GES Closes Out 2016 with 8-percent Revenue Uptick
February 12, 2017
GES had a good 2016, with the division of the parent company Viad closing out the year with $1,054.7 billion in revenues, compared with $976.9 million in 2015 – an 8-percent uptick.
Fourth-quarter revenues also saw a slight increase, up to $246.2 million from $244.5 million during the same time period in 2015, a 0.7-percent increase.
“GES delivered solid fourth quarter results to finish the year in line with our prior guidance,” said Steve Moster, Viad president and CEO, president of GES.
He added, “For the full year, positive show rotation, continued underlying business strength and the acquisition of leading audio-visual services provider ON Services helped to drive top-line growth of 8.0 percent and margin expansion of 200 basis points.”
As a result of several acquisitions in the past few years, including ON Services, Moster said GES now is able to cross sell multiple services, such as general service contracting, AV, event accommodations and registration.
The recent SIA Snow Show, he added, was a “great example of a full-service offering.” For the first time at the January show, it utilized GES as a GSC, as well for AV, event accommodations and registration.
Moster said a lot of GES’ clients wanted to have a single provider across multiple platforms.
“They also are looking for data and analytics,” he added. Having a single provider streamlines the data process, since all if it is collected and then funnelled in seamlessly.
Moster said the company is looking to expand even further, especially in the AV and event technology spaces.
“We are very interested in event technologies or AV technologies that really enhance the experience,” he added. “We are looking for things that draw people in and get them engaged with content.”
Moster said they were “thrilled” with the acquisition of On Services. “We are playing in a $2 billion market,” he added.
For 2017, On Services is forecasted to bring in between $76-79 million, meaning there is a lot of room for even more growth in the future, Moster said.
This year’s show schedule is starting off strong as well, with the No. 1 trade show on the TSNN Top 250 in years that it runs, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE, taking over the Las Vegas Convention Center in March.
In addition, the International Paris Air Show will hit the skies June 19-25 and SIBOS will be opening in Toronto Oct. 16-19.
“I am very proud of the team's accomplishments in 2016 and we enter 2017 with a healthy sales pipeline and favorable industry conditions, which position us for continued growth,” Moster said.
He added, “We’re firing on all cylinders, and we’re very excited about it. We’ve got more to come.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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