In early November, the world’s largest privately owned event and exhibition organizer, Clarion Events, based in London, England, acquired New Jersey-based event company Eaton Hall Exhibitions. Eaton Hall, operating out of Florham Park, is known for connecting businesses in high-value markets such as banking and security through live events. The acquisition also marks the launch of the company’s new division, Clarion Connect, which Eaton Hall will now operate under.
“We are thrilled to welcome Eaton Hall into the Clarion family through our newly formed division, Clarion Connect,” says Lisa Hannant, group CEO of Clarion Events, in a prepared statement. “Eaton Hall’s expertise in delivering exceptional experiences aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the event experience globally. With the creation of Clarion Connect, we now have the ability to offer an unrivaled portfolio of one-to-one events that foster deep, strategic relationships across industries. We look forward to the future of Eaton Hall within our growing network and are committed to building on the legacy that Scott Goldman and his team have established.”
As part of the acquisition, Scott Goldman, founder of Eaton Hall, will continue in his role as Eaton Hall chairman, ensuring continuity of the brand’s vision and operations. The company will now operate under Clarion Connect, a newly formed division of Clarion Events that consolidates Clarion’s existing one-to-one focused connections businesses, including Quartz Network and Events, Consero Events, and Connexa.
“Our goal has always been to create events that our customers love to be part of, because the events are targeted, productive, and truly welcoming for the unique niches of people we serve,” says Goldman. “Clarion, whose leaders I’ve known personally for over ten years, shares our commitment to ‘hugging our customers.’ Without changing that passion but adding new resources and knowledge, our client-focused team can do even more to serve our guests. We’ll make sure that our clients continue to call the forums ‘their favorite events of them all!’”
Clarion Events’ North America division has offices in Shelton, Connecticut; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Rochelle Park, New Jersey. The company currently produces 65 events across 12 sectors, and is led by CEO Greg Topalian, founder of New York Comic Con.
