UFI Survey Indicates Global Trade Show Growth in 2013
January 21, 2014
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s recently released 12th Global Barometer survey has some good news to end 2013, with the results indicating overall growth still occurring for most companies worldwide.
Taking into account the results for the past five years, the survey also indicated that a majority of companies in all regions had an increase of their turnover since at least 2011.
In addition, approximately one company out of two had an increase of more than 10 percent for 2013.
“While we shall remain cautious about the development of the global economic situation, the exhibition media continues to demonstrate its strength with growth over the last four years,” said Paul Woodward, UFI managing director.
He added, “The industry remains remarkably dynamic with a majority of companies positively embracing the challenges of new ranges of activity or geographical development.”
These results are in line with the U.S.-based Center for Exhibition Industry Research that indicated slight overall growth for the industry last year, but slowing compared with the previous year.
Asia and the Americas still remain particularly strong, with seven and eight out of 10 companies showing increases this past year, though the second half of 2014 is more conservative in the U.S., with four out of 10 companies expecting increases.
In the Middle East, Africa and Europe last year, six out of 10 companies also saw upticks in growth.
Still, 63 percent of the respondents responded that the impact of the “economic crisis” on their business is not yet over and most of them expect that it won’t be until 2015.
In the meantime, most companies are planning new strategic developments, with 75 percent planning new activities in either the classic range of exhibition activities (venue/organizer/services) or in live or virtual events (or both) and 49 percent planning to expand exhibition operations to new countries.
The 12th Global Barometer survey was conducted in December 2013 and was answered by 178 companies from 57 countries.
Full results of the 12th Global Barometer Survey can be complimentarily downloaded at www.ufi.org/research.
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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