Forge “brings together Emerald’s scaled portfolio of trade shows, conferences and commerce-driven solutions with Questex’s differentiated events, media brands and 365-day digital engagement model,” according to the company announcement.
The combination “offers customers a single partner that stays engaged before, during and long after an event concludes,” the announcement says.
“The name reflects the work itself,” according to the company announcement. “To ‘forge’ is to bring distinct strengths together, through pressure and precision, to build something stronger than either could be alone. Forge brings that idea to life by creating relationships and connections that help customers anticipate what’s next and move their industries forward. This purpose is captured in the company’s new brand promise, ‘Moving Markets.’”
As the new corporate parent brand of SSI and its sister publication, Forge “sits above the company’s individual event and media brands, which will continue to operate under their existing names, now backed by the scale, technology and investment of the combined platform,” according to the company announcement.
“Today marks the beginning of Forge, a company built on the strengths of Emerald and Questex,” says Paul Miller, chief executive officer of Forge, in the announcement. “Together we are now the largest B2B events and media company in North America, and one of the largest in the world.
“We’re helping customers see what is ahead and connect with the people who matter most to them, backed by the data, talent and scale to deliver measurable value year-round. Under Apollo Funds’ ownership, we will keep investing in our products, our people and the markets we serve. That’s what it means to move markets,” he says.
Who Will Lead the New Company?
As previously announced, Miller leads Forge as CEO, supported by the executive leadership team named in July 2026. Forge also announced its newly appointed board of directors, bringing together “leaders who have built and scaled some of the world’s most recognized events, media and information businesses,” according to the company announcement.
Along with Miller and representatives of Apollo Funds, the board’s independent directors include:
- Andy Bird, former president of Walt Disney International and former CEO of Pearson
- Lara Boro, former CEO of The Economist Group and former CEO of Informa Intelligence
- Simon Kimble, former CEO and executive chairman of Clarion Events
The board “will guide Forge’s long-term strategy as the company invests in its portfolio and expands the markets it serves,” according to the company announcement.
Under the ownership of Apollo Funds, Forge “will continue investing in its people, products and technology to extend customer engagement beyond the event itself,” the announcement says. The Forge brand will begin rolling out across events, websites and customer touchpoints over the coming weeks and months.
To learn more about Forge, visit forgelive.com.
