CMM Replaced by ICE USA

Published: November 24, 2009

ST. ALBANS, UK | As of November 13, Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd. (MBE) announced the acquisition for an undisclosed sum of CMM Converting Machinery/Materials Conference & Exposition from PennWell Corp., Tulsa, OK. Other changes involve moving the date from June in Rosemont, IL, to April 6--8, 2011, in Orlando, FL. Michael Boyle of nimble shows & media GmbH, Oberaudorf, Germany, will manage the new US show as event director.

Upon acquiring the CMM brand, according to an MBE press release, the new owner "decided not to continue promoting the CMM brand," and instead replaced it with ICE USA, becoming the fourth in a global series of International Converting Exhibitions, known as ICE shows. The other shows include ICE Europe, staged in Munich, Germany; ICE Asia, held in Shanghai, China; and ICE South America, set in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Mack Brooks' CEO Stephen Brooks explains: "This acquisition comes at a time when there are signs that the US market is beginning to recover, and we are keen to position ICE USA in North America as the leading trade fair for the converting of flexible materials."

Michael Boyle, known in Europe for the success of ICE, says, "What others see as a problem is an opportunity. I will work closely with the industry to make it a success. Ten years ago I said Europe needs a stand-alone converting show like CMM in the USA. I was right. If you look at ICE today, it is a glowing example of success through dedication and focus. Today I say that North America, more than ever before, needs its own stand-alone converting show." Boyle adds, "CMM may have had its day, but a more streamlined and focused ICE USA show is certain to prosper and succeed. Orlando is a breath of fresh air, and I invite all converting industry suppliers to open the doors and breathe deeply."