Emerald purchases Plant Based World Expo, Sports Business Journal acquires National …

Emerald Expositions, a renowned event and media company, recently made a significant acquisition by purchasing Plant Based World (PBW) from JD Events (JDE). This move highlights the substantial growth and investment interest in the plant-based food industry. The acquisition, facilitated by the M&A advisory firm Collingwood, signifies Emerald’s strategic entry into the rapidly expanding plant-based ecosystem.

According to a report by Meticulous Research, the plant-based food sector is projected to reach $113 billion by 2031, showcasing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% from 2024 to 2031. The increasing consumer demand for sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious food options has transformed this sector from a niche market to a mainstream powerhouse. The Plant Based World Expo North America, established in 2019 when the global plant-based market was valued at $3.4 billion, has become a crucial meeting point for foodservice and retail buyers, manufacturers, investors, and service providers.

PBW Pulse, a digital news platform, complements the trade show expos in North America and Europe. These events are renowned for their innovative product launches, curated buyer meetings, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Joel Davis, the founder and CEO of JDE, explained the rationale behind selling PBW to Emerald. Given the industry’s rapid growth, JDE felt that PBW had outgrown its capacity, making it an opportune time to transition the event to a company like Emerald, which had expressed interest in the acquisition for several years.

Emerald’s commitment to investing in PBW for long-term growth reflects the company’s belief in the plant-based market’s future significance. With enhanced resources and support, the PBW team is poised to capitalize on emerging trends and strengthen industry relationships. The upcoming Plant Based World Expo North America and Europe are scheduled for December 2-3, 2025, at the Javits Center in New York City and November 26-27, 2025, at ExCeL London, respectively.

On a different note, the Sports Business Journal (SBJ) recently acquired the National Sports Forum (NSF), expanding its already robust event portfolio. The NSF, an annual conference catering to a wide array of sports industry professionals, offers valuable engagement opportunities for stakeholders across the sports business landscape. Established in 1996 by Ron Seaver, the NSF has become a premier platform for industry professionals to explore innovations and trends in the sports sector.

With SBJ’s acquisition, NSF will further enhance its offerings under the leadership of Ron Seaver, who will serve as the Managing Director: SBJ National Sports Forum. Seaver’s vision in founding NSF aligns with SBJ’s commitment to amplifying industry events. The upcoming 30th annual National Sports Forum is set to take place from February 22-24, 2026, in St. Louis, marking a significant milestone for the conference.

Overall, these strategic acquisitions by Emerald Expositions and Sports Business Journal underscore the evolving landscape of trade shows and events, reflecting the growing interest and investment in key industries like plant-based foods and sports business. With these acquisitions, both companies are positioned to drive innovation, foster industry relationships, and deliver valuable experiences for participants and stakeholders alike.