Exhibitor Media Group, the leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education, is proud to announce Mark Johnson, chairman and CEO of The STAR Groupe, has acquired the company. In addition to the award-winning EXHIBITOR magazine, the organization also produces EXHIBITORLIVE, the national conference and exhibition for trade show and corporate event marketing. Exhibitor Media Group offers several platforms for connection and education, including the university-affiliated Certified Trade Show Marketer program, FastTrak regional conferences, eTrak online learning opportunities, complimentary EXHIBITORInsight webinars, and more.
Johnson founded Star Exhibits and Environments in 1993 and, following the pandemic, he made the strategic decision to establish a holding company with the intent of serving the face-to-face marketing industry. “The trade show industry was significantly impacted by the pandemic, which nearly decimated a professional community I have proudly served for more than 30 years,” said Johnson. “Knowing the important role EXHIBITOR plays in the industry, I wanted to ensure the entire face-to-face marketing community continues to have access to the unbiased content, education, and expertise they need to create successful programs now and in the future.”
“The best way to honor our past is to continue providing the rich content and exclusive educational opportunities that have helped guide the professional transformation of the industry for the past 40 years,” said Travis Stanton, editor of EXHIBITOR magazine. “By fostering professional connection, exploring both trusted and new event-marketing strategies, and highlighting our communities’ key learnings and successes, we are proud to contribute to the emergence of a vibrant new phase in event marketing. While looking toward the future, we fully intend to build on the foundation of the company in a way that nurtures its roots and promotes new growth.”
“As the new owner of the business, my first priority is ensuring the EXHIBITOR team is well cared for during the transition,” said Johnson, noting his initial focus on people, benefits, and culture. “Because of the unique role that EXHIBITOR plays in our industry, I intend to run it as a separate business and will not have ongoing operational responsibilities. Once I am confident we have established a strong footing, I will turn the business over to a newly appointed CEO/president who will be accountable for running Exhibitor Media Group.” Additionally, Johnson plans to establish an advisory board with leaders across the globe to help identify and accommodate unmet industry needs.
“I am honored to now be a part of the EXHIBITOR legacy and look forward to watching the organization grow and evolve in the years to come,” said Johnson. “Long live the show!”
