North America’s leading consumer show organizer acquires the Travel & Adventure Shows, signaling a bold new chapter in experiential consumer events.
TORONTO, ON — Marketplace Events (MPE), North America’s leading consumer and trade show organizer, announced the acquisition of the Travel & Adventure Shows, the only series of consumer-facing travel trade shows in the United States. The transaction, which closed May 1, 2026, represents the largest acquisition in Marketplace Events’ history.
The acquisition adds the Travel & Adventure Shows’ established events portfolio and dedicated team to MPE’s network of more than 125 shows across 50+ markets — a platform that attracts over 2.2 million attendees and 30,000 exhibitors annually. The deal significantly extends MPE’s reach into the high-growth travel, adventure and outdoor experiential category.
The Travel & Adventure Shows will continue to operate as a distinct division within MPE, led by Jonathan Golicz as Vice President of the Travel & Adventure Shows. The full team transitions with the acquisition, ensuring complete continuity of service for exhibitors, sponsors and show partners.
The current roster of 10 Travel + Adventure Shows collectively attract more than 150,000 attendees and 2,500 exhibitors. The show group includes long-running shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Denver, Phoenix and the Bay Area as well as two extremely successful launches in 2026 in South Florida and Seattle.
“Unicomm has spent 23 years building the Travel & Adventure Shows into America’s leading travel show series. Now it’s time for the next chapter. MPE brings the platform, the reach and the operational firepower to take these shows where they deserve to go. The moment I sat down with Mark White and his team, I knew this was the right move, the right partner and the right future for every stakeholder who has been part of this journey,” said John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm and founder of the Travel & Adventure Shows.
“We are very excited to welcome the Travel and Adventure Shows and the team lead by Jonathan to Marketplace Events,” said MPE CEO Mark White. “These shows fit perfectly with our other enthusiast shows, especially our Outdoor Shows, and expand our geographical reach to nearly all of the major markets in the US. John, Jim and Jonathan have done an outstanding job growing these shows, and we look forward to continuing that growth.”
“The Travel & Adventure Shows have always been about connecting serious travelers with the top travel destinations and providers from around the globe and providing a top-notch experience for travelers and travel brands alike. Joining the Marketplace Events family is a tremendous opportunity for our team, our exhibitors, and the hundreds of thousands of travelers who come through our doors each year. MPE’s reach, resources and expertise gives us an incredible platform to grow. We couldn’t be more excited about what we’re going to build together,” said Jonathan Golicz, Vice President, Travel & Adventure Show Series.
Transaction details
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition closed May 1, 2026. Travel and Adventure Shows will operate as a division of Marketplace Events under the Travel and Adventure Shows brand. Jonathan Golicz assumes leadership of the division effective immediately.
John Golicz and Jim Forberg, outgoing COO of UNICOMM, will remain engaged with the division in part-time consulting capacities, supporting the transition.
The combined platform
The acquisition strengthens MPE’s position as the dominant operator in North American consumer and trade events:
— 125+ shows annually across 50+ markets
— 2.2 million attendees per year
— 30,000+ exhibitors
— 5+ million unique web visitors annually
— Expanded presence in travel, adventure and outdoor experiential — one of the fastest-growing consumer event categories in North America
For further event information about the Travel & Adventure Show Series, please visit travelshows.com
About Marketplace Events
Marketplace Events is North America’s leading consumer and trade show organizer, producing more than 125 shows across 50+ markets including home and garden shows, holiday shopping shows, sport and outdoor shows, and regional trade shows. The company’s events attract over 2.2 million attendees and 30,000 exhibitors annually, with an additional 5+ million unique web visitors each year. MPE operates some of the most successful and longest-running shows in North America, including market-leading events in Seattle, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. For more information, visit marketplaceevents.com.
About Travel and Adventure Shows
The Travel & Adventure Shows take place in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Seattle, South Florida, the Bay Area, and Washington, D.C. As the only series of consumer-facing travel trade shows in the U.S., connecting the top travel destinations and travel providers from around the globe with an audience of serious travel enthusiasts. The Travel & Adventure Show Series is proud to be a division of Marketplace Events, LLC.
