Viad Q3 Revenues Slightly Up; GES Sees Nearly 11-percent Increase in Base Same-show Growth
October 22, 2011
Global Experience Specialist’s parent company, Viad, recently released its third-quarter earnings, and while numbers for the Marketing & Events Group, of which GES is a part of, were down because of negative show rotation, base same-show numbers scored a nearly 11-percent increase, compared with last year’s Q3 numbers.
Viad’s overall revenues saw a 1-percent increase in the third quarter to $216.2 million, compared with the same period last year, as well as $1.2 million in net income. The Travel & Recreation Group also saw growth in the third quarter, with revenues jumping from $12.5 million last year to $64.5 million during the same period this year.
“Viad’s third quarter 2011 earnings reflect strong performance from our Travel & Recreation Group, which realized significant growth during its busiest quarter,” said Paul Dykstra, Viad’s chairman, president and CEO. "This growth was driven by the addition of two properties to our Glacier Park portfolio and organic revenue growth at Brewster.”
He added, “Our Marketing & Events Group realized base same-show revenue growth of nearly 11 percent. As a result of this increase and growth in other lines of business, the Marketing & Events Group substantially offset the impact of expected declines from negative show rotation, as a number of trade shows that took place in the 2010 third quarter are every-other-year shows that will occur again in 2012.”
Total third-quarter revenues for the Marketing & Events Group were $151.7 million, which was impacted by $29 million in negative show rotation. The good news, though, was positive base same-show growth for the fifth quarter in a row, signaling continued optimism in the trade show industry.
“It’s a very good quarter with same-show growth, as well as new wins,” said Steve Moster, president of GES. “I am very excited about where we ended up in the third quarter.”
The growth came from increased square footage, exhibitors buying more services and increased marketing budgets, he added.
Besides the chain of positive quarters in a row, he added, another good indication of a recovery underway in the trade show industry is the fact that this year’s year-to-date Marketing & Events Group revenues also were up.
Some of the many high points in the third quarter for Viad’s Marketing & Events Group included designing and building the World Trade Center sales office in New York, the “Harry Potter” touring exhibition in New York’s Times Square and the Nike facility in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
“Despite negative show rotation, we’re very proud of the team at GES team for finding new opportunities,” Moster said.
He added, “The global economy is uncertain, but, despite headwinds, we think there will continue to be same-show increases through the end of 2011."
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
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