Issue link: https://tradeshowexecutive.epubxp.com/i/58649
FEATURE Continued from page 40 licensing industries. Advanstar is off to a strong start this year with above average growth across all key metrics at MAGIC Marketplace in February. Te company's flagship event reported a 5% increase in attendance and the number of exhibitors, while exhibit space grew by 7% over 2011. MAGIC Marketplace in February ranked No. 8 on the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 in 2011, and MAGIC Marketplace August ranked No. 6. Last month, Advanstar hired magazine executive Tom Florio to head its Fashion Group and MAGIC Marketplace. "Tom's leadership and insights will propel Advanstar's Fashion Group to the next level," said Joe Loggia, CEO. "Te anatomy of the fashion busi- ness is changing from supply chain to e-commerce," Loggia said. "Our goal is to expand our platform in these areas and provide a marketplace where all busi- nesses that touch fashion connect." Indeed, Advanstar is ramping up for growth in its digital platforms across all of the industries served by its media properties. In addition to trade shows and consumer shows, Advanstar produces 143 conferences and events, 54 publications and directories, 253 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. "Advanstar aims to expand its revenue base through innovative initiatives such Changing Fashions. Hemlines and trade shows are always changing. Advanstar brought in a new president for its MAGIC brand to keep up with the evolution of the fashion industry and its high-profile designers like TV's Jennifer Love-Hewitt (above). as a new web-based service tentatively called shopthefloor.com that will provide an e-commerce platform for business to business," said Loggia. "Economic conditions, especially the conditions affecting a specific indus- try, always factor into our development plans," said Loggia. "Most of the indus- tries we serve are looking for new ways to connect and conduct commerce. It's just a matter of creating the right platform." In 2011, Advanstar reported significant growth in its fashion trade show portfo- lio and accelerated growth in its digital media revenue with sales of advertising and sponsorship packages. Also last year, Advanstar enticed celebrities such as Jen- nifer Love Hewitt, Denise Richards and Twilight actor Kellen Lutz to travel to the We continue to focus on providing more efficient ways for our customers to connect, communicate and conduct commerce. That includes acquisitions, organic growth and new product development. Joe Loggia, CEO, ADVANSTAR MAGIC Marketplace August in Las Vegas to speak with executives, retailers and designers about merchandising and mar- keting partnerships. Expect more events like this one to be added in 2012. "Our growth strategy hasn't changed," said Loggia. "We continue to focus on pro- viding more efficient ways for our custom- ers to connect, communicate and conduct commerce. Tat includes acquisitions, organic growth and new product develop- ment domestically and internationally." Loggia said the biggest challenge now is the introduction of several digital-based products that will change the services Advanstar offers its customers. Continued on page 44 42 March 2012 | Trade Show Executive