GES Scores Nearly 35 Percent Q1 Revenue Jump
May 3, 2017
First quarter revenues saw a significant jump for GES of nearly 35 percent to $318 million compared with $236 million during the same period in 2016.
“GES’ growth during the first quarter was driven by positive show-rotation, underlying growth at both our U.S. and International segments and contributions from our acquisition of ON Services,” said GES’ and Viad’s President and CEO Steve Moster.
He added, “In addition, our investments in audio-visual and event technology continue to offer meaningful growth opportunities. This past quarter we renewed two major show organizer contracts with a broader suite of services and we had numerous corporate event wins. I am very pleased with the progress we have made to position GES as the preferred global, full-service provider of live events and the strong financial results our efforts are driving.”
TSNN asked Moster about what’s currently driving GES’ overall and same-show growth, as well as organizer feedback on the company’s Poken acquisition.
TSNN: Where is the highest growth coming from within GES right now?
Moster: Overall, we’re seeing solid industry growth and GES’ ability to provide a full suite of event services is gaining traction. The investments we have made to broaden our event services are helping to differentiate GES and our teams are having success in cross-selling services.
A terrific example of cross-selling success is HELI-EXPO, a long-time exhibition client. For this year’s event, GES provided core contracting services, audio-visual production and event accommodations services.
Additionally, our international operations had very strong growth during the quarter with an organic revenue increase of 27.4% or $14.8 million primarily from new business wins and same show growth.
TSNN: For same-show growth rates of over 4%, what is supporting that?
Moster: This is GES’ 16th straight quarter of same-show growth. We’re seeing broad-based growth across our core services from increased exhibitor spend and increased NSF of shows. (Note that GES measures same show growth based on shows that were held in the same city, during the same quarter as the prior year. It does not include non-annual or rotating shows.)
TSNN: What are a few of the shows that impacted Q1's revenue jump?
Moster: We saw broad-based growth across most shows. CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE was our largest event during the quarter and it posted record-breaking square footage and strong attendance. This year’s event featured a new 75,000 square foot Tech Experience that showcased new construction innovations and emerging technologies across the construction industry through three interactive zones and a “Tech Talk” forum.
ON Services also contributed nicely to our year-over-year growth with stronger than expected audio-visual production revenue.
TSNN: What kind of feedback have you received about the use of Poken at the shows so far?
Moster: The acquisition of Poken is an exciting addition to GES’ full-service offerings. We’re receiving a lot of interest from organizer and corporate event clients about using it on their events.
Poken is a powerful complement to our existing registration and data platform. Its industry-leading and proprietary event engagement technology integrates with our registration software to provide even more insightful analytics and reporting to drive enhanced event performance.
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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