What Diversified Communications does

Diversified Communications (operating as Diversified) is a third-generation, family-owned B2B events and digital media company headquartered in Portland, Maine, founded in 1949. The company operates a portfolio of more than 140 events and digital media products across seven vertical markets — Active Lifestyle, Administrative, Clean Energy, Commercial Marine, Financial Operations, Seafood, and Technology (UAS & geospatial) — through regional divisions in the USA, Australia, UK & Europe, Hong Kong, Canada, and a dedicated Pri-Med medical education business in Boston. Its flagship event brands include Seafood Expo Global (the world's largest seafood trade event, held in Barcelona with 2,300+ exhibiting companies from 86 countries), International WorkBoat Show, Intersolar & Energy Storage North America, Commercial UAV Expo, Geo Week, The Running Event, and the Administrative Professionals Conference, complemented by owned industry publications (SeafoodSource, National Fisherman, WorkBoat, Commercial UAV News, Geo Week News, Running Insight) and membership communities (ASAP with 132,000+ members and IOFM). The company divested its legacy broadcast media assets in 2017 and has continued an active acquisition program, including All Things Admin (2024), Midwest Solar Expo (2024), Marine Money (2026), and Workspace Design Show (2026).

The company generates revenue through a mix of transaction-based exhibition space and sponsorship sales at trade shows, recurring annual membership fees for professional communities such as ASAP and IOFM, advertising and sponsorship across owned digital media properties, and fees from professional development and certification programs such as PACE. Pricing is quote-based for enterprise exhibition and sponsorship packages and is not publicly disclosed, while individual memberships and event registration are sold through a combination of self-serve online platforms and regional sales teams. The go-to-market is hybrid: an enterprise field-sales motion sells booth space and sponsorships to exhibitor/sponsor clients in each vertical, while community-led digital platforms and online memberships create year-round engagement with professional audiences between live events. Recent operating moves include a 2024 rebrand to 'Diversified,' the January 2026 opening of a 36,000+ sq ft headquarters at Two Portland Square in Portland, Maine, and the June 2026 establishment of a corporate Global Technology and Digital Office charged with modernizing technology infrastructure, expanding digital products, and setting the company's AI approach.

Name

Diversified Communications

Legal name

Diversified Communications

Website

https://www.divcom.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1949

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Diversified Communications is a third-generation, family-owned B2B events and digital media company operating 140+ trade shows, conferences, publications, and membership communities across seven verticals including seafood, commercial marine, clean energy, administrative, financial operations, active lifestyle, and UAS/geospatial technology, serving enterprise buyers, exhibitors, and professional members globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Shows and Business Events

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Industry-Specific B2B Trade Show Organizers (THAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food, Cooking & Beverage Magazines (MPAJAEAF), B2B Marketplaces & Wholesale Platforms (BPAMAGAD)

Keywords

• B2B trade shows
• Vertical industry events
• Digital media platforms
• Professional communities
• Event management services

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Trade Show and Exhibition Revenue: Diversified generates primary revenue through organizing and producing trade shows and exhibitions across multiple industries including seafood, commercial marine, clean energy, administrative professionals, active lifestyle, financial operations, and technology sectors. Revenue comes from exhibition space sales, booth rentals, and event attendance fees.
2. Digital Media Subscriptions and Advertising: Revenue from digital media properties including industry publications, websites, and newsletters. Includes advertising revenue from sponsors and advertisers targeting professional audiences across digital platforms.
3. Membership Programs: Annual membership fees for professional organizations like American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP with 132,000+ members), Institute of Finance & Management (IOFM), and other professional communities providing ongoing value through resources, certifications, and networking.
4. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship revenue from brands seeking visibility at industry events and within professional communities. Sponsorships include various tiers and visibility levels at trade shows and digital platforms.
5. Professional Development and Certifications: Revenue from training conferences, professional certifications (such as PACE certification for administrative professionals), and educational programming offered both at events and through digital platforms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Diversified Communications produces and organizes B2B trade shows, conferences, and digital media platforms serving seven industry verticals (seafood, commercial marine, clean energy, administrative professionals, active lifestyle, financial operations, and UAS/geospatial technology). The company sells exhibition space, sponsorships, advertising, and professional memberships, and operates digital publications and online communities such as SeafoodSource, Commercial UAV News, National Fisherman, WorkBoat, ASAP, and IOFM.

Product overview

Diversified Communications (operating as Diversified) is a third-generation family-owned B2B events and digital media company with a multi-brand portfolio. The company operates across seven industry verticals (Active Lifestyle, Administrative, Clean Energy, Commercial Marine, Financial Operations, Seafood, and Technology) through two product types: in-person events/expos (including Seafood Expo Global, Commercial UAV Expo, Geo Week, Intersolar & Energy Storage North America, and The Running Event) and digital media platforms (including SeafoodSource, Commercial UAV News, National Fisherman, WorkBoat, and Running Insight). The portfolio also includes membership organizations like ASAP (American Society of Administrative Professionals) and IOFM (Institute of Finance & Management), and acquired brands like Pri-Med (healthcare education), All Things Admin (administrative training), Marine Money (commercial marine finance), and the Workspace Design Show (UK design events). The company serves over 140+ events and digital media products globally across five divisions (USA, UK & Europe, Australia, Canada, and Pri-Med).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Seafood Expo Global: World's largest seafood trade event connecting global professionals, showcasing products, equipment and services
• Seafood Expo North America
• Seafood Expo Asia
• Commercial UAV Expo
• Geo Week
• Intersolar & Energy Storage North America
• International WorkBoat Show
• Pacific Marine Expo
• National Fisherman
• WorkBoat
• American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
• Marine Money
• Pri-Med
• Switchback
• The Running Event
• EA Ignite
• Administrative Professionals Conference (APC)
• Institute of Finance & Management (IOFM)
• Running Insight
• SeafoodSource

Products and services

• Seafood Expo Global & Seafood Processing Global The world's largest seafood trade event, connecting global professionals and showcasing products, equipment, and services for the seafood industry.
• Seafood Expo North America & Seafood Processing North America The continent's largest seafood trade event, connecting international suppliers with North American buyers.
• Seafood Expo Asia & Seafood Processing Asia The premier seafood trade event in the Asia-Pacific region, connecting suppliers with Asian buyers.
• Commercial UAV Expo The leading international trade show and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS (drones).
• Geo Week A conference and tradeshow highlighting innovations at the intersection of geospatial technology and built-world applications.
• Intersolar & Energy Storage North America The industry's premier solar, storage, and EV charging infrastructure event in North America, dedicated to accelerating the energy transition.
• Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Texas A regional event providing key insights, products, and connections that professionals need to do business in Texas.
• International WorkBoat Show A trade-only conference and exposition for commercial vessel owners, operators, and builders.
• Pacific Marine Expo The largest commercial marine trade show on the West Coast, serving commercial mariners from Alaska to California.
• The Running Event North America's premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show.
• Switchback The business and education gathering for the outdoor industry, held in spring as a standalone event and in fall alongside The Running Event.
• Administrative Professionals Conference (APC) Brings together thousands of office professionals from around the world for three days of education and connection.
• EA Ignite A training conference with Spring and Fall editions for executive assistants looking to grow into or expand their role as a strategic partner to their executive.
• IOFM Conference & Expo The most comprehensive event for AP & AR leaders and practitioners seeking educational opportunities, peer networking, and a dynamic expo hall.
• American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) ASAP is the world-leading provider of training, community, and resources for administrative professionals, with 132,000+ members globally.
• Institute of Finance & Management (IOFM) Provides resources and a dedicated community for financial operations professionals to access actionable, relevant content and tools.
• SeafoodSource Digital publication bringing news and educational resources seafood industry professionals rely on to support their business.
• Commercial UAV News A leading source of news, insight, and analysis for the commercial drone (UAS) market.
• Geo Week News Produces articles, whitepapers, and webinars to inform and educate professionals across various industries on 3D, AEC, and geospatial technologies.
• National Fisherman The only publication dedicated to the entire U.S. commercial fishing industry.
• WorkBoat Delivers high-quality information to all segments of the North American maritime industry through WorkBoat Magazine and WorkBoat.com.
• Running Insight Industry website supporting the business and sport of running, spotlighting retailers and brands serving millions of runners.
• Marine Money Connects shipowners with global capital markets through publications, in-person forum events, books, and services.
• Pri-Med Leading provider of continuing medical education (CME/CE) for primary care clinicians, headquartered in Boston, MA.
• Aquaculture UK Trade show featuring sessions on robotics, artificial intelligence, aquafeed innovation and applied genomics for commercial aquaculture.
• GEO Business Geospatial technology and location intelligence event showcasing technologies including GeoAI, digital twins, Earth observation, and reality capture.
• All Things Admin Digital training platform providing professional digital training, resources and guidance for administrative professionals worldwide, now operating under the ASAP brand.
• Workspace Design Show UK design event attracting thousands of visitors and international exhibitors to the UK design calendar.

Quantifiable outcome

• Seafood Expo Global 2026 generated EUR 161 million economic impact for Barcelona
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Canal 5 StudiominorOthers · 7 January 2026Architecture and Interior Design partner for Diversified's new headquarters at Two Portland Square in Portland, Maine.
• RFS EngineeringminorOthers · 7 January 2026MEP Engineering, Lighting Design, and Audiovisual Design partner for new headquarters project.
• Thornton TomasettiminorOthers · 7 January 2026Structural Engineering partner for new headquarters construction project.
• Zachau ConstructionminorOthers · 7 January 2026Construction Management partner for new headquarters at Two Portland Square.
• The Boulos CompanyminorOthers · 7 January 2026Real Estate Advisory and Brokerage partner for headquarters location selection.
• Todd Valentine (RAS)minorOthers · 7 January 2026Owner's Representative for headquarters project.
• SMRTminorOthers · 7 January 2026Programming partner for new headquarters space planning.
• Honeycomb StrategiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with sustainability consultancy Honeycomb Strategies to assess, measure and track event footprints and material waste. Supports Diversified's ESG program and sustainability initiatives.
• Bonneville Environmental Fund (BEF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing opportunities for attendees to offset their travel emissions at events. Part of Diversified's environmental sustainability program.
• GESminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with GES to use new sustainable carpet at events, supporting Diversified's sustainability commitments.
• ClusivitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Clusivity to create an inclusive workplace. Clusivity administers regular Inclusive Workplace surveys to understand employee experiences and improve inclusive practices. Diversified has earned five Workplace for Everyone badges.
• Blue LevelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Blue Level for comprehensive training in areas like inclusive leadership and unconscious bias. Part of Diversified's DEI program to enhance company culture.
• Net Zero Carbon EventsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiversified is a Silver Sponsor of Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, demonstrating commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction in the events industry.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Messe Frankfurt: Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's largest trade fair organizers with extensive global venue infrastructure. It competes with Diversified at the international level in consumer goods and textile-adjacent verticals but operates at significantly larger scale.
• RX Global (Reed Exhibitions): RX Global is one of the world's largest exhibition organizers, operating events across dozens of industries globally. It directly competes with Diversified in commercial marine, clean energy, and seafood-adjacent verticals through its broader portfolio of trade shows.
• Informa plc: Informa is the world's largest B2B events organizer with leading brands across multiple verticals (including Seafood Expo competitor brands in some markets) and a major digital media portfolio. It dwarfs Diversified in scale but overlaps in industry coverage and trade show + information services business model.

Direct peers

• Emerald Holding: Emerald is a US-listed B2B events and media company with a comparable mid-sized portfolio of trade shows and digital content properties. It operates similar multi-vertical events strategy and serves as the closest publicly traded comp for Diversified's B2B events model.
• Clarion Events: Clarion Events is a privately held B2B events organizer with comparable portfolio breadth across multiple industry verticals and similar geographic reach into UK, Europe, US, and Asia. Closely comparable to Diversified in scale and operating model.
• BNP Media: BNP Media is a private B2B media company producing trade publications, events, and custom content across building, mechanical, and food industry verticals. Its events-plus-publications model directly parallels Diversified's SeafoodSource, WorkBoat, and National Fisherman franchises.
• Hanover (formerly The Studio): Hanover is a UK-based B2B events and media company operating in similar industry verticals including workspace, design, and healthcare. Comparable in size and geographic mix to Diversified's UK & Europe division.
• PennWell (Endeavor Business Media): PennWell, now part of Endeavor Business Media, operated trade shows and B2B publications in energy, marine, and technology verticals directly overlapping with Diversified's commercial marine and clean energy franchises like WorkBoat and IESNA.
• Questex: Questex is a mid-sized B2B events and information services company operating trade shows and digital media in technology, healthcare, and industrial verticals. Its combined events-plus-information model mirrors Diversified's structure across multiple industries.

Regional players

• Comexposium: Comexposium is a France-based global trade show organizer with strong European presence across food, retail, and security verticals. Regional overlap with Diversified in European seafood and food-adjacent events.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@diversifiedusa
• Facebookfacebook.com/DiversifiedUSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maryflarkin
• Instagraminstagram.com/diversifiedusa

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A7 records

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Diversified Communications