To do so, Complex has worked quickly to launch new iterations of its flagship festival, as well as build its events portfolio through acquisitions.

The publisher hosted a ComplexCon in March in Hong Kong that attracted over 30,000 attendees, and it is looking to expand into Europe next, with the goal of hosting one ComplexCon per continent per year, according to Levant.

Complex also acquired the food festival Family Style in May, which attracted more than 15,000 attendees at its recent September iteration in Los Angeles and popped up in Las Vegas in conjunction with ComplexCon.

On the video front, the publisher has worked to expand its portfolio of original series beyond hits like Sneaker Shopping. By the end of the year, Complex hopes to launch six to 10 new video series, several of which will be Family Style branded.

The three businesses all act as a flywheel, with events powering commerce and producing video. Combined with updated technology that ties consumer behavior together across surfaces, the revitalized Complex aims to blend its editorial and retail offerings into a single, sophisticated platform. 

“At first, we drove shoppers to retailers,” Levant said. “When we launched ComplexCon, we moved into the shopping business. Now, after the acquisition, we’re a commerce company.”