EUROPE – The positive growth experienced by exhibition organisers in 2010 and 2011 is expected to falter and decline in 2012, according to Paris-based international exhibition industry association UFI.
The claim was made as a result of findings in UFI’s 8th Global Exhibition Barometer Survey, a report compiled at the end of last year to assess the impact of the economic downturn.
UFI claims the most “striking” conclusion from the survey is that the positive growth recorded in 2010 and 2011 is now perceived as “deteriorating” with a majority of respondents in all regions declaring their business is being impacted by the economic crisis.
But while gross turnover projections are now considered flat in Europe, the outlook remains solid in the Asia/Pacific region, while the Americas and the Middle East/Africa regions also remain unaffected.
Paul Woodward, UFI MD, said the resilience of the exhibition industry will be key to enduring the economic slump. “In trying times our face-to-face media identifies new marketing opportunities to provide to our exhibitors and exhibition visitors. We may even, in 10 years’ time, look back on this era as one of positive developments,” he said.
Operating profit results also appears to paint a more positive picture of the industry. Reports on annual profits show that almost half of exhibition companies foresee increases of more than 10 per cent of in 2011.
Continuing the constructive vein, 82 per cent of respondents plan positive strategic development programmes with almost 46 per cent venturing into virtual or live events, and just under half entering new foreign markets.
The next Global Barometer Survey will be conducted by UFI in June 2012.
Any news? Contact exhibitionworld@mashmedia.net
