Clarion Events, the producer of the ICE Totally Gaming trade show which itself was just acquired by New York-based private equity manager Blackstone, has announced its purchase of the Affiliate Summit Corporation, which includes the Affiliate Summit trade show and conference, FeedFront Magazine, GeekCast.fm, ReveNews.com and the annual AffStat industry benchmark reports.
Affiliate Summit has been at the forefront of the affiliate marketing industry since its inception in 2003. It joins Clarion Events alongside the iGB Affiliate brand to further the vision of both companies to provide a comprehensive events and information platform for the affiliate marketing sector. With the acquisition, Affiliate Summit will continue to deliver the premier affiliate marketing trade show and conference in the United States, and will now have the opportunity to expand the Affiliate Summit brand internationally.
Additionally, Affiliate Summit Co-Founders, Missy Ward and Shawn Collins with over 20 years’ experience in affiliate marketing, will continue running Affiliate Summit in the capacity of co-CEOs with the support of its team.
“Clarion is widely regarded as a leading event organizer, and we will be harnessing their expertise in order to expand internationally and bring our events to the next level,” said Collins. “Becoming part of Clarion will add value to our current brands and provide an opportunity to take new products to emerging markets. Bringing Affiliate Summit and iGaming Business together will deliver enhanced benefits to attendees and exhibitors alike.”
Alex Pratt, managing director of Clarion Events, added, “This is a really exciting acquisition for Clarion, bringing together the biggest affiliate marketing events company with Clarion’s resources, expertise and successful affiliate shows in iGaming and finance. Missy and Shawn have established an extremely strong business, and we are looking forward to a successful collaboration to improve the U.S. events as well as launch the Affiliate Summit brand internationally.”
