WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2002--Hanley-Wood has purchased A/E/C Systems International from Penton Media, Inc. A/E/C Systems produces two trade shows serving the architectural, engineering and construction industries.
"We've been interested in these trade shows for ten years," says Michael M. Wood, CEO, Hanley-Wood, LLC. "During that period these shows grew to be the premier technology events for architects, engineers, and contractors with as many as 20,000 attendees and 125,000 sq ft of exhibit space. This acquisition is a natural fit for Hanley-Wood and expands the company's commitment to the commercial construction market."
Known primarily as the leading media company in the residential construction industry, Hanley-Wood also owns the World of Concrete show as well as four commercial construction trade magazines, including CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION. The two events will be managed by Hanley-Wood's Dallas-based Exhibitions Division, headed by Galen Poss.
A/E/C Systems Conference and Exhibition, launched in 1980, is held in June for architects, engineers and contractors seeking technology solutions for design, construction, ownership and management of commercial and government buildings.
A key component of the A/E/C Systems Conference and Exhibition is an extensive seminar program covering topics such as architecture, business management, construction, engineering, facility management and residential technology.
A/E/C Systems also produces the Computers for Construction Conference and Exhibition each fall. The Computers for Construction Conference is targeted to contractors, covering topics similar to those presented at the A/E/C Systems Conference and Exhibition, but focused on contractor issues.
During the last several years both the A/E/C Systems Conference and Exhibition and the Computers for Construction event have been negatively impacted by the technology slowdown and industry consolidation. Declining attendance and improved education are two areas that will receive immediate attention by Hanley-Wood.
"We are tremendously excited about the potential for these events but realize that substantive changes need to be made in order to reestablish their industry importance," Poss stated. "Both events will be revamped in terms of structure, curriculum and commitment," he continued. "Our plan for 2003 is to focus on producing a high-level event targeted to senior-level architects, designers and engineers with strong educational and sponsorship programs. We'll be announcing the 2003 program and location shortly."
In 2004, plans are to rename the event Technology in Construction Conference and Exhibition, and co-locate it with the World of Concrete show which will take place in Orlando, Florida, February 16-19, and will be attended by over 65,000 contractors and other professionals, including several thousand architects and engineers.
Positioned as a show within a show, the new Technology in Construction event will offer expanded conference activities and access to the World of Concrete audience while still maintaining the specific market focus that has created success in the past.
Hanley-Wood is the leading business-to-business media company serving the housing and construction industry. Founded in 1976, Hanley-Wood is a $160 million company owned by VS&A Communications Partners III, the private equity affiliate of media industry merchant bank Veronis Suhler Stevenson.
Hanley-Wood publishes leading magazines in the residential and commercial construction industry including BUILDER, BIG BUILDER, MULTIFAMILY EXECUTIVE, REMODELING, THE JOURNAL OF LIGHT CONSTRUCTION, PROSALES, CUSTOM HOME, residential architect, BUILDING PRODUCTS, CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, TOOLS OF THE TRADE AND POOL & SPA NEWS.
From its Exhibitions Division, based in Dallas, Hanley-Wood produces nine trade shows, four of which are listed in the Trade Show 200, including World of Concrete at #19. Hanley-Wood Integrated Marketing is based in Minneapolis. The Home Planners Division, based in Tucson, is the leading publisher of house plan magazines, Special Interest Publications and eplans.com.
Hanley-Wood's Internet Division has a major Internet presence through its sites including Builder Online and Remodeling Online, and ebuild, the comprehensive guide to building products.
Penton Media is a leading, global business-to-business media company that produces market-focused magazines, trade shows and conferences, and a broad offering of online media products. Penton's integrated media portfolio serves the following industries: mechanical systems/construction; manufacturing; design/engineering; natural products; food/retail; supply chain; aviation; government/compliance; leisure/hospitality; information technology; electronics; and Internet/broadband.
CONTACT: Hanley-Wood, LLC
Ann Seltz, 202/736-3414
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