UFI’s Global Exhibition Industry Survey Points to Cautious Optimism for 2015
January 8, 2015
The good news is that of companies polled for UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 14th Global Barometer Survey, the majority of them have seen positive turnover since 2011. However, 41 percent of those surveyed didn’t think the worldwide economic crisis was over as of yet.
In addition, while there were profits in 2014, less than one company out of two saw annual profits rise more than 10 percent.
“In a globally fragile economic environment, the exhibition industry continues to demonstrate a fairly good performance, except in some countries with specific current issues,” said Paul Woodward, UFI’s managing director.
In the Americas, six companies out of 10 for 2014 and eight for 2015 posting increases, with the U.S. leading the way and Central and South America seeing significant drops the second half of 2014.
The Asia/Pacific region saw 70 percent of the companies declaring increases, even though China anticipates a slowdown in 2015, with a decrease from 88 percent for 2014 to 70 percent for 2015.
Europe, which has seen its challenges, is on the positive side, with 60 percent of the companies posting increases. Two countries may face headwinds in 2015 - from 86 percent in 2014 to 71 percent in 2015 in Turkey and from 43 percent to 11 percent in Russia.
An average eight companies out of 10 for 2014 and nine for 2015 had increases in the Middle East and Africa, where South Africa outperforms is a high performer.
As far as how companies view the economic crisis, the U.S. was the most positive, with 69 percent of the companied surveyed declaring it was over. Not surprisingly, though, with the sanctions and drop in oil prices, only 13 percent of Russian companies thought the crisis was over.
Companies also were asked to rank the three top issues they faced out of a possible list of seven and the top issue chosen by 27 percent was “State of the National/Regional Economy”, followed by 18 percent, who said “Local/National competition from the exhibition industry” was a concern.
Most companies are planning new business developments, with 76 percent planning new activities in either the classic range of exhibition activities (venue/organizer/services) or in live or virtual events (or both) and 51 percent plan to expand exhibition operations to new countries.
The 14th Global Barometer survey, conducted in December 2014, was answered by 203 companies from 55 countries.
“UFI encourages all surveyed companies to keep providing their input in order to maintain this important tool for the industry and its stakeholders,” Woodward said.
Full results of the 14th Global Barometer Survey can be freely downloaded at www.ufi.org/research. The next UFI Global Barometer Survey will be conducted in June 2015.
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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