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Clarion Events North America

Event Organizer
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Founded
1995-01-01 in United States
Headquarters
Shelton, Connecticut, USA

Clarion Events North America is a leading B2B event organizer and trade show producer, operating as the U.S. division of Clarion Events UK, one of the world's largest privately owned exhibition organizers. Founded in 1995 in the gift and souvenir event space, the company has grown into a major force in the U.S. events industry, backed by The Blackstone Group. Based in Shelton, Connecticut, Clarion Events North America produces over 50 events across 12 sectors, including pop culture, energy, technology, and retail trade. Its portfolio spans large-scale trade shows like POWERGEN and Utility Expo, as well as consumer enthusiast events through its LeftField Media division. The company has expanded through strategic acquisitions such as PennWell, Insuretech Connect, and Coffee Fest, and has developed digital products like Virtual Product Showcases and On-Demand Education packages. With over 200 employees and a culture focused on diversity and community, Clarion Events North America is recognized as one of the fastest-growing event companies in the U.S.

Detailed Review

History and Acquisition Strategy

Clarion Events North America began in 1995 as Urban Expositions, focusing on the gift and souvenir event market. It was acquired and rebranded as part of the global Clarion Events group, which itself was founded in 1947. The North American division has pursued aggressive growth through acquisitions, notably the 2018 purchase of PennWell, which added major energy and technology events like POWERGEN and Utility Expo. Subsequent acquisitions include LeftField Media (pop-culture conventions), Insuretech Connect (insurance technology), Coffee Fest (coffee retail), The Affiliate Summits (marketing), Infocast (renewable energy), and MAU (mobile apps). This strategy has diversified Clarion's portfolio across 12 industry sectors and positioned it as a top player in the U.S. events landscape.

Portfolio and Digital Innovation

The company produces more than 50 live events annually, ranging from large-scale trade shows to consumer enthusiast gatherings. Key brands include LeftField Media events like Rose City Comic Con and Keystone Comic Con, the PennWell energy portfolio, and niche conferences such as Insuretech Connect and Coffee Fest. In response to market shifts, Clarion has invested heavily in digital and virtual offerings, including Virtual Product Showcases, Episodic Content Series, On-Demand Education Membership Packages, and Virtual MATCH Meetings. These digital products allow clients to connect year-round through online platforms, supplementing the live event experience. The company also operates the National Grocers Show in partnership with the National Grocers Association.

Culture and Recognition

With over 200 employees across seven U.S. offices, Clarion Events North America emphasizes an entrepreneurial culture and deep community ties. The leadership team, including CEO Liz Irving and Chairman Greg Topalian, prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The company's achievements include five shows named to the TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows, underscoring its scale and industry influence. Backed by private equity from The Blackstone Group, Clarion continues to explore new acquisitions and innovations, maintaining a strong market position against competitors like Emerald Expositions and Informa.

Key Products

  • Live Trade Shows & Consumer Events

    More than 50 events across 12 sectors, ranging from large-scale trade shows (e.g., POWERGEN, Utility Expo) to enthusiast events (e.g., comic cons).

  • LeftField Media

    Portfolio of pop-culture events including Rose City Comic Con, Keystone Comic Con and other regional fan conventions (acquired).

  • PennWell

    Previously owned energy and technology events (e.g., POWERGEN, Utility Expo, Waterpower Week) added via the 2018 acquisition.

  • Insuretech Connect

    Leading conference for insurance technology (acquired).

  • Coffee Fest

    Regional trade shows for the coffee and specialty beverage industry (acquired).

  • The Affiliate Summits

    Marketing conferences held in New York, Los Angeles and London (acquired).

  • Infocast

    Events focused on renewable energy and solar power (acquired).

  • MAU (Mobile Apps Unlocked)

    Event dedicated to mobile app development and marketing (acquired).

  • National Grocers Show

    Owned in partnership with the National Grocers Association.

  • Digital & Virtual Products

    Virtual Product Showcases, Episodic Content Series, On-Demand Education Membership Packages, Virtual MATCH Meetings.

Offices & Headcount

200 employees (approx.)

Key Persons

Notable past members

Related Companies

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