Global Economic Impact of Exhibitions Figure Drums Up Excitement for GED19
April 26, 2019
The global economic impact of exhibitions totals $325 billion in business sales annually, according to a new report from UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
Conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics and supported by Society of Independent Show Organizers, the report claims to be the first time this figure has been calculated.
“This new data will support us when we talk to stakeholders about our industry, especially as it’s broken down into the direct, measurable economic impact per exhibiting company, right down to the economic value of every single square metre of venue exhibition space,” said UFI President Craig Newman. “On top of that, it makes me proud to work for our industry, knowing that we are securing over three million jobs.”
In this report, an exhibition, show or fair was defined as an event where products, services or information are displayed and disseminated.
Among other key findings:
- The exhibition sector generates more than $81 billion in direct GDP, ranking as the 56th largest economy in the world
- Approximately 32,000 exhibitions directly involved 303 million visitors and 4.5 million exhibitors across more than 180 countries in 2018
- Europe was the largest market in terms of visitors, welcoming 112 million in 2018; North America ranked second with 92 million visitors
- North America ranked first in total GDP, with more than $92 billion attributable to the exhibitions sector, followed by Europe with $57 billion
- Overall, exhibitions generated $71,700 total sales per exhibiting company and $870 per square foot of venue gross indoor exhibition space
The report was timed appropriately to provide data in advance of Global Exhibitions Day, set to take place on June 5. On this day, exhibition industry professionals, associations and companies around the world will participate in events and activities to highlight the important role of the industry in driving regional, national and global economies.
“This is the fourth Global Exhibitions Day campaign, and it is our industry’s big day,” said Newman. “I am sure that GED19 will send a strong signal to all policymakers and stakeholders of our industry on the power of exhibitions, for business as well as for people.”
Get involved with #GED19 by accessing a promotional toolkit from UFI HERE, or read the full report on economic impact for free on UFI’s website HERE.
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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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