BIMS 2026: Looking forward to Discussions of the Media and Events Landscape

By John McGovern, Owner/CEO Grimes McGovern & Associates

As we look ahead to BIMS 2026, I’m excited to be moderating two sessions that speak directly to where the media, events, and information services industry is headed and why this moment matters so much for operators, investors, and founders.

The first session (February 2, 2.00 PM), “The Symbiotic Relationship Between Media and Events,” gets to the heart of a dynamic I’ve seen play out repeatedly across our sector. Neither events not media should exist in isolation. When done right, they reinforce each other in powerful ways. A year-round media platform, particularly a strong periodical, creates continuous engagement, while the annual event becomes the moment where that engagement turns into real-world activation.

Media content can amplify event content before, during, and long after the show floor closes. Integrated messaging drives deeper audience relationships, and sponsors and advertisers increasingly expect campaigns that span platforms rather than live in silos. With perspectives from leaders who live this every day, the goal is practical: how to grow revenue, strengthen brands, and create ecosystems that work 365 days a year not just for three days at a convention center. I’ll be joined by a fantastic panel for this discussion: Jim Keefe of GIE Media, Jake Volcsko of SME and Melody Brown of Emerald.

The second session (February 3, 3.55PM) shifts the lens to the deal environment: “M&A case study: Comments from PE-backed Companies”. While some well-known, PE-owned tradeshow businesses didn’t trade as expected in 2025, the broader story is far from negative. In fact, the data shows continued momentum, with multiple media, events, and information services companies trading hands and new PE-backed platforms being built from founder-led businesses.

What I find especially compelling here is how private equity-backed operators think about acquisitions. These companies review a significant number of opportunities every year. Is the investment thesis  simply financial or does it go beyond that? Numbers matter but so do audience quality, content depth, leadership teams, and long-term strategic fit. What are the unique set of circumstances that come with being PE-backed? In this discussion, we’ll hear directly from Kate Spellman of Questex and Hal Cohen of BridgeTower Media about what they’re seeing in the market, what characteristics supported their investments, and even a few reflections on the deals that didn’t quite make it across the finish line. Finally, are buyer and seller expectations coming closer or moving further away?

Together, these two sessions reflect the conversations I’m having daily at Grimes, McGovern & Associates. The intersection of media, events, and capital is evolving quickly, and those who understand how these pieces fit together will be best positioned for growth. I’m looking forward to a candid, thoughtful exchange and to continuing these conversations with peers across the industry at BIMS 2026.