Informa Exhibitions’ CEO Charlie McCurdy: Talks 2017 Successes, Future Plans

January 12, 2018

It looks to be a banner year for Informa Exhibitions in 2017, with the division of U.K.-based Informa having reported 9 percent growth for the first 10 months of last year. The company’s 2017 full-year results will be released Feb. 28.

Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Exhibitions, said the growth was coming from several of the company’s largest trade shows, such as Natural Products Expos East and West and the China Beauty Show, which grew 5 percent, to name a few.

“Big shows are doing very well,” he added.

The company boasts more than 30 large shows in its global portfolio and, according to McCurdy, and always is looking to add even more, especially in markets it currently serves - such as natural, construction and medical equipment, among others.

Last year, in fact, one of its acquisitions was the $133 million purchase of Yachting Promotions, which, along with its existing portfolio of shows in this sector, makes Informa the “largest organizer of yacht shows in the world,” McCurdy said.

Trade shows are not Informa’s only focus though, last year the company also launched a new division – Informa Engage.

McCurdy said the new division was born from one that had been a part of Penton, which Informa acquired in 2016, called Penton Marketing Services.

Kate Spellman leads the Informa Engage team and the new division that launched in September 2017 offers what it calls “unrivalled specialist audiences, deep knowledge of vertical markets, sophisticated data and content marketing expertise and quality marketing services execution in turnkey packages.”

In other words, with the deep vertical markets Informa currently is in, there is a prime opportunity to connect buyers and sellers off the showfloor as well.

One more area in which Informa continues to expand, according to McCurdy, is by geo-cloning existing shows in its portfolio, such as World of Concrete that recently launched WOC Asia as well.

“There is a collocation with an event there, that de-risks the activity,” he explained. “We have a similar partnership in China with a food show.”

With a global portfolio, comes its challenges. Fortunately, one of those is not the impending Brexit. Even though Informa is a U.K.-based company, its shows primarily are held outside of Britain. “We have 1 percent in the U.K.,” McCurdy said.

What is causing some issues, he added, are countries such as Qatar, in which its neighbors in the Middle East, such as the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, cut ties with the country more than 220 days ago.

Looking toward the future, McCurdy said that talent development is a “core strategic issue” for the company. “It is imperative for any fast-growing enterprise,” he added.

To support its growing workforce, McCurdy said they have established training programs, streamlined marketing tools across the businesses and implemented software such as Salesforce for everyone.

With an eye toward 2018, he added, “We’ve gotten a lot done …. and a lot is in the works coming (this year).”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.