UFI’s Survey Shows Exhibition Industry Geared for Further Growth

February 8, 2017

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the results of its 18th UFI Global Barometer survey.

After two years of relatively stable levels of operating profit, majority of interviewed companies indicated that they expect increased turnover in 2017.

The survey shows an ongoing expansion in the industry’s business activities globally, both in the survey companies’ home market as well as in new geographical markets.

The majority of the companies surveyed plan to develop new activities. About 40% also plan to develop operations in new countries.

“Some economists are predicting that the exhibition industry will outperform the global economy in its growth rate in 2017,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director.

He added, “The UFI Global Barometer shows that indeed there is cause for optimism on the global scale. At the same time, political developments in key markets for our industry are causing concern, and negative impacts are expected by many. The data in this research underlines the need for organisers, venues and service providers to remain flexible and alert.”

The survey was conducted in December 2016, including data from 240 companies in 54 countries. The survey is conducted in collaboration with AAXO (The Association of African Exhibition Organizers) and EXSA (Exhibition and Events Association of Southern Africa) in South Africa, AEO (Association of Event Organisers) in the UK, AFIDA (Asociación Internacional de Ferias de América) for Central and South America, AMPROFEC (Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales de Ferias y Exposiciones y Convenciones) in Mexico, SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) in the USA, TEA (Thai Exhibition Association) in Thailand and UBRAFE (União Brasileira dos Promotores Feiras) in Brazil.

In line with UFI’s objective to provide vital data and best practices to the whole exhibition industry, the full results can be downloaded at http://www.ufi.org/research.

The next UFI Global Barometer Survey will be conducted in June 2017.

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