This month, several event marketing agencies and DMCs have announced major mergers and acquisitions as they seek to increase their market share, expand their global reach, strengthen their capabilities, and broaden their client services. 

360 Destination Group and CSI DMC Announce Strategic Merger

360 Destination Group (360DG) and CSI DMC are joining forces to create one of the largest destination management companies (DMCs) in the U.S. Both companies will continue operating as separate entities and unify under a single brand before the end of 2025.  

Through this merger, the two companies are combining with revenue of $200 million, a team of 360 employees, and operations in 46 U.S. destinations. The integration is expected to enable expanded reach, increased resources, and a deeper well of expertise, with clients benefitting from enhanced creativity, improved efficiency, and streamlined logistical execution, according to company officials. 

“This is truly a game-changer for the DMC industry,” said Trevor Hanks, 360DG managing partner. “By combining our expertise, destination knowledge, and creative capabilities, we can provide our clients with an even more seamless, innovative, and high-touch experience. This merger isn’t just about growth, it’s about further elevating what we deliver to our clients at every stage of the event planning process.” 

Going forward, the companies’ primary focuses will be leveraging combined strengths to enhance client offerings and create a smooth transition for employees and clients, according to Tom Hubler, COO of CSI DMC. 

“This merger presents an incredible opportunity to build upon the strengths of both organizations,” Hubler said. “By coming together, we can leverage our collective expertise, talent, and passion to create something truly exceptional.” 

With an expanded national footprint and access to greater resources, the organization is now positioned to bring even more value and innovation to its clients, according to Hope Valentine, president of CSI DMC. 

“Our clients will continue to experience the same exceptional service and creative event solutions they have come to expect,” Valentine said. “The only difference is that now we have an even broader reach, greater collective resources, and a stronger foundation to execute unforgettable programs nationwide.” 

The merger will also foster significant career growth opportunities for employees, with investments in internal development, collaboration, and a strong company culture, said Shelly Archer, 360 Destination Group managing partner. 

“We’re not just growing in size—we’re growing in our ability to invest in our people,” Archer said. “This move enables us to create more opportunities for career development, internal promotions, and collaboration across a larger network.” 

The merger process was facilitated by Objective Investment Banking & Valuation for 360DG, while CSI DMC collaborated with Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips.  

Freeman Acquires Tag Digital  

Global event company Freeman has acquired full-service digital marketing agency Tag Digital, specializing in innovative solutions for event organizers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific (APAC), and North America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.  

Tag will combine its services with mdg, a Freeman company, to enhance mdg’s digital marketing capabilities with the goal of better serving show organizers and associations while positioning it for growth in new markets.  

“By combining best-in-class digital marketing capabilities and leveraging AI-driven tools, mdg is positioned as the go-to agency for strategies that engage today’s attendees while setting events up for sustained growth,” said Janet Dell, CEO of Freeman. 

Known for its advanced digital marketing strategies, Tag has supported a diverse portfolio of global trade shows, professional associations, and large-scale conferences across the world. The agency’s expertise and investments in AI technology are expected to enhance mdg’s digital offerings, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and impactful for clients.  

“Tag’s innovative digital marketing expertise is the perfect complement to mdg’s strategy and integrated marketing offerings, enhancing our ability to deliver impactful strategies and expand into key global markets like EMEA and APAC,” said mdg President Kimberly Hardcastle. “This will strengthen mdg’s position as a leader in marketing innovation, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients while driving future growth.”  

Tag CEO Lauren Davidson expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with mdg. 

“Over the past several months, we’ve worked closely with mdg and have been consistently impressed by our shared values, collaborative spirit, and commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients,” Davidson said. “We’re excited to embark on this next chapter together.”  

Impact XM Scoops Up UK-Based Touch Associates  

Global experiential marketing agency Impact XM has acquired Touch Associates, a UK-based B2B brand experience agency. Announced on March 4, the move is designed to expand Impact XM’s global presence, particularly in the UK and European markets while also strengthening its experiential marketing capabilities. The acquisition will also enhance the agency’s ability to deliver comprehensive, high-impact brand experiences across an even more diverse range of industries.  

According to Impact XM officials, the combination of Touch’s strategic event expertise with Impact XM’s experiential marketing capabilities will serve to create a powerhouse of talent, resources, and production infrastructure that will benefit clients with an expanded suite of services, seamless global execution, and a unified approach to crafting innovative and immersive brand engagements. 

“As we expand our footprint in Europe, bringing Touch into the Impact XM team is a strategic step forward,” said Impact XM CEO Jared Pollacco. “Experiential marketing is evolving, and brands across all sectors are looking for more meaningful, high-impact ways to connect with their audiences. Touch’s expertise is a perfect match for Impact XM’s capabilities in large-scale event production, meetings and conferences, custom exhibit design and fabrication, attendee engagements, tech-driven event solutions, and brand activations. Together, we’re elevating what’s possible for our clients.”  

Colette Murphy, managing director of Touch, spoke enthusiastically about the extended suite of services that Touch and Impact XM can now offer their combined and potential new clients. 

“Together, we can truly help our clients to reimagine their events and move beyond traditional activities and into fully immersive, experience-led engagements on an even broader global scale,” she said. 

David Bottrill, also managing director of Touch, expressed excitement about the acquisition and its potential to better serve event clients. 

“This partnership is an incredible opportunity to bring together two companies that share a passion for designing experiences that truly connect with audiences,” Bottrill said. “The combination of Touch’s strategic event expertise and Impact XM’s experiential marketing capabilities will allow us to deliver richer, more engaging, and more impactful brand experiences for our clients.” 

Have a corporate event-related done deal to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!