Tarsus Group Posts 10 Percent Like-for-like Revenue Growth for 2014

March 4, 2015

Even though Tarsus Group’s biggest shows were not held last year, the company still saw not only an 18 percent increase in revenues, compared with 2012 when similar shows ran, but also like-for-like revenue growth of 10 percent.

Total 2014 revenues were £60.6 million ($92.5 million), compared with same off-year 2012 revenues of £51.5 ($78.6 million) million. Revenues for 2013 were £75.9 million ($115.9 million), when the company’s two largest shows were held.

Overall attendance at Tarsus’ 2014 shows also saw positive signs, with and an average high single-digit increase.

"Our ‘Quickening the Pace’ growth strategy gained further traction in 2014. Visitor numbers were up by 6 percent, our major events performed well and we made good progress with our brand replication strategy to drive organic growth,” said Tarsus Group Managing Director Douglas Emslie.

He added, “The quality of our assets and the geographical positioning of our portfolio, targeted at faster-growing economies, is a key differentiator for the Group. In addition, our ability to offer our partners an entrepreneurial culture in which to further expand their business has enabled us to capture attractive strategic opportunities in 2014.”

Last year was a continued growth year for Tarsus, with the company adding five new shows to its portfolio.

In December 2013, the Group agreed to acquire 50 percent of China (Shenzhen) International Brand Underwear Fair ("SIUF"), which runs the leading Asian show for underwear. The acquisition was completed in March 2014.

Early in 2014, Tarsus also purchased 60 percent of Komatek, which runs Turkey's leading construction equipment event, which expanded Tarsus’ existing construction portfolio into a dominant position in Ankara.

The first event under Tarsus’ ownership will take place in May 2015 and bookings tracking in-line with management expectations.

In March 2014, the Group purchased 100 percent of the assets of HealthScienceMedia Inc. in the U.S., which organizes the Cardiometabolic Health Congress ("CMHC").

In November 2014, Tarsus also bought 100 percent of the South Beach Symposium (“SBS”), a leading dermatology event based in Florida.

Both of these acquisitions will further accelerate the development and repositioning of the medical business in the US.

In July 2014, Tarsus acquired 60 percent of 3D Printshow, which owns a portfolio of market leading annual events in London, Paris and New York. 3D Printshow is in a fast developing sector and has strong growth opportunities.

In addition, Tarsus expanded some of its existing brands, such as AAITF and Zuchex, into Indonesia last year.

Tarsus also agreed to sell up to 18 percent of its French business in 2014 to its French management in an effort to reduce its exposure in the country.

The U.S. business saw positive gains in 2014 with Labelexpo Americas scoring 13 percent revenue growth, strong visitor attendance and record re-bookings for the 2016 event; the anti-aging events in Orlando (May) and Las Vegas (December) were both strong shows with record attendances in 2014; and Both OFFPRICE events in Las Vegas during 2014 performed well with solid revenue growth. 

Importantly, given increased competition for exhibition space in Las Vegas, OFFPRICE extended its venue contract to 2019.

U.S. revenues rose to £19.5 million ($29.7 million) in 2014, compared with £18.7 ($27.6 million) million in 2013.

This year started off strong with The February OFFPRICE show in Las Vegas pulling in positive attendance numbers and other shows throughout the year, especially the large biennial events - Labelexpo Europe and the Dubai Airshow – tracking well.

Forward bookings for 2015, on a like-for-like basis, currently are more than 10 percent ahead of those for 2014 (adjusted for biennials and acquisitions).

The company also looks to grow even more with the planned launch of 13 brand replications in 2015 in targeted geographies.

“Owing to the timing of our large exhibitions trading is heavily biased in favor of odd years,” Emslie said of this year’s outlook.

He added “Forward bookings for the Group’s major events in 2015 are strong across the board and the two largest exhibitions, Labelexpo Europe and the Dubai Airshow, are well ahead of their previous editions. Given the current global geopolitical environment, we have been deliberately cautious in our budgeting for 2015 but are increasingly positive about our trading prospects.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact