Trade Show News

Apollo Funds has acquired Emerald Holding and Questex in separate all-cash deals, with plans to merge them into a leading North American B2B events and media platform. This transaction creates a scaled operator with approximately 160 events across complementary markets, positioning the combined entity to capitalize on the growing demand for in-person professional gatherings. The article notes that the International Beauty Show (IBS) and International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) were held at the Javits Center in March 2026.

Emerald has sold an 'iconic NY Trade Show,' as reported in TSNN's Deal Tracker, indicating a significant business transaction within the New York trade show landscape. This move is part of a broader trend of industry giants investing in strategic partnerships and acquisitions to scale and remain competitive.

The National Small Business Expo “New York Edition,” scheduled for June 11, 2026, at the Rochdale Village Ballroom in Queens, is designed to strengthen business connections and foster economic development. The event aims to unite entrepreneurs, businesses, corporate partners, and community leaders to create opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The Kimpton Era Midtown New York, a 529-room IHG property, opened in Manhattan in March 2026. This new hotel offers four dining concepts, including a rooftop bar with 360-degree skyline views, enhancing hospitality options for trade show attendees.

The Kimpton Era Midtown New York has opened in Manhattan, featuring 529 rooms and over 2,900 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor meeting space. This new hotel property enhances the hospitality infrastructure available for conventions and events in New York City.

PatientPoint is actively seeking a Manager, Trade Shows & Events in New York, NY. This role is crucial for leading the planning and execution of B2B trade shows and events, involving collaboration with internal teams to define event strategy, managing comprehensive logistics, and evaluating performance against key performance indicators.

Apollo Global Management announced its agreement to acquire trade show and events companies Emerald Holding and Questex for approximately $1.5 billion, with plans to merge them into a single B2B events platform. Following the acquisition, Emerald will be taken private and its stock delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. Apollo aims to expand the combined platform through further acquisitions in the fragmented B2B live-events sector.

RWS Global, a world leader in live experiences headquartered in New York, announced an executive leadership transition. Founder, Chairman & CEO Ryan Stana will transition to Executive Chairman, with current Chief Operating Officer Jake McCoy appointed Interim CEO.

Gerilyn Horan, who began her career at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, has been promoted to Vice President, Group Sales & Strategic Accounts at Hilton Worldwide Sales. She is now responsible for driving the growth of the group segment across all Hilton brands.

Marketplace Events (MPE) acquired the Travel & Adventure Shows, North America's only series of consumer-facing travel trade shows, with the transaction closing on May 1, 2026. This acquisition significantly expands MPE's reach into the high-growth travel and outdoor experiential category, including long-running shows in New York.

The Promotions East trade show, organized by the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), is relocating to the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City in June 2026 after many years in Atlantic City. The event will feature networking, education, and a keynote address from 'Shark Tank' investor Daymond John.

MillerKnoll is presenting "High-Touch," a design history exhibition reexamining minimalist interiors, at its New York gallery from May 15 to October 2, 2026, as part of NYCxDesign 2026. The exhibition highlights the lasting influence of modern interiors and total design.

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) announced a significant shift, moving its annual exhibition at the Javits Center from its traditional spring slot to November 7-9, 2027. This change aims to alleviate scheduling pressures and align with Boutique Design New York (BDNY).

Frieze New York will open its 15th edition at The Shed on May 13, 2026, featuring 68 galleries from 26 countries, with a particular emphasis on galleries and artists from Central and South America. The fair has expanded institutional partnerships and citywide collaborations.

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) will move its annual exhibition at the Javits Center to November 7-9, 2027, to run concurrently with Boutique Design New York (BDNY). This strategic shift aims to create a more focused and productive environment for the design industry.

The Greater New York City region is set to gain a major new convention center with a proposed $3 billion project in the N.J. Meadowlands. The multi-use facility, designed by TVS Design, is planned to include 460,000 square feet of event and ballroom space, a 1,000-room hotel, and a 6,000-seat arena.

The Barclays Center in Brooklyn is undergoing the third phase of its $150 million, five-year renovation project. This phase will transform the main atrium, introduce new premium experiences, and enhance culinary offerings. The upgraded spaces are expected to open in Fall 2026, improving the overall visitor experience at the multipurpose arena.

The Barclays Center in Brooklyn has commenced the third phase of its $150 million renovation project, focusing on a new atrium, box office, and an American Express Card Member Entrance and Lounge. These upgrades, designed by Populous and Shawmut Design and Construction, will debut ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season and include a reimagined 9,000-square-foot event level premium club and elevated culinary offerings. The enhancements aim to improve the fan and guest experience at the multipurpose indoor arena.

The Javits Center's $1.5 billion expansion is highlighted, featuring a dedicated four-level truck marshaling facility with 27 new loading docks to streamline logistics for exhibitors. The 1.2 million-square-foot addition includes 200,000 square feet of premium meeting space and a 54,000 square-foot ballroom, positioning the Javits Center as a premier hub for international trade on the East Coast. This expansion aims to optimize the high-density environment for maximum return on investment for businesses.

Developers Chino and Evelyn Ingram of Simply Ingram LLC plan to convert a vacant church in Syracuse, Onondaga County, into an $8 million event venue named THE CASTLE. The project will feature event space, an upscale lounge, and a training center, creating 13 full-time and 29 part-time jobs. It is supported by a $1.2 million state grant from Empire State Development and a $1 million grant from the Restore New York Communities Initiative.