Mega-host travel agency InteleTravel has successfully acquired the leading full-service global events agency MGME (McVeigh Global Meetings & Events).
After last year’s acquisition by Hickory Global Partners of the corporate travel alliance, this move allows the Delray Beach based agency to dominate the lucrative MICE (meetings incentives, conferences and other events) market.
MGME, which is based out of New York, London and Canada, produces up to 1,000 events and conferences annually—whether in-person, virtual or hybrid—across more than 70 countries resulting in a travel and hospitality spend of over $500 million each year.
The venture will allow Hickory to expand its value proposition for members by bringing in a significant new source of revenue. InteleTravel stated in a press release on Tuesday that the MGME Integration will enable Hickory’s member corporate agencies to offer award-winning meeting planning, creative development, and conference logistical services.
MGME, like Hickory will continue to operate as an independent brand, but as a fully owned unit of InteleTravel. InteleTravel announced recently its intention to sell its entire stake in the company. return to the Travel Leaders Network.
The acquisition will allow MGME to take advantage of InteleTravel’s scale and resources, including its automation and booking technology, as well as its recently launched Hickory Solutions365.
Three companies are consolidating their contracts with suppliers for hotels, cars, flights and cruises.
In a recent statement, InteleTravel President James R. Ferrara and co-founder James R. Ferrara stated that the corporate and business market had recovered completely. They also noted the growth of the meeting, conference and events industry.
James R. Ferrara is the President and Co-Founder of InteleTravel. He said that the MICE market will double in size to more than a trillion dollars within the next decade. Ferrara said that “getting behind a leader such as MGME is a smart move, while being able represent the best quality event and exhibit offerings gives both Hickory advisors and InteleTravel members a competitive advantage.”
Hickory’s President Chris Dane said, “We are thrilled to be aligned with MGME – a full service meeting and event company.” This will give our members and partners access to world-class planning and coordination of events without the need to work with multiple vendors. It’s a perfect fit. With services like Hickory Solutions365, which provides staffing and registration overflows, MGME, who has increased volume, and all the new business opportunities, it is a game changer.
Carvie Gillikin, CEO of MGME, said: “I’m incredibly excited to ally MGME’s professional storytellers with InteleTravel’s travel professionals and Hickory clients.” “I am excited to be able to ally MGME with InteleTravel and Hickory’s travel professionals and clients,” MGME CEO Carvie Gillikin stated.
The following is a record-breaking 2022InteleTravel finished 2023 with almost $1 billion in sales, and a network of 100,000 travel advisers.
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