Marketplace Events, the largest producer of consumer home shows in North America with 31 home shows in 20 markets, has launched a new trade show division, it announced last week.
In January, Marketplace Events announced plans to develop the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIME), a trade and consumer show for the motorcycle industry that's set to launch in fall 2013. That event will be the first in Marketplace Events' new trade show division, although the company plans to pursue other "trade show opportunities" via acquisitions, partnerships and organic development.
The new line of business will be led by Mike Webster, who will continue serving in his current role as the company's vice president in addition to his new role as president of its trade show division.
"Mike Webster is recognized as one of the best trade and consumer event senior executives in North America," said Marketplace Events CEO Tom Baugh. "He's smart, strategic, trusted and a proven builder of successful shows and successful teams. That makes Mike the ideal person to construct and lead Marketplace Events' new trade show division. AIME is just the start."
Said Webster, "I have an unfeigned passion for the exhibition business having managed and produced hundreds of trade and consumer shows for more than 30 years. Marketplace Events is a spectacular organization with a proven track record of success due to our unwavering commitment to delivering impeccable value and service to all of our external and internal customers. I am thrilled with the opportunity to grow our portfolio of trade shows."