North America-based consumer and trade show organiser Marketplace Events (MPE), has 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 1 May, 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 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.
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 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.”
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
For further event information about the Travel & Adventure Show Series, visit travelshows.com
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk