Association management company SmithBucklin announced Thursday it has acquired The Townsend Group, a Chevy Chase, Md.-based advertising, exhibit and sponsorship sales and management organization for associations.

The Townsend Group will retain its name and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of SmithBucklin, with founder Holly Townsend continuing her role as president of the organization. Townsend will report to James McNeil, senior vice president at SmithBucklin and president and publisher of Information, Inc., a SmithBucklin-owned company.

"Being part of SmithBucklin will help us both identify and execute many more opportunities to help organizations increase non-dues revenue growth, offer industry-leading practices and deliver unique new services to our clients," Townsend said.

The Townsend Group was founded in 1983. Its services include print and online advertising, exhibition and sponsorship sales, and strategic planning in publishing and media transformation.

"Together, SmithBucklin and The Townsend Group will be the largest provider of specialized event and publishing sales services to associations on both a full-service and outsourced basis," SmithBucklin CEO Henry Givray said.

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