CLEVELAND, Ohio – January 16, 2024 – Marketplace Events (MPE), North America’s largest business-to-consumer show producer, today announced the acquisition of two annual holiday shows in the Pacific Northwest, from O’Loughlin Trade Shows (OTS) a division of TO-RO Enterprises, Inc. 
 
The company has purchased the three-year-old Portland Holiday Market which attracts 400 exhibitors and 15,000 attendees to the the Portland Expo Center and the 35-year-old A Victorian Country Christmas Festival which draws 375 exhibitors and 25,000 shoppers to the Washington State Fair Events Center.  The two events will be run by a team led by Jeff Swenson, Group Manager for Marketplace Events.  Jeff worked for OTS for 20 years and joined our team in 2018 after MPE purchased the Northwest Flower + Garden Festival along with the Tacoma Home Show from O’Loughlin Trade Shows. Susie O’Brien Borer, Sales Manager on the two shows since 2016, will join Marketplace Events and remain in her current role. OTS will continue their storied tradition of producing Boat, RV and Sportsmen’s Shows. 
 
“O’Loughlin Trade Shows is one of the top consumer show producers in the US,” explained CEO Tom Baugh. “The 2018 acquisition has been successful for us because MPE and OTS share a commitment to quality and customer service. This similarity has made for smooth and successful transitions, so we look forward to the same on this deal,” he continued.  “Plus, we are thrilled to be adding to our rapidly growing holiday portfolio which now stands at 12 holiday shows running annually in the US, with more to come.” 

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shelly Gepfert, CMO
ShellyG@MarketplaceEvents.com | 828.275.7646