From left to right: Hunter Gray, Vice President at TSEC; Sally Webb, Non-Executive Director at TSEC; Susan Fishel, President at TSEC; Dale Parmenter, CEO of DRPG; Matt Franks, CEO of TSEC & Director of Events at DRPG
APEX, N.C. (Jan. 24, 2024) – Global creative communications agency DRPG proudly announces a significant milestone in its expansion with the successful acquisition of The Special Event Company, a distinguished live and virtual event agency based in North Carolina.
The Special Event Company (TSEC) was originally founded by Sally Webb, CSEP, and has been a prominent player in the event industry for over 35 years. The acquisition of TSEC not only brings a wealth of experience and expertise into the DRPG family but also positions Apex, N.C.-based company for substantial growth in both the global and North American markets with the expanded creative services that DRPG offers.
TSEC’s legacy of producing award-winning events since 1987 and its consistent recognition among the Top 50 Global Event Companies highlight its ongoing impact within the industry. The acquisition provides a solid foundation for DRPG’s continued growth, with TSEC providing additional innovative event strategies, turn-key solutions, and a virtual communication studios in North Carolina.
With its base near Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park area, TSEC provides DRPG with strategic access to a thriving business landscape. This move signifies DRPG’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in North America and harnessing the region’s potential for growth and collaboration.
TSEC will continue to operate as its own brand but now with an extended set of services being offered between both companies. The president and vice president of TSEC will continue to lead the business and the brand will remain unchanged. Founder Sally Webb will become a Non-Executive Director and Matt Franks, DRPG’s Group Director of Events, will assume the role of CEO, splitting his time between the UK and U.S.
“We recognized there are great synergies between the two companies and culturally the teams are very similar,” said Franks. “These mirrored attributes and core values gave us the confidence this partnership and fit would succeed in delivering the very best experiences for our clients.”
Hunter Gray, Vice President of TSEC, added, “We are excited to join forces with DRPG, knowing that this collaboration will not only enhance our capabilities but also contribute to their ambitious growth plans. Together, we aim to set new standards in the creative communications and event planning landscape.”
The acquisition is a strategic step forward for the individual operating businesses within the wider group, providing the ability to deliver stronger live and virtual experiences to clients across the globe.
“This marks a pivotal moment for DRPG’s global and North American expansion,” said Dale Parmenter, Group CEO of DRPG. “The Special Event Company’s proven track record, innovative approach, and booming location provide us with a solid foundation to further elevate our presence in key markets.”
TSEC is part of a series of investments DRPG has planned for 2024. The group also acquired UK-based marketing agency OWB this month, to bolster and broaden DRPG’s offering to the end-to-end communications solutions market. “We are excited to welcome The Special Event Company and OWB to the DRPG family,” Parmenter continued, “and we believe their expertise will play a crucial role in advancing our capabilities and offering unparalleled value to our clients.”
About DRPG:
DRPG is a global creative communications group. The group creates and delivers integrated communications solutions and experiences for an industry-wide range of clients and brands, for both external and internal audiences worldwide. For more information about DRPG, please contact Zac Goodman, Head of PR & Marketing (zac.goodman@drpgroup.com) or visit http://www.drpgroup.com.
About The Special Event Company:
For over 35 years, The Special Event Company (TSEC) has been a leading force in the event planning industry, renowned for its innovative approach and 40+ international awards. From its headquarters in Apex, N.C., the company executes global programs with seamless efficiency, offering turnkey services for strategy development, site selection, planning, logistics, A/V, virtual events and studio production, collateral and graphic design.