AuctionsJun 03, 2021
Freeman’s Adds Regional Representative in the Midwest Events & AwardsJun 15, 2021
Longtime Trade Show Executive Joins Investment Bank
David Loechner, who headed Nielsen Expositions and then Emerald, is now managing director at Berkery Noyes.
David Loechner, the former head of Nielsen Expositions and Emerald, has joined investment bank Berkery Noyes as managing director.
New York—An executive with nearly 40 years’ experience in trade shows has joined Berkery Noyes, an independent, mid-market investment bank.
David Loechner is now managing director at Berkery Noyes, the bank announced last week.
Loechner was president of Nielsen Expositions in 2013, the arm of the Nielsen Company that owned and operated trade shows, including Couture and the JA New York shows.
He headed the $950 million sale of Nielsen Expositions to private equity firm Onex Corp. and became CEO of the newly named Emerald Expositions, an independent organization with more than 500 employees in 10 U.S. offices. (Emerald Expositions also owned National Jeweler before selling the publication to Jewelers of America in 2015.)
Following the sale, the company more than doubled in size, due largely in part to the completion of more than 16 acquisitions in five years, and Loechner was at the helm when it went public in 2017.
Now known as just Emerald, the company is the largest business-to-business trade show, conference and event operator in the United States.
After leaving Emerald, Loechner founded DLJ Events, a media and events advisory and management firm.
Related stories will be right here …
David Loechner is now managing director at Berkery Noyes, the bank announced last week.
Loechner was president of Nielsen Expositions in 2013, the arm of the Nielsen Company that owned and operated trade shows, including Couture and the JA New York shows.
He headed the $950 million sale of Nielsen Expositions to private equity firm Onex Corp. and became CEO of the newly named Emerald Expositions, an independent organization with more than 500 employees in 10 U.S. offices. (Emerald Expositions also owned National Jeweler before selling the publication to Jewelers of America in 2015.)
Following the sale, the company more than doubled in size, due largely in part to the completion of more than 16 acquisitions in five years, and Loechner was at the helm when it went public in 2017.
Now known as just Emerald, the company is the largest business-to-business trade show, conference and event operator in the United States.
After leaving Emerald, Loechner founded DLJ Events, a media and events advisory and management firm.
Loechner holds a bachelor’s in business administration and management from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois.
In a news release announcing his hire, the bank said Loechner brings extensive operational, capital markets and M&A experience to the role.
“As we reaffirm our long-standing history and commitment to covering the trade show and events marketplace, David adds a wealth of knowledge that will help achieve superior outcomes for our clients,” said James Berkery, managing partner at Berkery Noyes.
“Being on the buy side for so long and seeing dozens of prospective acquisitions cross his desk annually, in addition to his hands-on experience operating over 150 events and media products each year in this sector, David knows what makes individual properties attractive.”
Loechner said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to join such an experienced and engaged senior team at Berkery Noyes. I aim to be a proven, experienced, and trusted resource for elevating and increasing our client’s success at such a pivotal time in the events and media industry.”
In a news release announcing his hire, the bank said Loechner brings extensive operational, capital markets and M&A experience to the role.
“As we reaffirm our long-standing history and commitment to covering the trade show and events marketplace, David adds a wealth of knowledge that will help achieve superior outcomes for our clients,” said James Berkery, managing partner at Berkery Noyes.
“Being on the buy side for so long and seeing dozens of prospective acquisitions cross his desk annually, in addition to his hands-on experience operating over 150 events and media products each year in this sector, David knows what makes individual properties attractive.”
Loechner said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to join such an experienced and engaged senior team at Berkery Noyes. I aim to be a proven, experienced, and trusted resource for elevating and increasing our client’s success at such a pivotal time in the events and media industry.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
