Emerald Holding (EEX) 10-Q 25 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 24, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	EEX
Entity Registrant Name	Emerald Expositions Events, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,579,214
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		72,202,207

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 15,850	$ 14,942
Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $736 and $693 as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively		84,845	57,576
Prepaid expenses		14,097	23,044
Total current assets		114,792	95,562
Noncurrent assets
Property and equipment, net		3,720	3,778
Goodwill		960,683	930,321
Other intangible assets, net		544,914	541,172
Other noncurrent assets		977	1,686
Total assets		1,625,086	1,572,519
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities		43,499	28,234
Deferred revenues		153,240	171,644
Revolving credit facility		15,000
Term loan, current portion		8,744	8,744
Total current liabilities		220,483	208,622
Noncurrent liabilities
Term loan, net of discount and deferred financing fees		691,889	693,322
Deferred tax liabilities, net		154,227	140,049
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,638	2,758
Total liabilities		1,068,237	1,044,751
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized shares: 800,000; issued and outstanding shares: 61,869 and 61,860 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (1)	[1]	619	619
Additional paid-in capital	[1]	511,068	510,334
Retained earnings		45,162	16,815
Total shareholders' equity		556,849	527,768
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$ 1,625,086	$ 1,572,519
[1]	Adjusted to reflect the 125-for-one stock split. See Note 9.

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts - trade and other receivables, current | $	$ 736	$ 693
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	61,869,000	61,860,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	61,869,000	61,860,000
Adjusted stock split	0.008	0.008

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 135,654	$ 127,796
Cost of revenues		36,589	31,844
Selling, general and administrative expense		31,965	26,392
Depreciation and amortization expense		10,575	9,943
Operating income		56,525	59,617
Interest expense		9,648	13,035
Income before income taxes		46,877	46,582
Provision for income taxes		18,530	18,406
Net income and comprehensive income		$ 28,347	$ 28,176
Basic earnings per share	[1]	$ 0.46	$ 0.46
Diluted earnings per share	[1]	$ 0.44	$ 0.45
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	[1]	61,866	61,857
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	[1]	63,785	63,003
[1]	Adjusted to reflect the 125-for-one stock split. See Note 9.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Adjusted stock split	0.008	0.008	0.008

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating activities
Net income	$ 28,347	$ 28,176
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense	620	793
Provision for doubtful accounts	44	63
Depreciation and amortization	10,575	9,943
Amortization of deferred financing fees and debt discount	912	1,040
Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swap and floor	(381)	386
Deferred income taxes	14,178	18,394
Other	(3)	61
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Trade and other receivables	(27,313)	(30,668)
Prepaid expenses	11,618	7,716
Other noncurrent assets	551
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	10,499	10,537
Deferred revenues	(20,100)	(16,520)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(738)	6
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,809	29,927
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses	(39,133)
Purchases of property and equipment	(161)	(128)
Purchases of intangible assets	(124)	(309)
Net cash used in investing activities	(39,418)	(437)
Financing activities
Payment of purchase price payable	(1,297)	(4,530)
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	15,000
Repayment of principal on term loan	(2,186)	(1,575)
Repurchase of common stock		(81)
Proceeds from common stock issuance		101
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	11,517	(6,085)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	908	23,405
Beginning of year	14,942	16,261
End of year	15,850	$ 39,666
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities
Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisition	$ 3,838

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q S-X These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP, therefore, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the more detailed audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. The December 31, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December, 2016. The results for the three-months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year, any other interim periods or any future year or period.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pro

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	2. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, year-end In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-19, Technical Corrections and Improvements. The amendments in this update include an amendment to FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures to clarify the difference between a valuation approach and a valuation technique. The amendment also requires an entity to disclose when there has been a change in either or both a valuation approach and/or a valuation technique. For public entities, this update will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its financial statement presentation. In February, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, right-of-use In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, 825-10: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date in ASU 2014-09, which is annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, the Company will not early adopt. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which amends and clarifies certain aspects in ASU 2014-09 that include collectiblity, presentation of sales and other taxes collected from customers, noncash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts at transition. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which amends the guidance in ASU 2014-09 on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which amends the principal versus agent guidance in ASU 2014-09. The standards are to be applied retrospectively and permit the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Management has completed its evaluation of the impact that the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and does not believe these standards will have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. There have been no other new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	3. Business Acquisitions In line with the Company’s strategic growth initiatives, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities of several companies during 2017 (collectively, the “2017 acquisitions”) and 2016 (collectively, the “2016 acquisitions”), as described below. Each transaction qualified as an acquisition of a business and was accounted for as a business combination. CEDIA The Company acquired the assets and liabilities associated with CEDIA Expo (“CEDIA”) on January 25, 2017, for a total purchase price cash consideration of $36.0 million, which included a negative working capital adjustment of approximately $1.2 million. The acquisition was financed with cash from operations and a draw on the Company’s revolving credit facility. All of the external acquisition costs of $0.2 million were expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition: (in thousands) January 25, Prepaid expenses 300 Goodwill 24,851 Other intangible assets 11,148 Deferred revenues (1,496 ) Purchase price, including working capital adjustment $ 34,803 InterDrone The Company acquired the assets and liabilities associated with the International Drone Conference and Exposition (“InterDrone”) on March 10, 2017, for a total purchase price consideration of $8.2 million, which included a negative working capital adjustment of approximately $0.2 million and a contingent payment of $3.8 million. The $4.4 million closing purchase payment was financed with cash from operations. The $3.8 million is scheduled to be settled in the fourth quarter of 2017 and it is primarily contingent upon achievement of certain performance thresholds. The measurement basis used in calculating the contingent consideration include probability weighted estimates regarding the likelihood of achieving revenue and EBITDA targets for the respective show acquired. The contingent consideration is included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2017. All of the external acquisition costs of $0.4 million were expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition: (in thousands) March 10, Prepaid expenses 31 Goodwill 5,511 Other intangible assets 2,826 Deferred revenues (199 ) Purchase price, including working capital adjustment $ 8,169 Supplemental Pro-Forma Information Supplemental information on an unaudited pro-forma basis, as if the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2016, is as follows: Quarter Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Revenue $ 136,148 $ 133,996 Net Income $ 28,551 $ 29,162 The unaudited pro-forma supplemental information is based on estimates and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable and reflects amortization of intangible assets as a result of the acquisitions. This supplemental pro-forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made on January 1, 2016, nor is it indicative of any future results. Further, the supplemental pro-forma information has not been adjusted for show timing differences or discontinued events. Collective On August 8, 2016, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities associated with the Swim Collective Trade Show and the Active Collective Trade Show, for a total purchase price consideration of $14.1 million, which reflects the contingent consideration payment of $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The contingent consideration was primarily based upon performance thresholds around revenue and EBITDA. The liability is re-measured to fair value each reporting period using our most recent internal operational budgets. As a result of our review, a $0.1 million decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability is included in sales, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The measurement period is closed as of March 31, 2017. Digital Dealer On October 11, 2016, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities associated with the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo, for a total purchase price consideration of $19.7 million. The remaining $4.9 million contingent consideration, subject to any final working capital adjustment is scheduled to be settled in the second quarter of 2017. The contingent consideration is primarily based upon performance thresholds around revenue and EBITDA. The liability is re-measured to fair value each reporting period using our most recent internal operational budgets. As a result of our review, a $0.8 million decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability is included in sales, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The contingent consideration liability is included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. In conjunction with the acquisition, there is a $1.0 million contingent compensation payment that is scheduled to be settled in January 2018. Payment of this contingent amount is primarily based upon achievement of certain performance thresholds as well as the continued employment of the seller. As such, the $1.0 million was determined to be compensation and is being ratably expensed during the requisite service period. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, $0.2 million of the contingent compensation expense was included in sales, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $0.4 million and $0.2 million was included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The measurement period is open as of March 31, 2017 due to potential final working capital adjustments. Pavement On October 18, 2016, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities associated with the National Pavement Expo, for a total purchase price consideration of $8.7 million and a contingent payment of $2.3 million. The contingent consideration is primarily based upon performance thresholds around revenue and EBITDA. The liability is re-measured to fair value each reporting period using our most recent internal operational budgets. As a result of our review, the $0.9 million increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability is included in sales, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The $2.3 million is scheduled to be settled during the second quarter of 2017 and it is included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2017. RFID On November 15, 2016, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities associated with RFID Journal Live! for a total purchase price consideration of $5.7 million. In conjunction with the acquisition, there are contingent compensation payments of $2.5 million that are scheduled to be settled during the first quarter of 2018 and 2019, which are primarily contingent upon achievement of certain performance thresholds and the continued employment of the seller. As such, the $2.5 million was determined to be compensation and is being ratably expensed during the requisite service period. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, $0.4 million of the contingent compensation expense was included in sales, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, was included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The measurement period is open as of March 31, 2017 due to potential final working capital adjustments. ACRE On December 13, 2016, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities associated with the American Craft Retailers Expo, for a total purchase price consideration of $5.0 million. In connection with the 2017 acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $30.4 million. In the view of management, the goodwill recorded reflects the future cash flow expectations for the acquired businesses’ market positions in their respective trade show industries. Substantially all of the goodwill recorded is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 930,321 CEDIA 24,851 InterDrone 5,511 Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 960,683 Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) December 31, Additions Transfers March 31, Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade names $ 278,809 $ 4,434 $ — $ 283,243 Amortized intangibles Customer-related intangibles 382,750 9,539 — 392,289 Computer software 8,047 — 60 8,107 669,606 13,973 60 683,639 Accumulated amortization Customer-related intangibles (124,359 ) (10,119 ) — (134,478 ) Computer software (4,394 ) (237 ) — (4,631 ) (128,753 ) (10,356 ) — (139,109 ) Capitalized software in progress 319 125 (60 ) 384 Total other intangibles, net $ 541,172 $ 3,742 $ — $ 544,914 The amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $10.4 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	5. Property and Equipment Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following: (in thousands) December 31, Additions Disposals March 31, Leasehold improvements $ 1,825 $ 52 $ — $ 1,877 Furniture, equipment and other 4,747 109 (4 ) 4,852 6,572 161 (4 ) 6,729 Less: Accumulated depreciation (2,794 ) (219 ) 4 (3,009 ) Property and equipment, net $ 3,778 $ (58 ) $ — $ 3,720 Depreciation expense related to property and equipment for each of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $0.2 million.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	6. Long-Term Debt Long-term debt is comprised of the following indebtedness to various lenders: (in thousands) March 31, December 31, Senior secured term loan, with interest at LIBOR plus 3.75% (equal to 4.75%) due 2020, net (a) $ 700,633 $ 702,066 Less: Current maturities 8,744 8,744 Long-term debt, net of current maturities, debt discount and deferred financing fees $ 691,889 $ 693,322 (a) Senior secured term loan is recorded net of unamortized discount of $5.6 million and $6.0 million, and unamortized deferred financing fees of $4.9 million and $5.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company made a draw down of $15.0 million and zero, respectively, on its Revolving Credit Facility. The Company had $0.9 million and $0.6 million in stand-by Interest Expense Interest expense reported in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income consist of the following: Three months ended March 31, March 31, Senior secured term loan, 4.75%, due 2020 $ 8,471 $ 6,607 Senior notes, 9.00%, due 2021 — 4,500 Noncash interest for amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs 912 1,040 Realized and unrealized loss on interest rate swap and floor, net (13 ) 754 Revolving credit facility commitment fees 278 134 $ 9,648 $ 13,035 Interest Rate Swap and Floor In March 2014, the Company entered into forward interest rate swap and floor contracts to manage and reduce its interest rate risk. The Company’s interest rate swap and floor have an effective date of December 31, 2015 and are settled on the last business day of each month of March, June, September and December, beginning March 31, 2016 through December 31, 2018. The Company made a payment of $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, representing the differential between the three-month LIBOR rate 0.99% and 1.25% and 0.61% and 1.25%, respectively, on the principal amount of $100.0 million. The Company marks-to-market

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	7. Fair Value Measurements As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the table below: March 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,850 $ 15,850 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 15,850 $ 15,850 $ — $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap and floor (a) $ 1,885 $ — $ 1,885 $ — Contingent consideration (b) 11,026 — — 11,026 Total liabilities at fair value $ 12,911 $ — $ 1,885 $ 11,026 (a) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the table below: December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,942 $ 14,942 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 14,942 $ 14,942 $ — $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap and floor (a) $ 2,266 $ — $ 2,266 $ — Contingent consideration (b) 8,488 — — 8,488 Total liabilities at fair value $ 10,754 $ — $ 2,266 $ 8,488 (a) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The contingent consideration liabilities of $11.0 million as of March 31, 2017 are scheduled to be settled between the second and fourth quarter of 2017. The unobservable inputs used in calculating contingent consideration include probability weighted estimates regarding the likelihood of achieving revenue and EBITDA targets for each of the respective shows acquired. These liabilities are re-measured The contingent consideration liabilities of $8.5 million at December 31, 2016, were remeasured and the Company made an earn out payment of $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The determination of the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities could change in future periods based upon our ongoing evaluation of the changes in the probability of achieving the revenue or EBITDA targets. The changes in the fair value of the liabilities have been recorded in sales, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The carrying and fair values of the Company’s debt as of March 31, 2017 were $700.6 million and $709.9 million, respectively. The carrying and fair values of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2016 were $702.1 million and $710.8 million, respectively. The variance between the book value and fair value of the Company’s variable-rate term loans is due to the difference between the period-end market interest rates and the projected market interest rates over the term of the loans, as well as the financial performance of the Company since the issuance of the debt. The Company estimated the fair value of its variable-rate debt using quoted market prices (Level 2 inputs).

Shareholders' Equity and Stock-

Shareholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation	8. Shareholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Emerald Expositions Events, Inc. Common Stock Issuances On February 9, 2016, the Board of Directors approved and granted 11,625 shares of the Company’s common stock to three independent directors as part of their Board compensation. On February 10, 2016, the Company received $0.1 million representing 7,750 shares of the Company’s common stock purchased by an independent director. On March 11, 2016, the Company paid $0.1 million to repurchase 6,250 shares of the Company’s common stock from a departing member of senior management. On January 31, 2017, the Board of Directors approved and granted 8,625 shares of the Company’s common stock to three independent directors as part of their Board compensation. Emerald Expositions Events, Inc. 2013 Stock Option Plan (“the Plan”) The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to the Plan. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The related deferred tax benefit for stock-based compensation recognized was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Stock-based award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017, was as follows: Weighted-Average Number of Exercise Price Remaining Aggregate (years) (thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 7,157,250 $ 10.91 6.94 Granted — — — — Forfeited — — — — Balance, March 31, 2017 7,157,250 $ 10.91 6.73 $ 47,397 Exercisable at March 31, 2017 3,803,075 $ 10.80 6.64 $ 25,602 The aggregate intrinsic value is the amount by which the fair value of our common stock exceeded the exercise price of the options at March 31, 2017, for those options for which the market price was in excess of the exercise price. There was a total of $2.4 million unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at March 31, 2017 related to non-vested

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	9. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus the dilutive effect of outstanding options, using the treasury stock method and the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the applicable period. Certain shares related to some of the Company’s outstanding stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were antidilutive in the periods presented, but could be dilutive in the future. On April 10, 2017, the Company effected a 125-for-one The details of the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands, except for per share data) March 31, March 31, Net income $ 28,347 $ 28,176 Weighted average common shares outstanding 61,866 61,857 Basic earnings per share $ 0.46 $ 0.46 Net income $ 28,347 $ 28,176 Dilutive effect of stock options 1,919 1,146 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 63,785 63,003 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.44 $ 0.45 Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation 37 1,726

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	10. Income Taxes The Company calculates its provision for income taxes by estimating its annual effective tax rate (estimated annual tax provision divided by estimated annual income before taxes) and applying the effective tax rate to income before taxes for the quarter, plus or minus the tax effects of items that relate uniquely to the quarter, if any. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded provisions for income taxes of $18.5 million and $18.4 million, respectively, which resulted in effective tax rates of 39.5%. The differences between the statutory and effective tax rates are primarily attributable to the effects of state income taxes. Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and associated interest and penalties were $0.7 million and $0.6 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	11. Commitments and Contingencies Leases and Other Contractual Arrangements The Company has entered into operating leases and other contractual obligations to secure real estate facilities and trade show venues. These agreements are not unilaterally cancelable by the Company, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Legal Proceedings and Contingencies The Company is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the Company’s liability, if any, arising from regulatory matters and legal proceedings related to these matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. In the opinion of management, there are no claims, commitments or guarantees pending to which the Company is party that would have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounts Payable and Other Curr

Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	12. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities consisted of the following: March 31, December 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Accrued event costs $ 14,897 $ 3,647 Contingent consideration 11,026 8,488 Other current liabilities 10,825 5,220 Trade payables 3,616 3,812 Accrued personnel costs 3,114 6,965 Accrued interest 21 102 Total accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 43,499 $ 28,234 Other current liabilities is primarily comprised of corporate accruals and the current portion of the liability related to the interest rate swap and floor contract.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	13. Subsequent Events Initial Public Offering On April 28, 2017, the Company’s stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EEX”. On May 3, 2017, the Company completed the initial public offering of its common stock. The Company sold a total of 10,333,333 shares of common stock, for total net proceeds to the Company of approximately $159.2 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses associated with the offering of $16.5 million. The Company used all of its proceeds from the offering to prepay $159.2 million of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Facility (as defined below). Refinance On May 22, 2017, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Emerald Expositions Holding, Inc. (“EEH”), entered into an amendment and restatement of its senior secured credit facilities which originally consisted of (a) a seven-year $430.0 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”), scheduled to mature on June 17, 2020 and (b) a $90.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), scheduled to mature on June 17, 2018 (together, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). The amended and restated senior secured credit facilities (the “Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Facilities”), which were entered into with a syndicate of lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, consist of (i) a seven-year $565.0 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Amended and Restated Term Loan Facility”), scheduled to mature on May 22, 2024 and (ii) a $150.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility”), scheduled to mature on May 23, 2022. See “—Long Term Debt—Senior Secured Credit Facilities.” Acquisition In line with the Company's strategic growth initiatives, on May 24, 2017, the Company acquired the SIA Snow Show (“SIA”) for a purchase price of approximately $16.0 million.

Recently Adopted Accounting P20

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, year-end In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-19, Technical Corrections and Improvements. The amendments in this update include an amendment to FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures to clarify the difference between a valuation approach and a valuation technique. The amendment also requires an entity to disclose when there has been a change in either or both a valuation approach and/or a valuation technique. For public entities, this update will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its financial statement presentation. In February, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, right-of-use In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, 825-10: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date in ASU 2014-09, which is annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, the Company will not early adopt. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which amends and clarifies certain aspects in ASU 2014-09 that include collectiblity, presentation of sales and other taxes collected from customers, noncash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts at transition. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which amends the guidance in ASU 2014-09 on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which amends the principal versus agent guidance in ASU 2014-09. The standards are to be applied retrospectively and permit the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Management has completed its evaluation of the impact that the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and does not believe these standards will have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. There have been no other new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Schedule of Supplemental Pro-Forma Information	Supplemental information on an unaudited pro-forma basis, as if the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2016, is as follows: Quarter Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Revenue $ 136,148 $ 133,996 Net Income $ 28,551 $ 29,162
CEDIA [Member]
Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition: (in thousands) January 25, Prepaid expenses 300 Goodwill 24,851 Other intangible assets 11,148 Deferred revenues (1,496 ) Purchase price, including working capital adjustment $ 34,803
InterDrone [Member]
Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition: (in thousands) March 10, Prepaid expenses 31 Goodwill 5,511 Other intangible assets 2,826 Deferred revenues (199 ) Purchase price, including working capital adjustment $ 8,169

Goodwill and Other Intangible22

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 930,321 CEDIA 24,851 InterDrone 5,511 Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 960,683
Summary of Other Intangible Asset	Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) December 31, Additions Transfers March 31, Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade names $ 278,809 $ 4,434 $ — $ 283,243 Amortized intangibles Customer-related intangibles 382,750 9,539 — 392,289 Computer software 8,047 — 60 8,107 669,606 13,973 60 683,639 Accumulated amortization Customer-related intangibles (124,359 ) (10,119 ) — (134,478 ) Computer software (4,394 ) (237 ) — (4,631 ) (128,753 ) (10,356 ) — (139,109 ) Capitalized software in progress 319 125 (60 ) 384 Total other intangibles, net $ 541,172 $ 3,742 $ — $ 544,914

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following: (in thousands) December 31, Additions Disposals March 31, Leasehold improvements $ 1,825 $ 52 $ — $ 1,877 Furniture, equipment and other 4,747 109 (4 ) 4,852 6,572 161 (4 ) 6,729 Less: Accumulated depreciation (2,794 ) (219 ) 4 (3,009 ) Property and equipment, net $ 3,778 $ (58 ) $ — $ 3,720

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt is comprised of the following indebtedness to various lenders: (in thousands) March 31, December 31, Senior secured term loan, with interest at LIBOR plus 3.75% (equal to 4.75%) due 2020, net (a) $ 700,633 $ 702,066 Less: Current maturities 8,744 8,744 Long-term debt, net of current maturities, debt discount and deferred financing fees $ 691,889 $ 693,322 (a) Senior secured term loan is recorded net of unamortized discount of $5.6 million and $6.0 million, and unamortized deferred financing fees of $4.9 million and $5.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Summary of Interest Expense	Interest expense reported in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income consist of the following: Three months ended March 31, March 31, Senior secured term loan, 4.75%, due 2020 $ 8,471 $ 6,607 Senior notes, 9.00%, due 2021 — 4,500 Noncash interest for amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs 912 1,040 Realized and unrealized loss on interest rate swap and floor, net (13 ) 754 Revolving credit facility commitment fees 278 134 $ 9,648 $ 13,035

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the table below: March 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,850 $ 15,850 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 15,850 $ 15,850 $ — $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap and floor (a) $ 1,885 $ — $ 1,885 $ — Contingent consideration (b) 11,026 — — 11,026 Total liabilities at fair value $ 12,911 $ — $ 1,885 $ 11,026 (a) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the table below: December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,942 $ 14,942 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 14,942 $ 14,942 $ — $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap and floor (a) $ 2,266 $ — $ 2,266 $ — Contingent consideration (b) 8,488 — — 8,488 Total liabilities at fair value $ 10,754 $ — $ 2,266 $ 8,488 (a) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accounts payable and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Shareholders' Equity and Stoc26

Shareholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-Based Award Activity	Stock-based award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017, was as follows: Weighted-Average Number of Exercise Price Remaining Aggregate (years) (thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 7,157,250 $ 10.91 6.94 Granted — — — — Forfeited — — — — Balance, March 31, 2017 7,157,250 $ 10.91 6.73 $ 47,397 Exercisable at March 31, 2017 3,803,075 $ 10.80 6.64 $ 25,602

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The details of the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands, except for per share data) March 31, March 31, Net income $ 28,347 $ 28,176 Weighted average common shares outstanding 61,866 61,857 Basic earnings per share $ 0.46 $ 0.46 Net income $ 28,347 $ 28,176 Dilutive effect of stock options 1,919 1,146 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 63,785 63,003 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.44 $ 0.45 Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation 37 1,726

Accounts Payable and Other Cu28

Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	Accounts payable and other current liabilities consisted of the following: March 31, December 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Accrued event costs $ 14,897 $ 3,647 Contingent consideration 11,026 8,488 Other current liabilities 10,825 5,220 Trade payables 3,616 3,812 Accrued personnel costs 3,114 6,965 Accrued interest 21 102 Total accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 43,499 $ 28,234

Business Acquisitions - Additio

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

Mar. 10, 2017

Jan. 25, 2017

Dec. 13, 2016

Nov. 15, 2016

Oct. 18, 2016

Oct. 11, 2016

Aug. 08, 2016

Mar. 31, 2017

Mar. 31, 2019

Mar. 31, 2018

Jan. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid on purchase price consideration

$ 39,133

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

11,026

$ 8,488

Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration liability

3,838

Goodwill

960,683

930,321

CEDIA [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid on purchase price consideration

$ 36,000

Working capital adjustment

1,200

Goodwill

24,851

CEDIA [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition costs incurred

$ 200

InterDrone [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid on purchase price consideration

$ 4,400

Working capital adjustment

200

Total purchase price consideration

8,169

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

3,800

Goodwill

5,511

InterDrone [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

$ 3,800

InterDrone [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition costs incurred

$ 400

ACRE [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total purchase price consideration

$ 5,000

Collective [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total purchase price consideration

$ 14,100

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

1,300

Collective [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration liability

(100)

Digital Dealer [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total purchase price consideration

$ 19,700

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

200

Digital Dealer [Member] | Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

400

200

Digital Dealer [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

$ 1,000

Digital Dealer [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

$ 4,900

Digital Dealer [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration liability

$ (800)

Pavement[Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total purchase price consideration

$ 8,700

Pavement[Member] | Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

2,300

Pavement[Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration liability

$ 900

RFID [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total purchase price consideration

$ 5,700

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

400

RFID [Member] | Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

600

$ 200

RFID [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration on total purchase price

$ 2,500

$ 2,500

2017 Acquisitions [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

$ 30,400

Business Acquisitions - Summary

Business Acquisitions - Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 10, 2017	Jan. 25, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 960,683			$ 930,321
CEDIA [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses			$ 300
Goodwill			24,851
Other intangible assets			11,148
Deferred revenues			(1,496)
Purchase price, including working capital adjustment			$ 34,803
InterDrone [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses		$ 31
Goodwill		5,511
Other intangible assets		2,826
Deferred revenues		(199)
Purchase price, including working capital adjustment		$ 8,169

Business Acquisitions - Schedul

Business Acquisitions - Schedule of Supplemental Pro-Forma Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 136,148	$ 133,996
Net Income	$ 28,551	$ 29,162

Goodwill and Other Intangible32

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 930,321
Goodwill, ending balance	960,683
CEDIA [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during period	24,851
InterDrone [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during period	$ 5,511

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Asset (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross, Beginning balance	$ 669,606
Other intangible assets, gross, Additions	13,973
Other intangible assets, gross, Transfers	60
Other intangible assets, gross, Ending balance	683,639
Accumulated amortization, Beginning balance	(128,753)
Accumulated amortization, Additions	(10,356)
Accumulated amortization, Transfers	0
Accumulated amortization, Ending balance	(139,109)
Total other intangibles, net, Beginning balance	541,172
Total other intangibles, net, Additions	3,742
Total other intangibles, net, Transfers	0
Total other intangibles, net, Ending balance	544,914
Customer-Related Intangibles [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Beginning balance	382,750
Amortized intangibles, Additions	9,539
Amortized intangibles, Ending balance	392,289
Accumulated amortization, Beginning balance	(124,359)
Accumulated amortization, Additions	(10,119)
Accumulated amortization, Transfers	0
Accumulated amortization, Ending balance	(134,478)
Computer Software [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Beginning balance	8,047
Amortized intangibles, Transfers	60
Amortized intangibles, Ending balance	8,107
Accumulated amortization, Beginning balance	(4,394)
Accumulated amortization, Additions	(237)
Accumulated amortization, Transfers	0
Accumulated amortization, Ending balance	(4,631)
Capitalized Software in Progress [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Capitalized software in progress, Beginning balance	319
Capitalized software in progress, Additions	125
Capitalized software in progress, Transfers	(60)
Capitalized software in progress, Ending balance	384
Trade Names [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Beginning balance	278,809
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Additions	4,434
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Transfers	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Ending balance	$ 283,243

Goodwill and Other Intangible34

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 10.4	$ 9.8

Property and Equipment - Summar

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross, Beginning balance	$ 6,572
Property and equipment, gross, Additions	161
Property and equipment, gross, Disposals	(4)
Property and equipment, gross, Ending balance	6,729
Accumulated depreciation, Beginning balance	(2,794)
Accumulated depreciation, Additions	(219)
Accumulated depreciation, Disposals	4
Accumulated depreciation, Ending balance	(3,009)
Property and equipment, net, Beginning balance	3,778
Property and equipment, net, Additions	(58)
Property and equipment, net, Disposals	0
Property and equipment, net, Ending balance	3,720
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross, Beginning balance	1,825
Property and equipment, gross, Additions	52
Property and equipment, gross, Ending balance	1,877
Furniture, Equipment and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross, Beginning balance	4,747
Property and equipment, gross, Additions	109
Property and equipment, gross, Disposals	(4)
Property and equipment, gross, Ending balance	$ 4,852

Property and Equipment - Additi

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense related to property and equipment	$ 0.2	$ 0.2

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Lon

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Current maturities	$ 8,744	$ 8,744
Long-term debt, net of current maturities, debt discount and deferred financing fees	691,889	693,322
Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured term loan, with interest at LIBOR plus 3.75% (equal to 4.75%) due 2020, net	700,633	702,066
Less: Current maturities	8,744	8,744
Long-term debt, net of current maturities, debt discount and deferred financing fees	$ 691,889	$ 693,322

Long-Term Debt - Summary of L38

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%		4.75%
Maturity year	2,020	2,020	2,020
Unamortized discount	$ 5.6		$ 6
Unamortized deferred financing fees	$ 4.9		$ 5.2
LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	3.75%		3.75%

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the credit facility	$ 15,000,000
Unrealized loss on derivatives	$ 381,000	$ (386,000)
Interest Rate Floor [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective date	Dec. 31, 2015
Payment of debt	$ 400,000	400,000
Principal amount	$ 100,000,000
Interest rate terms	The Company made a payment of $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, representing the differential between the three-month LIBOR rate 0.99% and 1.25% and 0.61% and 1.25%, respectively, on the principal amount of $100.0 million.
Realized loss on derivative	$ 400,000	400,000
Unrealized loss on derivatives	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Interest Rate Floor [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR Rate	0.99%	0.61%
LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Interest Rate Floor [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR Rate	1.25%	1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the credit facility	$ 15,000,000	$ 0
Stand-by Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the credit facility	$ 900,000		$ 600,000

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Int

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Noncash interest for amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	$ 912	$ 1,040
Realized and unrealized loss on interest rate swap and floor, net	(13)	754
Interest expense, total	9,648	13,035
Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense on senior secured term loan and senior notes	8,471	6,607
Senior Notes, 9.00%, Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense on senior secured term loan and senior notes		4,500
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility commitment fees	$ 278	$ 134

Long-Term Debt - Summary of I41

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Expense (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%	4.75%
Maturity year	2,020	2,020	2,020
Senior Notes, 9.00%, Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	9.00%	9.00%
Maturity year	2,021	2,021

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 15,850	$ 14,942
Total assets at fair value	15,850	14,942
Liabilities
Interest rate swap and floor	1,885	2,266
Contingent consideration	11,026	8,488
Total liabilities at fair value	12,911	10,754
Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	15,850	14,942
Total assets at fair value	15,850	14,942
Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Interest rate swap and floor	1,885	2,266
Total liabilities at fair value	1,885	2,266
Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	11,026	8,488
Total liabilities at fair value	$ 11,026	$ 8,488

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Contingent consideration	$ 11,026	$ 8,488
Business combination, earn-out payments	1,300
Long term debt, fair value	709,900	710,800
Long term debt, carrying value	$ 700,600	$ 702,100

Shareholders' Equity and Stoc44

Shareholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2017Directorshares	Mar. 11, 2016USD ($)shares	Feb. 10, 2016USD ($)Directorshares	Feb. 09, 2016Directorshares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted | shares					0
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options					$ 2.4
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense weighted average period of recognition					10 months 25 days
Emerald Expositions Events, Inc. 2013 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense					$ 0.6	$ 0.8
Deferred tax benefit for stock-based compensation					$ 0.2	$ 0.3
Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options granted | shares	8,625			11,625
Number of directors | Director	3		1	3
Value of shares granted			$ 0.1
Number of shares granted | shares			7,750
Senior Management [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock repurchased, value		$ 0.1
Common stock repurchased, shares | shares		6,250

Shareholders' Equity and Stoc45

Shareholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock-Based Award Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Number of Options, Beginning Balance	7,157,250
Number of Options, Granted	0
Number of Options, Forfeited	0
Number of Options, Ending Balance	7,157,250	7,157,250
Number of Options, Exercisable	3,803,075
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Option, Beginning Balance	$ 10.91
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Option, Granted	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Option, Forfeited	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Option, Ending Balance	10.91	$ 10.91
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Option, Exercisable	$ 10.80
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	6 years 7 months 21 days	6 years 11 months 8 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Balance	6 years 8 months 23 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	6 years 7 months 21 days	6 years 11 months 8 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Granted	$ 0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Forfeited	0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Balance	47,397
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 25,602

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	Apr. 10, 2017shares	Mar. 31, 2017shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016shares
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock split, conversion ratio		0.008	0.008	0.008
Common stock, shares authorized		800,000,000		800,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock split, conversion ratio	0.008
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000

Earnings Per Share - Computatio

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income		$ 28,347	$ 28,176
Weighted average common shares outstanding	[1]	61,866	61,857
Basic earnings per share	[1]	$ 0.46	$ 0.46
Net income		$ 28,347	$ 28,176
Dilutive effect of stock options		1,919	1,146
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	[1]	63,785	63,003
Diluted earnings per share	[1]	$ 0.44	$ 0.45
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation		37	1,726
[1]	Adjusted to reflect the 125-for-one stock split. See Note 9.

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 18,530	$ 18,406
Effective income tax rates	39.50%	39.50%
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and associated interest and penalties	$ 700		$ 600

Accounts Payable and Other Cu49

Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued event costs	$ 14,897	$ 3,647
Contingent consideration	11,026	8,488
Other current liabilities	10,825	5,220
Trade payables	3,616	3,812
Accrued personnel costs	3,114	6,965
Accrued interest	21	102
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$ 43,499	$ 28,234

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 24, 2017	May 22, 2017	May 03, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SIA Snow Show [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 16,000
Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Secured debt				$ 700,633	$ 702,066
Subsequent Event [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Total shares of common stock sold			10,333,333
Total net proceeds from issuance initial public offering			$ 159,200
Underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses			16,500
Prepayment of borrowings outstanding			$ 159,200
Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 430,000
Secured debt maturity period		7 years
Security debt maturity date		Jun. 17, 2020
Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 90,000
Security debt maturity date		Jun. 17, 2018
Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member] | Amended and Restated Term Loan Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 565,000
Secured debt maturity period		7 years
Security debt maturity date		May 22, 2024
Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan, 4.75%, Due 2020 [Member] | Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 150,000
Security debt maturity date		May 23, 2022