Marketplace Events Acquires Pacific Northwest Consumer Shows

June 6, 2018

Marketplace Events has purchased two shows from O’Loughlin Trade Shows, the largest producer of consumer shows in the Pacific Northwest. 

Marketplace Events now will operate both the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, held each February at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle and the Tacoma Home & Garden Show, held in January at the Tacoma Dome.  

“From both a personal and professional standpoint, this is a meaningful deal,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events, which is known as the largest producer of business-to-consumer home shows in North America.

He continued, “The O’Loughlin and Baugh families have been friends and colleagues for almost 50 years. Marketplace Events is excited to become stewards of these events and we are extremely enthusiastic about expanding our footprint into the Northwest U.S. market.”

As a 30-year-old show that has operated in the market since 1989, the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival has long been regarded as the preeminent garden show in the Northwest that features more than 20 spectacular show gardens each year.

The show’s current staff will join Marketplace Events and continue running the event, according to Marketplace officials. 

The Tacoma Home & Garden Show, which is set to run Jan. 24-27, will be operated out of Marketplace Events’ Vancouver office under the direction of veteran Show Manager Tyson Kidd and Assistant Show Manager Stephanie Gatzionis.  

Presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers, the Tacoma show us Washington’s largest combined home and garden event.  

Meanwhile, O’Loughlin Trade Shows will continue producing Boat, RV, Food and Sportsmen’s Shows.

This is the third show acquisition of the year for Marketplace Events, with the company having acquired or launched 25 shows since being purchased by Sentinel Capital Partners in February 2016.

The company produces 41 consumer home shows in the U.S., 16 in Canada and nine holiday shows. The 66 combined events in 31 markets attract 20,000 exhibitors, 1.8 million attendees and another 3 million unique web visitors annually.

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.