Emerald Expositions Acquires Two Graphic Design Events

Trade show and conference producer Emerald Expositions, LLC, has acquired two graphic design events: How Design Live and the How Design Conference series. Both events were previously owned by content and e-commerce company F+W Interactive Media, Inc.
As the largest graphic design conference and exposition in the U.S., How Design Live combines five different conferences into one event focused on creativity, business and inspiration for designers.

F+W’s retained HOW Media Brands, including HOW Magazine, Print Magazine, and HOW University, will continue to work closely with Emerald’s HOW Design Events. This long-term strategic relationship will enable both organizations to focus their respective resources and expertise on their core competencies and apply best practices across each product line. It also ensures that all products under the HOW brand will continue to provide high quality content and experiences to the market.

“Our strategy of supplementing organic growth with tuck-in acquisitions of industry leading, high-quality businesses makes the decision to add HOW Design Events to the Emerald portfolio a natural one,” said David Loechner, Chief Executive Officer of Emerald. “HOW is an institution in the graphic design industry and Emerald looks forward to continuing to deliver highly inspirational and educational events to this growing professional community.”

“I expect Emerald’s acquisition of the HOW Design Events to benefit the graphic design market enormously,” said Gary Lynch, former VP/Community Leader for the HOW Media Brands and now Vice President of Emerald Expositions. “Each organization’s expertise and talent is perfectly suited for the product lines they will own and operate. The transition of HOW Design Events from F+W will be seamless and we are intent on delivering even more value to our customers as part of the Emerald organization.”

F+W’s Interim CEO, Jim Ogle, noted that for more than 20 years, F+W has been dedicated to providing its customers with the very best conferences for designers. “We are confident the Emerald Expositions team will take these events to the next level, providing a best-in-class experience for attendees, partners, speakers, and exhibitors while staying true to the HOW brand promise.”

Corporate Solutions of Westport, Connecticut was the exclusive advisor to F+W in arranging, structuring and negotiating this transaction. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.