The global exhibition industry has rebounded strongly in the second half of 2023, with positive momentum expected to continue throughout 2024.
- 💪 Increased Activity Dominates: A significant majority of companies across all regions reported increased activity in the second half of 2023 compared to the previous year.
- ⏩ Growth Trajectory Continues: This upward trend is projected to persist in 2024, with a large percentage of companies anticipating further increases in activity.
- 🌎 Regional Optimism: All regions express confidence in continued growth, with projected increases in activity ranging from 66% in North America to 54% in Europe and Central & South America.
The global exhibition industry’s operations have clearly recovered from the pandemic-induced slowdown, demonstrating a robust resurgence in activity levels with optimistic projections for continued growth throughout 2024.
The global exhibition industry experienced a full recovery in 2023, with revenues matching pre-pandemic levels (2019).
- 2023 Revenue Rebound: On average, companies reported reaching 100% of their 2019 revenue figures.
- 2024 Growth Forecast: The outlook is highly optimistic, with an anticipated average revenue growth of 15% in 2024 compared to 2019.
- Profitability Increase: Around half of the companies reported operating profit increases of over 10% in 2023 compared to 2019, with a quarter maintaining stable profits.
- Strong Profit Momentum: Compared to 2022, six out of ten companies reported operating profit increases exceeding 10% in 2023.
- Regional Variations: While the overall trend is positive, specific markets showed variations in revenue recovery, ranging from 127% in India to 80% in Thailand compared to 2019 levels.
The global exhibition industry successfully bounced back in 2023, achieving pre-pandemic revenue levels and showing strong profitability. The outlook for 2024 is exceptionally positive, with substantial revenue growth projected.
Source: UFI
