Global Trade Show Industry Indicates Strength in North America, Europe – Challenges with Millennial Staffing
February 2, 2016
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s Global Barometer Survey, which takes the pulse of the trade show industry worldwide, indicated that North America and Europe, with the exception of Russia, are predicting positive revenue results in 2016.
On the other hand, in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, the situations remain generally positive, but with a certain level of uncertainty.
In Central and South America half of the surveyed companies are expecting decreases of turnover, but an improvement is expected in Brazil for the second half of 2016.
“Despite limited global economy growth prospects, the exhibition industry appears dynamic and confident for 2016, with turnover increases expected in most regions and new activities planned for most companies,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director.
In this year’s survey, companies were asked whether they were seeing higher HR acquisition costs because of increasing turnover among young staff.
Every third company surveyed globally reported higher acquisition costs, with the highest share coming from Asia/Pacific region (55 percent) and the lowest reported in Europe (14 percent).
Hattendorf added, “ … as an industry, we have to make sure to be visible and attractive for young, talented staff – the growing costs of hiring talent shows that we will have to work at it.”
In terms of operating profits, around three to four companies out of 10 on average, declared an increase of more than 10 percent in their annual profits for 2015; the U.S. and the Middle East outperform these results, but lower levels are identified in Brazil and Russia.
The most important business issues to show organizers who were surveyed continue to be related to the general economic situation.
The ‘state of the economy’ in the respective home market, and uncertainty about ‘global economic development’ consistently have been selected as among the most important business issues for the last five years.
‘Competition from within the industry’ and ‘Internal challenges’ also rank highly. Of growing global importance is the ‘impact of digitalization’, being rated fifth globally, and fourth in Europe.
In terms of strategy, a large majority of companies intend to develop new activities, in either the classic range of exhibition industry activities (venue/organizer/services), or in live events or virtual events, or in both: 75 percent in the Middle East & Africa, 86 percent in Asia/Pacific, 87 percent in Europe and 93 percent in the Americas.
In terms of expanding into new markets around the world, only one to two of the surveyed companies out of 10 on average, in all regions, declared an intention to develop operations in new countries.
The survey was conducted in December 2015 and includes data from 240 companies in 58 countries.
In the new, expanded format of the report, its results are detailed for 12 global core markets of the industry, including the following eight major national markets: Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and U.S.
Full results of the 16th Global Barometer Survey can be freely downloaded at www.ufi.org/research. The next UFI Global Barometer Survey will be conducted in June 2016.
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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