Marketing Design Group (MDG) has been purchased by executive vice president, Kimberly Hardcastle, and president of VP International, Vincent Polito. As incoming president of MDG, Hardcastle will keep the agency wholly focused on its core competency—increasing trade show attendance through innovative, strategy-driven marketing and public relations campaigns.

The agency touts as its differentiating factor the unique ability to work with clients to define the most advantageous strategic direction and subsequently translate strategy into effective campaigns that deliver measurable outcomes. Hardcastle commented, “The results that our campaigns have helped garner over the past few years have received major traction in trade show and industry press, won awards for marketing and design excellence and have helped elevate the positioning of a stellar agency that had been flying under the radar for quite some time. We’re uniquely poised to build on this foundation and achieve even greater success for our clients.”

While the agency will remain focused on increasing event attendance, the means of doing so will continue to evolve, noted Hardcastle. “Over the past few years, our fusion of strategy, creative and technology has become more heavily weighted toward the technology end. There’s a growing emphasis within MDG on identifying, delivering and managing new digital solutions that enhance audience engagement throughout a show cycle.”

Polito will be collaborating with MDG to achieve key organizational objectives and capitalize on new market opportunities. Early initiatives will be focused on strategic partnership opportunities and further enhancing the level of service for current clients, particularly those on the East Coast. MDG is the agency of record for several of VP International’s clients and according to Polito, “I’ve been impressed with MDG’s work for many years, my clients have been thrilled with the results, and I think the potential is unlimited. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to align myself with visionaries and leading organizations and with Kimberly and the entire team at MDG, I am able to do both.”

MDG founder and outgoing president, Denise Paccione, will remain with the company as chief creative officer. According to Paccione, “Kimberly has been MDG’s driving force for many years and has earned a reputation as a marketing innovator. Stepping into the presidency will bring to the forefront her expertise and heartfelt commitment to helping clients achieve their attendance, sales and revenue objectives. I’m looking forward to working with Kimberly and industry icon, Vinnie Polito, in this new capacity.”