Emerald Expositions, the parent company of Outdoor Retailer, Interbike, and Surf Expo, and the biggest trade show company in the United States, has filed for its initial public offering, according to its registration documents, publicly available through the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The expected opening price of its shares was not listed in the document, but Emerald says it made $323.7 million in revenues in 2016, $71 million of which came from its sports and outdoor trade shows.
Aside from Outdoor Retailer, Interbike, and Surf, Emerald owns dozens of events in various other industries. All of its shows are held in the United States, but merging with, acquiring, or creating international events was cited as an area of potential growth.
鈥淚n the future we may also launch, partner with or acquire international trade shows that are complementary to our core business and could represent a substantial growth opportunity,鈥 Emerald wrote in its filing. The company also successful identified events it started last year, adding that it has been exploring concepts for new shows that it may kick off in the near future.
In a section listing potential risks relating to its business, Emerald called out the political feud between the outdoor industry and the state of Utah as an example of outside pressures that can negatively affect profits.
鈥淲e expect that our organic revenue growth in 2017 will be modestly adversely impacted by certain political issues in Utah that are affecting exhibitor signup at our 2017 OR Summer Market show,鈥 Emerald wrote.
Representatives from Outdoor Retailer and Emerald Expositions either declined or did not respond to requests for comment.