Questex Media Group Announces the Acquisition of Ataway Exchange

NEWTON, Mass., May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Questex Media Group LLC announced it has completed the acquisition of Ataway Exchange from Vantage Strategy, Inc.  Questex and Vantage Strategy have also formed a strategic alliance to offer digital consulting and advisory services to hospitality and travel companies and organizations.

Ataway Exchange is the leading community network, technology event and information provider serving CMO's, CTOs and eCommerce management in the travel, destination and hospitality industry.

"We're pleased to complete this transaction and bring the services of our Hospitality+Travel group to this important community," said Kerry Gumas, president and CEO of Questex Media Group LLC.

"The Ataway Exchange is a venue where leaders and executives in the travel industry network and interface with experts and thought leaders in the technology arena," said Michael Pusateri, President of Vantage Strategy, Inc. With the rapid evolution of online, mobile and social technology available to market destination, hospitality and travel products, there is a need for the community of marketers and technologists to interact on an on-going basis.  Ataway Exchange meets this need through its conference and live networking programs as well as through other information services it provides year-round. The Advisory Board is a major success factor and is very active in setting the program agenda and value proposition for this targeted community.

"We're excited to be teaming up with Questex," said Mr. Pusateri.     

"We believe Questex Hospitality+Travel is perfectly positioned to add value and bring the right resources that will enable us to accelerate the achievement of our domestic and international expansion objectives and to further develop our portfolio of information solutions for our community," continued Mr. Pusateri.

"I am so pleased that the inaugural Ataway Exchange exceeded the expectations of the attendees, presenters and partners. The exchange of ideas, connections made and business done created a tremendous ROI for all involved," said Danielle Courtenay, Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Orlando and Chairman of the Board of The Ataway Exchange. "Myself and the Board of industry leaders met and is excited to reconvene to take the recommendations to create another great program for the industry, by the industry."

"We look forward to serving the Ataway Exchange community," said John McMahon, executive vice president of Questex Hospitality+Travel group. "Mike and his team have created a valuable resource for the industry. With the access to our content and marketing assets that they'll gain and our event management resources, we're confident that we can further expand the brand to serve the industry on a global basis," said McMahon.

About Questex Media Group LLC

Questex Media Group LLC is a leading business-to-business media company.  Questex produces industry-leading trade shows, conferences and business events for specific markets as well as eMedia, magazines, eLearning and other information products that provide news and information and facilitate year-round lead generation, buying, selling and business networking in those markets.  The company's wide range of products as well as its audience, content, marketing and information services help millions of executives and professionals from the world's leading companies buy and sell more effectively and accelerate their growth year-round.  The company is headquartered in Newton, MA. with offices worldwide.

About Vantage Strategy, Inc.

Vantage Strategy, Inc. is a strategic digital consulting and research firm specializing in the travel and hospitality industry vertical.

SOURCE Questex Media Group LLC