Emerald Expositions Events Inc., more commonly referred to as EEX, is a leading operator of business-to-business (B2B) trade shows in the United States. This renowned company has its headquarters in San Juan Capistrano, California. Established in 2013, EEX was briefly listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol EEX until its subsequent acquisition in 2019.
The primary focus of EEX is centered around the principle operations of trade shows, which essentially serve as platforms for companies across various industry sectors to showcase their products and services. These trade shows provide a unique opportunity for networking, fostering new business relationships and strengthening existing ones.
The company organizes trade shows in diverse sectors, including gift, home and general merchandise, sports, design and construction, technology, jewelry, and others. Some of its notable trade shows include the International Gift Exposition in the Smokies, the Sports Licensing and Tailgate Show, and the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo. Organizing more than 55 trade shows and conferences each year, EEX has a significant influence on various sectors in the commercial and industrial marketplace.
EEX's sectors embody a broad swath of the US economy, which includes those businesses that not only serve domestic customers but also foreign markets. Its effective trade shows circulation in all the leading markets across the nation, thus enabling a diverse line-up of companies to promote their products or services, and interact with potential customers and industry professionals.
In December 2018, EEX also started its operations in the digital domain, extending its proficiency in networking and business promotion realms. It launched Elastic Suite, a digital B2B e-commerce platform. This digital tool assists brands in curating product lines to drive incremental sales with a highly efficient platform for retail buyers to assort products.
In 2019, EEX was taken private by Onex Corporation, one of Canada's oldest and most esteemed private equity firms. This strategic acquisition allowed the company to continue its growth while benefiting from Onex’s resources and market connections.
Although facing competition in the industry, Emerald Expositions Events Inc. stands out for its strategic event organization, diverse industry sectors, and commitment to providing valuable opportunities for businesses to connect and thrive. It has been, and continues to be an indispensable part of the U.S. trade show industry.