UK - Tarsus’ American business is gaining momentum thanks to a resurgent US economy.
The company’s US sales remain strong and ahead of 2009, driven mainly by its discount clothing and medical divisions. However, Labelexpo America's sales are marginally behind the previous edition, owing to smaller exhibitors booking later in the cycle, said the company in its interim statement.
The company’s medical division continues to pick up speed, with the April Orlando event producing revenues well ahead of last year, driven by “strong growth” from its education programmes.
“Recovery in the US economy is benefitting our business in that market and we are seeing good growth prospects and opportunities in emerging markets. Our strong brands, diversified portfolio of market leading events and increased focus on emerging markets leaves Tarsus well positioned for the future,” said a spokesman.
Outside the States, exhibition and conference revenues grew for the first time in 18 months.
The company held a number of small exhibitions in France since 8 March, where, as expected, declining revenue trends experienced in the second half of 2009 continued into the first half of 2010. However, margins remained within the company’s expectations due to “strong cost management”.
A spokesman for the company said the French portfolio “is weighted towards the fourth quarter of the year”, adding that Tarsus is now seeing signs of stabilisation in that market, with forward bookings for Q4 events at similar levels to last year. “Given the current economic outlook for Europe, we remain cautious,” they added.
The company continues to benefit from its exposure to the emerging markets. Bookings for Tarsus's largest event in the emerging markets, the business aviation show MEBA in Dubai, are also ahead of the previous cycle.
