The name Special Events Magazine has great significance in the special event industry, and we're not about to change it. But we are changing an aspect of our parent company's name. No longer are we part of the Intertec Publishing subsidiary of Primedia. Intertec has changed its name; we are now part of Primedia Business Magazines & Media.
The change is important. New York-based Primedia is a major force in the media world, and its scope continues to grow.
Primedia recently announced that it will acquire EMAP USA and its more than 60 consumer titles. With the planned acquisition, Primedia will become the second-largest publishing company in the United States, second only to AOL Time Warner.
The acquisition of EMAP USA's publications will bring the total number of consumer and business-to-business magazines published by Primedia to more than 280, in addition to its video and Internet properties. The acquisition will include such well-known titles as Motor Trend, Hot Rod, Teen, Surfer and Stereophile. These properties will enhance Primedia's already powerful mix of products, ranging from Seventeen to Modern Bride, from American Demographics to Registered Representative.
Looking at such prestigious titles, we at Special Events Magazine know that we're in good company. But we are also proud of our own heritage and the role we have played in the growth of our industry.
It was 19 years ago that our founders, Tim and Denise Novoselski, published an insert in our sister magazine, Rental Equipment Register, devoted to the fledgling special event sideline of rental yards. The insert grew over the years into its own thriving publication--Special Events Magazine--and trade show, The Special Event.
Today, the readership of Special Events Magazine represents $52.5 billion in revenue every year.
The magazine first honored great work in special events in 1986 with awards for the "top 10 events of 1985." This ceremony has grown into the Gala Awards, the industry's premier honor, embracing 35 categories from outstanding design to ingenious technical support.
Serving as publisher of Special Events Magazine continues to be incredibly exciting, challenging and rewarding for me, and with this step forward, I look forward to even greater things for our magazine and our industry.
Thank you for sharing the journey with me, and I predict even better things to come for all of us.