UFI Year-end Report Indicates Slowdown in Asia-Pacific Region; Higher Turnover in Americas for 2013
January 9, 2013
Most of the worldwide exhibition growth for the past few years has been focused on the Asia-Pacific region, where GDPs in countries such as China have gone gangbusters, but, according to UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s year-end 10th Global Barometer Survey, that growth now seems to be shifting to the Americas going into 2013.
“While Asia-Pacific has been the main growth area since 2010, the situation there is shifting with slower growth expected in 2013,” said UFI Managing Director Paul Woodward.
He added, “Current projections indicate that the highest exhibition industry growth should be achieved in the Americas during the next 12 months. As a whole, the industry remains remarkably dynamic, proving that the exhibition media qualifies as one of the top marketing tools for companies aiming to develop their business.”
Survey results also showed the Americas currently are the only region to declare that the impact of the “economic crisis” on their exhibition business is now behind them, according to UFI officials.
Of those surveyed, 77 percent of respondents in the United States said they expected an increase of their turnover in 2013, compared with 45 percent in 2012.
In the Asia-Pacific region, however, there was less optimism, with the region for 2013 anticipating a slowdown in growth levels to the same level as Europe and the Middle East/Africa regions, where 60 percent of companies experience turnover increases.
A large proportion of companies indicated their businesses had stabilized in 2012.
The most significant difference between regions appears to be in the proportion of companies showing decreases of more than 10 percent (or even losses) for 2012.
This is the case for an average of 1 company out of 10 in both the Americas and Asia/Pacific (5 percent in China and 9 percent in the U.S.), but this increases to almost 20 percent in the Middle East and Africa and more than 20 percent in Europe.
Survey respondents also were asked to identify the most important issues for them, with the following results:
- state of the national/regional economy – 25 percent
- global economic uncertainty – 21 percent
- local/national competition from the exhibition industry – 17 percent
- internal management challenges – 17 percent
Companies also were asked if they could share their current priorities in terms of strategy in two specific areas: their range of activities and their geographical exposure.
In all regions, a large majority of companies indicated they intend to develop new activities, in either the classic range of exhibition industry activities (venue/organizer/services), in other live events or virtual events, or in both.
In the Asia/Pacific, on the other hand, most companies indicated they are not planning any developments of this kind.
The strongest proportion of companies planning such developments is to be found in the Americas (almost 9 companies out of 10, including more than 6 in the area of live or virtual events).
In terms of geographical expansion, 54 percent of respondents indicated they intended to develop operations in new countries.
Based on replies received, Asia/Pacific was the only region where a majority of companies do not plan any such developments.
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.
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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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