With better than expected results, GES closed out not only the fourth quarter of 2017 with a revenue jump of 6.8 percent, but also an increase of its full-year results, with top line growth up 7.4 percent.

“GES finished 2017 with stronger than expected fourth quarter revenue growth of 6.8 percent, while operating income was near the bottom end of our prior guidance range due largely to higher costs in our ON Services audio-visual business,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO of Viad, GES’ parent company.

He added, “For the full year, GES delivered top line growth of 7.4 percent.  We continued to drive strong same-show growth and new business wins as we worked to integrate ON Services and capitalize on the in-sourcing and cross-selling opportunities provided by that acquisition.”

GES’ 2017 fourth-quarter revenues topped out at $263 million, compared with $246.2 million during the same period in 2016, and full-year revenue for last year came in at $1,133 billion, compared with $1,054 for the full year 2016.

According to Moster, GES’ growth came from the U.S. and overseas experiencing good same-show increases.

“In the U.S., our same-show revenue growth was a healthy 4.8 percent for the year,” he said. “We also experienced strong growth internationally from new business wins and same-show growth.”

Besides same-show growth as a focus, GES also has continued to full integrate acquisitions it made in the AV and tech sectors in order to offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for show organizers.

One recent effort, according to Moster, was introducing a ‘Smart Show’ concept that combines GES’ Visit event registration, intelligence, and measurement platform with Poken Near Field Communication and touchpoint technology.

“This powerful combination drives visitor engagement and provides behavior-based insights, in real time, to enhance the event experience for all key stakeholders,” Moster said.

He added, “Organizers can measure interaction, determine the popularity of feature areas, drive traffic to boost footfall and prove ROI. Exhibitors can equip their booths with an interactive experience, while sharing content for visitors to collect with a touch of their badges. Our clients are hungry for event intelligence, are we are responding with new solutions”

Besides event intelligence, there is a major emphasis in the trade show industry right now to offer heightened experiences at a show for both attendees and exhibitors.

“Experiences are important within our industry,” Moster said. “So’ you will see GES continue to emphasize design, creative and visual effects to maximize event impact, and data and measurement services to prove ROI.”

GES is predicting 2018 to be another year of growth overall for the company.

“Our same-show revenue growth of 4.8 percent during 2017 was driven by a combination of larger show floors, increased exhibitor spending and our ability to sell more services to exhibitors,” Moster said. “The industry continues to perform well overall, and we expect that will continue into 2018.”