Global Trade Show Industry Stays on Course thru 2015, First Half of 2016

July 7, 2015

Even with Greece throwing the Eurozone into uncertainty and the China stock market dipping precipitously, the trade show industry in these two regions, and the majority of others worldwide, is reporting positive gains, according to UFI’s 15th Global Barometer survey.

An average of 6 companies out of 10 declared increases in their businesses.

When compared to 2014, the situation is stable for the Americas and Europe, but it reflects a slight slowdown in Asia/Pacific or Middle East and Africa, who had higher levels of growth in 2014.

However, both the United States and China outperform their respective regions, with more than 7 companies out of 10 declaring increases.

“Despite fairly different economic situations around the world, the regional consolidated results indicate some converging positive results in terms of turnover increase for the coming year,” said Paul Woodward, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry's managing director.

In terms of operating profits, around 4 companies out of 10 in all regions, except Asia/Pacific, declared an increase of more than 10 percent in annual profits for 2014 and 2015; in Asia/Pacific, only 3 companies out of 10 do for 2014, but the situation improves to 5 companies out of 10 for 2015.

China outperforms these results, with 58 percent of companies expecting an increase of more than 10 percent of their 2015 operating profits.

Around half of respondents from all regions declared that the impact of the “economic crisis” on their exhibition business is finally behind them.

This level is similar to the one reached 6 months ago, except in Europe where the level of confidence increases from 28 percent to 45 percent.

For another 2 to 3 companies out of 10 in all regions, the crisis will be over in 2015 or 2016.

The most important business issues reported by the survey respondents remain related to the general economic situation with the state of the national/regional economy and global economic uncertainty consistently selected as among the three most important business issues for the last four years, together with local competition and internal management challenges.

Environmental challenges (customer expectations, regulations, etc.) appear, as in the last 3 surveys, as the next most important issue.

The 15th Global Barometer survey, conducted in June 2015, was answered by 201 companies from 55 countries. Full results of the 15th Global Barometer Survey can be freely downloaded at www.ufi.org/research.  The next UFI Global Barometer Survey will be conducted in December 2015.

“This survey proves very useful for the industry and its stakeholders, and we encourage all surveyed companies to keep providing their input for the next editions,” Woodward said. 

Add new comment

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.