Industry News: Maritz Acquisition, IRF Report on International Incentives
Maritz Acquires Convention Data Services
IRF Report on State of International Incentives
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Maritz acquires a convention data services business from Freeman....Incentive Research Foundation publishes white paper on incentive travel insights from an international perspective.
Maritz Acquires Convention Data Services 
St. Louis-based Maritz, a leading player in the meetings and event management field, has acquired Convention Data Services (CDS), a registration, on-site and lead services supplier for trade shows and association events, from Freeman, an international events services firm based in Texas.
This move combines two organizations with a long history and shared commitment to the events industry, according to the announcement. Maritz reportedly operates a significant percentage of the world’s largest events.
“By adding this new portfolio of clients from CDS, Maritz significantly increases our share of the market and positions us well for the future,” says David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz. “This acquisition exemplifies our commitment to supporting association and trade show events through this era of shifting attendee expectations and behaviors.”
Maritz says the addition of CDS to its portfolio “will bring expanded talent and services to help further accelerate innovation and bring new products to market.” Maritz doesn’t expect clients to experience any immediate changes in the integration process. “The industry will continue to receive the outstanding experience they’ve come to expect from both organizations,” says Darren Phalen, President of CDS. “
“We are confident Maritz is the right home for CDS and its talented team,” says Paul Fletcher, Freeman’s Chief Operating Officer, Audio Visual & Event Technology. “Freeman remains focused on delivering unforgettable experiences to ensure we are best positioned to drive meaningful and impactful events for organizers, exhibitors and attendees.”
IRF Report on State of International Incentives 
The sense of value for in-person events and incentives continues to grow. There is a sense that the industry is now past the program ‘crush’ and is returning to a more normal planning cycle. Clients are more willing to look further ahead, including longer lead times with multi-year strategic plans. There are increasing signs of stabilization of staff within corporate and third-party players. Fairness and transparency in conversations with suppliers is on the rise. Conversations around sustainability are happening more consistently with more requests for reporting. Technology, particularly AI, is an opportunity to relieve some of the staffing burden without fear that it will take jobs.
These are some of the key findings of a discussion recently held by the Incentive Research Foundation in Palm Beach, FL. Click here for the full report.
Other key insights:
- Leadership and participants seek incentive travel destinations that “feel new, exciting, and luxurious. They want to experience something they never have before and might not have even known was possible. A unique and memorable incentive travel experience builds the company’s brand and differentiates it from its competition.”
- International buyers find US pricing practices a challenge. Respondents find it difficult to budget for the US because “there is so much ++” in the proposals versus providing tax and service inclusive pricing. This also complicates reconciling invoices after the program.”
- Sustainability. “There is a perception that Canadian and European buyers are further ahead when it comes to sustainability being a clear decision driver for programs, but greenwashing is still apparent.”
- The destination’s story can enhance a program. “From tales of the Gilded Age, to rise of the elite cocktail classes,’ to the colorful display of iconic Lilly Pulitzer’s dresses, there’s no shortage of themes that planners can use for receptions and events in Palm Beach,” panelists say, using the meeting’s location as an example of ways to enrich a visit.
Panelists included: Miguel Assis, Voquin; James Bacon, We are MEaT; Cat Butler, Wynford; Shane Carroll, Precise Events International; Kelly Cavers, The Palm Beaches; Emma Hardy, The Collective by BCD; David Heron, Yellowfish; Rutger Hoorn, Ovation; Jonnie Lawlor, Precise Events International; Agnieszka Majkowska, Prudential Poland; Marc Pinner, ITA Group; Robin Prakash, The Palm Beaches; Melissa Truong, SunLife Canada; Sarah van der Steen, Hotel Okura; Erika Wien, Fraser & Hoyt Incentives; Yvonne Williams, The Palm Beaches.
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