Marketing Services in 2014.

In all, the company now produces 47 shows annually in 23 markets including: 31 home shows in the US, 14 home shows in Canada and two Holiday Boutiques.

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.