Advanstar Acquires Project Global Trade Shows.

NEW YORK -- Advanstar Communications Inc., a leading worldwide media company, today announced that it has acquired Project Trade Show group, a series of trade events that serves the premium contemporary sector of the fashion market.

Launched in New York in 2003, Project has established a strong position in the industry by combining traditional and alternative event elements to offer a product that meets the unique needs of customers in the fashion forward, premium niche. Delivering a newfound excitement in men's wear and the massive momentum of the premium denim sector, Project has grown to four highly-anticipated annual events (two in New York and two in Las Vegas) in just two years. Project will continue with events in both cities.

Joe Loggia, President and CEO of Advanstar, said, "The acquisition of Project is consistent with Advanstar's strategy to focus on markets where we leverage our leading market positions to deliver innovative quality products that meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. The inclusion of Project under the MAGIC Marketplace umbrella adds a compelling, new dimension to our product offerings. Project offers significant growth potential through new events and provides an additional platform for our extension into new cities."

"Our goal is to capitalize on the unique strengths of each event to create a seamless and richer experience for our customers. It is important that we maintain the distinctive position, environments and customer relationships of each event while coordinating and enhancing the services that we provide to our retailers and exhibitors. We believe that this approach will further strengthen MAGIC Marketplace's position as the leading buying destination for the Fashion industry."

Sam Ben-Avraham, Founder and President of Project, said, "Being part of Advanstar will enable us to tap into new resources and capabilities, allowing us to better serve our customers. We have made great strides in bringing excitement to both the New York and Las Vegas marketplaces and we are now poised for incredible growth. This is a great opportunity for the Project Show and for the industry as a whole. Our vision and edge coupled with Advanstar's leading market position will solidify Project as the authority in the exciting, rapidly expanding premium contemporary market. I'm looking forward to taking Project to the next level by spending more time on my core capabilities -- discovering innovation, new categories, and above all else, great product."

Ben-Avraham will still oversee the Project Show to ensure that the show's vision, atmosphere, and attention to presenting the market's best designers to its top retailers remain consistent. The Project Trade Show group will continue to be based in New York, with its staff unchanged. Ben-Avraham will report directly to Mr. Loggia.

About Advanstar Communications Inc.

Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 81 events, 57 publications and directories, 114 electronic publications and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." Advanstar has roughly 1,000 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

About MAGIC

The MAGIC Marketplace is the event where retailers, exhibitors and industry leaders can all network in a business setting on the show floor, and then hit the town in style with A-list parties, concerts and industry-related events.

Every August and February, the fashion industry converges on Las Vegas for the most influential four days in the business -- the MAGIC Marketplace. (www.magiconline.com)

MAGIC International is a subsidiary of Advanstar Communications, the world's largest and most widely recognized organizer of trade shows for the apparel industry, producing the MAGIC Marketplace in Las Vegas featuring MAGIC, WWDMAGIC, MAGIC kids, Fabric at MAGIC, and Sourcing Zone at MAGIC.