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
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
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.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
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 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
