Our story
Informa Connect, we're part of Informa
A global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100. Our purpose is to connect our customers to information and people that help them know more, do more and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections.
In 2005 we became a division of Informa and in 2014 we merged 28 different Informa conference businesses into our division, but our roots go back almost 300 years.
A history of the business
2023
Informa Connect Academy launched, bringing together a wealth of training expertise and brands under one identity for customers to enjoy. It is home to Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and the International Faculty of Finance.
2019
Complete with a new, simpler name, Informa Connect will continue on its exciting journey. We now have more than 8 million active customers across the world.
2018
Informa combines with UBM in June 2018, to create a leading B2B Information Services Group.
2016
Informa becomes a member of the FTSE 100, an index of the largest UK-listed companies. Informa acquires Penton Information Services, a leading independent US-based Exhibitions and Professional Services Group.
2015
KNect365 is formed from 28 different conference and training businesses based in dozens of countries. Informa expands in the US. Informa acquires specialist US exhibitions organisers Virgo and Hanley Wood, strengthening the Exhibitions business.
2013
Taylor & Francis launches Cogent, a specialist open access publishing business. Informa acquires EBD Group and a stake in Baiwen, the owner and organiser of the annual China Beauty Expo.
2005
Informa announces the acquisition of IIR Holdings to form the world’s largest publicly-owned event, conference and training business.
2004
Informa and Taylor & Francis Group plc agree an independent merger.
1998
Lloyd’s List Publishing (LLP) and IBC Group merge to form the Informa Group plc.
1989
Datamonitor is founded in London and produces its first ever report (on the UK frozen food industry).
1973
The Institute for International Research (IIR) is launched by Irvine Laidlaw (later Baron Laidlaw of Rothiemay). IIR becomes a specialist business conference organiser.
1971
International Business Communications Ltd (IBC) created as an umbrella company for Investment & Property Studies and Legal Studies & Services.
1936
Taylor & Francis becomes a private limited company with leading scientists as directors and shareholders.
1734
Edward Lloyd pins the first ever copy of Lloyds List (a leading shipping newspaper) to the wall in Lombard Street, London. This was the first activity of Taylor & Francis.