DIVERSIFIED EXHIBITIONS ACQUIRES EASTERN SEABOARD GLUTEN-FREE CONSUMER SHOWS

1 December 2008

Further strengthening its food portfolio and related events, Diversified Exhibitions today announced the acquisition of two consumer show brands: The Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show and the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Shows.

The Irresistible Gluten Free Wheat Free Food Show was launched in 2006 by Sue Shepherd of the Irresistible Group Australia and takes place at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre annually in October.

Dr Shepherd, consultant to the Coeliac Society of Victoria, is widely recognised with having the vision to bring information around food intolerance and specifically coeliac disease to a broader consumer audience via the staging of this exhibition.

Dr Shepherd will act as a consultant on the shows, assisting Diversified to ensure it remains aligned with current issues and knowledge.

The Gluten Free Food & Allergy Shows have been acquired from Wag Events and take place at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in May and Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in November each year.

All three shows were launched in 2006 and each attract around 130 exhibitors and 8,000-10,000 visitors to the two-day weekend events.

“This expansion complements the success we have achieved with our other food events, particularly Good Food & Wine and Fine Food,” said Matthew Pearce, Managing Director, Diversified Exhibitions.

“Bringing these events under the management of one organiser also means we can create efficiencies across the three shows that will enable us to invest further in their growth and content, as well as develop them as a national brand.”

Coeliac disease - intolerance to wheat, rye, barley and oats - affects 1 in 100 Australians and has rapidly gained widespread consumer attention and an ensuing thirst for knowledge and information on how to manage the condition. In addition, approximately 40% of Australians suffer other food intolerances or allergies.

The shows include seminars on healthy living; advice from health professionals; cooking demonstrations; and tools and information on how to discover whether one is gluten intolerant.

The exhibitions will be part of Exhibition Director, Jon Perry’s portfolio and will be managed by Exhibition Manager, Russell McIntosh.

ABOUT DIVERSIFIED EXHIBITIONS

Diversified Exhibitions is one of Australia’s largest exhibition organising companies with a portfolio of 17 trade and consumer exhibitions, operating in key industry sectors such as Food, Security, Building, Oil & Gas, Fitness and Retail. Diversified runs exhibitions throughout Australia at premier venues. The company has 65 staff and is head-officed in Melbourne, Vic.

Further information: www.divexhibitions.com.au.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Sarah Hawthorn / Pinque / 02 9360 6166 / 0410 633 390 / sh@pinque.com.au