Sparks, a global brand experience agency, is launching a multi-phase growth plan by acquiring Group Delphi’s tradeshow and event business. As part of the transaction, Sparks acquires Group Delphi’s trade show and event services, assets and facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Paris, France, and welcomes the 40 Group Delphi employees associated with these various functions and locations. Group Delphi will continue to operate out of its Alameda, California, facility focusing on museum exhibit fabrication, all-in-one restaurant solutions, fine arts and custom acrylic fabrication.
By combining the tradeshow and events business of Group Delphi with Sparks, the company expands its full-service experiential offering and manufacturing footprint—strengthening its position as the Fortune 1000’s go to live + digital brand experience agency. “Sparks has long respected the work of Group Delphi and its ability to create dynamic experiences for an impressive roster of clients,” says Scott Tarte (pictured left), CEO of Sparks. “Adding Group Delphi’s team, capabilities, and Midwest/international facilities to the Sparks portfolio represents our first effort to ‘play offense’ during a difficult time for our industry. We are confident that it will not be our last.”
“Sparks is a company that is leading, not following, the industry,” adds Justin Hersh (pictured right), CEO of Group Delphi. “They have a remarkable set of capabilities, but what impresses me most is their internal culture. Sparks provides impeccable customer service and understands the value of their talented team members who serve clients every day. I am delighted that Group Delphi’s tradeshow and events business is joining with Sparks. Both Group Delphi and Sparks share a passion for creative solutions—from design to manufacturing innovation—and we look forward to the powerful experiences that the combined team will create for clients.” Bay area-based Delphi Productions merged with ICON Exhibits in 2009 to form Group Delphi and in 2018, the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association announced Group Delphi as HCEA’s newest Premier Partner.
Nolan Advisory Services, Inc., Managing Partner Dan Greene (pictured left), commented on the acquisition by saying, “When two well-respected teams combine to leverage their strengths, there will be a positive outcome. Acquisitions such as this change the dynamic of the experiential industry, raising the bar on all competitors in the space. This event will attract clients and talent from all over the experiential industry.”
In August 2016, Sparks began its expansion from “event agency” to “event owner” when it acquired Big City Moms, a New York-based media company and a leading producer of content and events for new and expecting parents, operating its signature, fast-growing Biggest Baby Show Ever! conference series in five markets: Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Washington D.C.
Sparks now has local offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Detroit, Michigan; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Ridgefield, Connecticut, with international offices in Paris, France and Shanghai, China.
Sparks is a live + digital experiential marketing agency. They specialize in creating connection—real human connection—onsite, online or anywhere. Through a thoughtful mix of sound strategy, next-level creative and flawless execution, they create memorable tradeshow exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action and build trust—and they do it all over the world. For more info, visit wearesparks.com
Group Delphi is an award-winning experience creation shop with a nearly 30-year history of tradeshow and event design, production, strategy and interactive excellence. Group Delphi creates immersive, unforgettable experiences for some of the world’s best-loved brands and will continue to operate out of its Alameda, California, facility focusing on museum exhibit fabrication, all-in-one restaurant solutions, fine arts and custom acrylic fabrication. For more info, visit www.groupdelphi.com.
