Emerald

Today, Emerald and Questex become Forge. The brands you know aren’t going anywhere. They’re now part of something bigger. Forge unites Emerald’s scaled portfolio of trade shows and commerce-driven solutions with Questex’s differentiated events and always-on digital engagement. Together, we have the scale, technology, data and market expertise to help customers see what’s ahead and connect with the people who matter most. At the heart of Forge are our people: talented, experienced teams deeply committed to our customers. “Forge is more than a new name. It's the opportunity to build something bigger and bolder, combining the strength of our brands, people and relationships to shape what comes next for the industries and communities we serve.”— Paul Miller FCIM, CEO of Forge Magnetic Experiences. Intelligent Connections. Always-On Communities. This is Forge. Let’s build what’s next. 👉 Follow Forge to be part of the journey from day one. 👉 Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/466UEui #Forge #B2BEvents #MovingMarkets

For the first time as one company, Emerald and Questex are proud to celebrate the incredible teams and individuals recognized by Trade Show Executive Magazine as 2026 Gold 100 Grand Award finalists and Women to Watch honorees! Congratulations to our 2026 Women to Watch: Linette Dao, Senior Marketing Director, Industrial Group, Emerald Alexandra Lombardo, Events Operations Manager, Event Performance Group, Questex We're also thrilled to congratulate the teams behind our five Gold 100 Grand Award finalists: StreamTV Show (Questex) — Best Attendee Acquisition Model Live Design International (LDI) (Questex) — Slam Dunk Award: Best New Idea of 2025 ClimaTech Live (Emerald) — Slam Dunk Award: Best New Idea of 2025 Pizza Expo Columbus (Emerald) - Best New Launch in 2025 KBIS (Emerald) — Greatest Trade Show of 2025 These honors reflect the creativity, dedication and innovation of our exceptional colleagues across Emerald and Questex. We couldn't be more excited to collectively represent this remarkable group - and to cheer them on together - at the TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit, taking place Sept. 22–24 at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, California. Congratulations to all our honorees and finalist teams! This is a wonderful first milestone to celebrate together as we begin our next chapter as one company.

We are excited to announce that Apollo Funds have completed the previously announced acquisitions of Emerald and Questex. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Emerald as we officially join forces with Questex and begin operating as one company. Together, we are creating a leading B2B events and media platform with enhanced scale, expanded capabilities, and a strong foundation for growth. As previously announced, Paul Miller FCIM has been named Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, and Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor. In addition, we have made the following appointments to the executive leadership team of the combined company: · Vincenzo DiMaggio, named as Chief Financial Officer; · Issa Jouaneh, named as Chief Operating Officer; · Kate Spellman, named as Chief Commercial Officer; · Kurt Nelson, named as Chief Talent Officer; and · Sara Altschul, named as Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary. We are grateful to our employees, customers, and partners for their continued support and look forward to what’s ahead as we enter this new chapter. To read more about this announcement, please visit https://lnkd.in/gZZk8YaD 

Global trade is powered by relationships. We're proud to see ASD Market Week, in partnership with the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) and the Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA (KACCUSA), launch the inaugural K-Goods Fair at this August 25-27 event in Las Vegas. The opportunity is significant. South Korea was the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter in 2025, and the U.S. is projected to become the world's largest K-beauty market in 2026. That demand is exactly why direct access matters. As Karalynn Sprouse, EVP at Emerald, noted: "No other trade show in the U.S. offers this level of direct sourcing access to Korean manufacturers, creating a meaningful competitive advantage for our buyers." Congratulations to the ASD Market Week, KBIZ, and KACCUSA teams on this exciting milestone. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/gtcEhp_J #ASDMarketWeek #SourceDirect #KBeauty #GlobalTrade #Retail #Sourcing #Emerald https://lnkd.in/gUyv4qhq

I'm thrilled that Kerry Washington will join the Advertising Week New York line-up in October this year. The actor, producer and founder of Simpson Street is joining us to talk about building a production company with purpose and storytelling. I'm interested to hear about this because Simpson Street says it wants to let a wide range of people see themselves, hear themselves and be themselves on screen and, let's face it, we could do with more of that. But also because Washington has often shown herself to be one of the most perceptive actors when it comes to understanding the value of marketing. Washington told InStyle last year that she'd created a character called 'Red Carpet Kerry' after missing out on a role. She felt it had gone to an actor who was "utilizing her personal marketing" more effectively and decided to make sure she understood her own marketing value. Funnily enough, as someone massively shy personally, this is why Red Carpet Ruth always takes opportunities. Gets on stage. Does the talk. Wears the dress even though most dresses are uncomfortable. Saying yes matters, Washington is absolutely right. I'm looking to learning even more from her in October (and I'm also willing to have her old red carpet outfits, I love a recycled look). Get Your Tickets. Advertisingweek.com.

When Marketing Budgets Started Growing Again, One Channel Pulled Ahead. After a period of cautious spending, marketing investment is beginning to rebound.  The latest Q1 2026 IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) Bellwether Report found that overall marketing budgets returned to growth in Q1 2026, while S&P Global increased its advertising spend forecast for the year from +1.5% to +2.5%. But here's what stood out. When marketers decided where to invest those additional dollars, live events led every marketing discipline, posting the strongest increase in investment of any channel. As budgets return, marketers aren't just spending more, they're investing where they expect the greatest impact. At Emerald, we see why. Every year, our industry-leading events connect more than 2 million business decision-makers looking to discover new products, build partnerships, and grow their businesses. Because business doesn't happen through impressions alone.  It happens when people connect. https://lnkd.in/erZiEFug #B2BMarketing #LiveEvents #TradeShows #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #Emerald

As the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence this July 4th weekend, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the fuller story behind the day - and what we’re really celebrating. As Emerald’s CEO Hervé Sedky shares below, a lasting reflection inspired by David M Rubenstein's thoughts on “patriotic philanthropy” underscores that history is rarely as tidy as we’re taught - and that progress comes from a willingness to learn from the past while continuing to strive for something better. Those themes transcend countries, generations, and organizations. Wishing our colleagues, customers, and partners a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Surf Expo has named Adam Kingston Vice President of Sales as the show's 50th anniversary celebration continues in September. Kingston and Show Director Roy Turner share more on the new role, the September show, and what comes next. Details here: https://lnkd.in/gCqSjF_j