Marketplace Events Expands U.S. Trade Show Portfolio with Major Acquisition
North America’s leading consumer and trade show organizer, Marketplace Events (MPE), has officially acquired the Travel & Adventure Shows, the only consumer-focused travel trade show series in the United States. The acquisition, which was finalized on May 1, 2026, marks the largest acquisition in Marketplace Events’ history and significantly strengthens the company’s footprint in the fast-growing travel and experiential events industry.
This strategic acquisition adds the highly successful Travel & Adventure Shows portfolio to Marketplace Events’ growing network of 125 trade and consumer shows across more than 50 markets throughout North America.
Strengthening Marketplace Events’ National Presence
With this latest expansion, Marketplace Events further enhances its market leadership by adding one of America’s most established travel event brands to its portfolio.
The addition of the Travel & Adventure Shows expands Marketplace Events’ reach into the booming travel, tourism, outdoor adventure, and experiential lifestyle sectors, complementing its existing consumer event categories including home shows, outdoor expos, and enthusiast exhibitions.
Marketplace Events’ growing event network now attracts over 2.2 million attendees annually and connects more than 30,000 exhibitors across North America.
Travel & Adventure Shows to Continue as Independent Division
Following the acquisition, the Travel & Adventure Shows will continue operating as a distinct division within Marketplace Events.
The division will remain under the leadership of Jonathan Golicz, who has been appointed Vice President of Travel & Adventure Shows under Marketplace Events. The entire existing team will transition as part of the acquisition, ensuring continuity and ongoing innovation for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees.
This move ensures the trusted identity and operational excellence of the Travel & Adventure Shows brand remain intact while benefiting from Marketplace Events’ expanded infrastructure and operational scale.
Travel & Adventure Shows’ Impressive National Portfolio
The Travel & Adventure Shows have built a strong reputation over the past 23 years as America’s premier travel trade show series.
Its current event lineup includes 10 major annual travel exhibitions across key U.S. markets, including:
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Washington, D.C.
- Dallas
- Denver
- Phoenix
- San Francisco Bay Area
In addition, the organization successfully launched two new events in 2026 in:
- South Florida
- Seattle
Collectively, these events attract more than 150,000 attendees and 2,500 exhibitors annually, making it the largest travel-focused consumer event series in the United States.
Founder John Golicz Reflects on the Next Chapter
John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm and founder of the Travel & Adventure Shows, described the acquisition as a natural next step in the brand’s evolution.
He stated that after building the Travel & Adventure Shows over 23 years, it was time to partner with an organization capable of scaling the platform to new heights.
According to Golicz, Marketplace Events offers the operational strength, market reach, and long-term vision needed to unlock the next stage of growth for the show series.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of MPE CEO Mark White and described the partnership as the ideal future for all stakeholders involved.
Marketplace Events CEO Mark White Welcomes the Expansion
Mark White, CEO of Marketplace Events, expressed excitement about welcoming the Travel & Adventure Shows team into the company.
White noted that the acquisition aligns perfectly with Marketplace Events’ broader portfolio of enthusiast-driven exhibitions, particularly its outdoor and lifestyle event categories.
He also highlighted how the acquisition significantly expands Marketplace Events’ presence into nearly every major U.S. metropolitan market, strengthening its national influence in consumer-facing event experiences.
Strategic Growth in the Travel and Adventure Sector
The acquisition reflects the increasing strength of the travel and adventure industry, which has seen strong consumer demand as experiential tourism continues to rise.
By adding the Travel & Adventure Shows, Marketplace Events gains direct access to one of the fastest-growing consumer sectors while providing exhibitors with broader opportunities to connect with highly engaged travel buyers.
Industry experts view the deal as a major milestone that will likely accelerate innovation, sponsorship opportunities, and event expansion within the travel show sector.
What This Means for Exhibitors and Attendees
For exhibitors, the acquisition means enhanced event infrastructure, broader promotional reach, and stronger attendee engagement through Marketplace Events’ extensive marketing network.
Attendees can expect:
- Expanded show experiences
- More travel brands and destinations
- Improved event technology
- Greater educational programming
- Stronger partnerships with tourism boards and travel suppliers
The future of the Travel & Adventure Shows appears set for continued growth under Marketplace Events’ leadership.
A Landmark Deal in the U.S. Trade Show Industry
The acquisition of the Travel & Adventure Shows by Marketplace Events represents one of the most significant developments in the North American exhibition industry in 2026.
By combining Marketplace Events’ operational scale with the Travel & Adventure Shows’ trusted brand reputation, the deal creates a powerful platform poised to dominate the U.S. travel trade show market for years to come.
As both companies move forward together, this acquisition signals a bold new era for travel exhibitions in America.
