Emerald Holding will soon take over London-based This is Beyond, a leading producer of seven premier B2B events in the experiential and luxury travel industry. This acquisition, expected to close in 2Q2025, supports Emerald’s strategic plan to diversify and optimise its portfolio by targeting high-growth markets with leading brands, reinforcing the company’s leadership in dynamic sectors and drives forward its strategic growth initiatives.
Following the acquisition, all employees of This is Beyond, including CEO and founder Serge Dive, will join Emerald. This is Beyond team’s creativity and innovative approach to designing and executing events that meet the specific needs of luxury travel businesses, alongside Emerald’s broad resources, is set to improve service delivery and customer engagement, strengthening the impact of This is Beyond’s events within the luxury travel sector.
Since its founding in 2009, This is Beyond has established a strong reputation in the US$1.3 trillion luxury travel market, known for its ability to create unique, exclusive experiences that cater to the growing demand for high-end travel. Renowned for its focus on sustainability, design, and premium brands, This is Beyond curates specialised events that connect elite travel designers, global tour operators, and in-house travel managers.
The portfolio of This is Beyond events now under Emerald’s ownership includes PURE Life Experiences in Marrakech (experiential travel sector), LE Miami in Miami (contemporary travel sector catering to a creative audience), We Are Africa in Cape Town (African travel sector marketplace), We Are Africa North America in Sundance (travel from North America to Africa), Further East in Bali (travel show for the Asia-Pacific travel region), Do Not Disturb in Borgo Egnazia (private and exclusive travel experiences), and Specialists in Entertainment Travel in New Orleans (luxury entertainment travel sector).
Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald, said: “Expanding into the luxury and experiential travel sectors aligns with our strategy of portfolio optimisation and improving Emerald’s top-line growth. By combining This is Beyond’s expertise with Emerald’s strengths in innovation, market leadership, and in-person experiences, we will elevate our offerings, reinforce our presence in high-value markets, and deliver exceptional ROI to our customers.”
“As we look to the next iteration of our growth, joining Emerald provides us with all the support we need to scale our vision and deliver even more exceptional experiences for our communities. I’m confident that together, we’ll reach new heights and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. While we embark on this next chapter, I remain fully committed to This is Beyond and ensuring that our mission, values, and spirit continue to thrive,” added Serge Dive, CEO and founder of This is Beyond.
