Global Experience Specialists Acquires Housing Services Companies - onPeak and Travel Planners

October 8, 2014

Global Experience Specialists has acquired two housing services companies – onPeak, with headquarters in Chicago, and Travel Planners, which is headquartered in New York City.

The combined business will serve clients under the name onPeak, a GES Global Company (onPeak | GES).

“Our clients told us that they want GES to create unique, integrated experiences delivered by just one trusted partner for their most critical event needs,” said Steve Moster, GES’ president.  

He added, “We are honored to have earned our clients’ trust and are really excited to offer a complete event experience to all of our clients - from exhibition organizers to corporate marketers, event agencies and now hotel partners.”

Adding housing services into GES’ current offerings gives its clients the ability to have one company as the go-to source for their event services, according to GES officials.

The three companies have 60 years of combined experience, and the new onPeak | GES will provide premium housing services to approximately 60 percent of the top 250 trade shows in the United States.  

Leading the new onPeak team as executive vice president of onPeak | GES is Michael Howe, formerly president of onPeak. Howe will report to Moster.

Lisa Baez, formerly executive director of Travel Planners, will report to Howe as vice president of housing account services.

“Like GES, Travel Planners and onPeak were built on technical innovation and great service,” Howe said.

He added, “We’re thrilled to combine our expertise and advanced technology with the global resources of GES. This opens the doors to really exciting opportunities for our clients and employees.”

As the exclusive distributor of housing services for an event, onPeak | GES will utilize “its scale and industry-leading technology to offer convenient and affordable hotel accommodations to event attendees and exhibitors”, according to GES officials.

onPeak | GES will manage hotel booking administration before, during and after the  event, including securing room blocks with local hotels, marketing those reserved blocks to event attendees and exhibitors, managing attendee and exhibitor reservations and addressing any housing concerns during the event.

This is the second big acquisition announcement for GES in the past month: Blitz Communications, an audio-visual service company for the live events industry in the U.K. and continental Europe, was acquired Sept. 12.

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.