The worldwide exhibition trade expects an 18% income improve in 2025, constructing on 16% development in 2024, in line with the newest UFI World Exhibition Barometer. The info additionally reveals regional variations in restoration patterns and rising challenges.
Evaluating present efficiency to 2019 benchmarks reveals a big energy shift within the exhibition trade. Whereas international house rental exhibits a 9% total improve from pre-pandemic ranges, conventional market leaders are struggling. Germany (-12%), China (-8%), and France (-2%) stay under 2019 ranges, whereas India (+40%), Argentina (+34%), and Malaysia (+22%) have far exceeded their pre-pandemic efficiency.
Regional efficiency consistency varies considerably. North America exhibits probably the most steady development trajectory, sustaining 71% of corporations reporting elevated exercise for the yr forward. Asia-Pacific demonstrates probably the most unstable restoration, with solely 42% of corporations projecting development regardless of the area’s robust total house rental efficiency (+14% versus 2019).
Workforce and Monetary Well being
The trade’s monetary well being seems strong, with 82% of corporations reporting revenue will increase exceeding 10% in 2024. This power is especially evident in markets like Australia, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, the place all surveyed corporations report revenue development.
This monetary confidence is driving workforce enlargement, particularly within the Center East, the place Saudi Arabia (100%) and the UAE (86%) lead in hiring intentions. Globally, practically half of corporations (46%) plan to develop their workforce, whereas 51% will keep present ranges.
AI Accelerates Digital Transformation
The exhibition trade is embracing technological change at a historic tempo. Since mid-2023, AI adoption has surged past any earlier digital transformation tracked by UFI. Gross sales, advertising, and buyer relations have seen AI implementation leap from 37% to 54% – together with a dramatic 15% soar in simply the previous six months. Analysis and improvement has adopted go well with, with AI adoption rising to 49%, an 11% improve in the identical interval.
Shifting Business Priorities
The trade’s priorities present a transparent evolution between short-term and mid-term views. Whereas the home financial situation is the highest instant concern (23% of responses), the mid-term outlook prioritizes international financial developments (20%), with home financial situations dropping to fourth selection with 13% of the vote. Notably, sustainability and local weather points surge in significance when contemplating an extended time-frame, rising from seventh place in short-term priorities at 7%, to tie for second place in mid-term considerations at 15%, alongside geopolitical challenges.
