Encore, a global event production leader, has significantly expanded its service portfolio and geographic reach with the acquisition of FIRST, a premier global agency specializing in event marketing and brand experiences. This strategic move combines Encore's extensive event technology and production capabilities with FIRST's proven model of embedded, on-campus team delivery, creating a more comprehensive partner for clients worldwide.
Quick Intel
Encore acquires global event marketing and brand experience agency FIRST.
The merger combines Encore's production tech with FIRST's embedded team model.
FIRST brings expertise in B2B events for tech, finance, and professional services.
The deal expands Encore's global network, adding offices in New York, London, and Singapore.
The combined entity will support over 15,000 events annually for clients.
This enhances service offerings across North America, EMEA, and APAC markets.
This acquisition represents a strategic alignment of two established leaders with complementary strengths. Encore brings its global footprint and deep expertise in event production and technology, while FIRST contributes nearly 15 years of specialized experience in outsourced, embedded delivery models. The union is designed to offer clients a seamless, end-to-end solution for both on-site and off-site events, regardless of scale or location.
The core synergy of this merger lies in the fusion of two distinct but complementary service approaches. Encore's global event production capabilities, trusted by premier venues worldwide, will be integrated with FIRST's innovative embedded corporate campus team model. This model involves dedicated teams that operate as an extension of a client's internal staff, particularly effective for technology, financial, and professional services firms requiring consistent, brand-authentic event execution.
The combination substantially enhances the collective ability to serve a diverse client base across key international markets. FIRST's established offices in New York, London, and Singapore extend Encore's local expertise and global network. This expanded presence allows the unified organization to deliver innovative, scalable solutions more effectively across North America, EMEA, and APAC, supporting everything from large-scale project-based productions to ongoing campus event programs.
Leadership from both companies emphasizes that this union is fundamentally centered on delivering greater value and more exceptional experiences to customers. The integration aims to leverage FIRST's senior talent and agency expertise alongside Encore's vast resources and hospitality-focused service culture. The goal is to provide clients with unparalleled flexibility and quality, ensuring their event visions are realized with precision and impact, whether through embedded teams or global project delivery.
The acquisition of FIRST by Encore marks a pivotal step in consolidating expertise within the events industry. By blending global production scale with localized, embedded agency services, the combined company is positioned to redefine the partner model for enterprise clients, offering a more integrated and versatile approach to managing complex event journeys anywhere in the world.
About Encore
Encore is a global leader in event production, supporting meeting and event professionals with event technology, production, tradeshow and exhibition services. With unmatched capabilities, a hospitality mindset and award-winning customer service, Encore is the trusted partner for more than 2,200 premier hotels and venues worldwide, serving thousands of customers and interacting with 25 million people annually. Encore is one of the 2025 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and has been a certified Great Place To Work™ for four years running, a recognition that highlights the company's continual investments in its talented workforce as the key to unlocking event customers' greatest successes. The company is headquartered in Schiller Park, Illinois, and operates in 21 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia Pacific. Learn more at encoreglobal.com and connect with Encore on LinkedIn.
About FIRST
FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing content, creative, digital technology, management and delivery and data and insights. Operating as a full-service agency partner or as embedded specialist talent, FIRST brings brands and people together through creative, connected experiences. FIRST is headquartered in New York City and operates across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific with more than 800 team members, FIRST works with clients across industries including financial services, technology, media, aerospace, healthcare and the professional services sector.
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