Diversified Sells Two Australia-based Show Portfolios to Newly Formed Talk2 Media & Events

March 14, 2016

Diversified Communications has sold two of its Australia-based show portfolios - Good Food & Wine Shows and Fitness & Health Expos - to their international director, Matthew Pearce, and finance director, Steve Malbourne.

Pearce and Malbourne have stepped down to launch their new company, Talk2 Media & Events. All of the product and support teams that serve the two groups of shows have all been offered roles withTalk2 Media & Events.

“This is an exciting and mutually beneficial business decision. We are pleased that our Australia division can now focus on our trade events, while knowing our consumer events are in the best of hands,” said Theodore Wirth, president and CEO of Diversified Communications.

He added, “Diversified is proud of the business opportunities we give our employees. This, however, is the first time employees have launched a business through the acquisition of our products. We wish Matt and Steve and their staff great success as they continue to grow these exceptional consumer products.”

With Pearce’s departure, Diversified Communications Australia will now solely be led by General Manager David Longman and his leadership team.

Longman was promoted to general manager in October of 2014 after 10 years with the company. 

“This decision allows the Australian division to focus on our core capabilities and business investments around the trade show and conference models. We will continue to seek launch and acquisition opportunities within the trade show and conference markets and are keen to explore industry specific content opportunities in Australia.” Longman said.

He added, “Matt and his team are passionate about consumer events. Knowing the staff and the brands are in good hands was an important part of the decision to divest. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Matt and Steve and the teams involved in these consumer events for their dedication to Diversified; and whilst we wish Matt, Steve and his team all the very best for the future, we are equally excited for what lies ahead for Diversified Communications Australia.” 

Wirth and his corporate team will directly oversee Diversified Communications’ Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong divisions. T

hey will be working with Longman, Kavin Kittiboonya – managing director of Diversified Communications Thailand and Stuart Bailey – managing director of Diversified Communications Hong Kong.

Bailey will take on oversight responsibilities of HRM Asia, Diversified’s division in Singapore. He will be working with Joanna Bush, the newly appointed executive general manager of HRM Asia.

“We look forward to working more closely with these strong leaders to provide corporate support as they continue to grow their businesses and produce valuable media solutions to their diverse industries,” Wirth said.

He added, “Our Asia-Pacific divisions have portfolios of market-leading trade shows, publications and digital communities serving the food and beverage, business management, travel and transportation, building and construction, oil and gas, waste and recycling, education, technology and retail business sectors.”

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.