GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Exhibition Industry Statistics

The exhibition industry generates billions of dollars annually, with millions of attendees and exhibitors participating in various events across the globe.

Highlights: Exhibition Industry Statistics

  • The global exhibition industry was expected to generate approximately 34.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • North America had the highest exhibition industry revenue worldwide at approx. 16.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • Less than 8% of the Exhibition and events industry have been implementing Virtual Reality technology.
  • The exhibition industry in the United States contracted by nearly 50 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Almost 80% of exhibition organizers used social media to market their events in 2019.
  • Exhibition events compose 40% of marketers’ budgets on average.
  • Trade shows in the U.S. generated more than $14 billion of revenue in 2019.
  • One-third of exhibition professionals anticipate a return to pre-Covid levels of activity in late 2022.
  • The Asia/Pacific region accounted for 23.1% of the global exhibition industry revenue.
  • At 63%, most exhibitions are owned by associations.
  • 88% of companies participate in trade shows to raise awareness of the company and its brand.
  • The largest exhibitions in the U.S. occupied over 72 million square feet in 2020.
  • The exhibition sector registered growth rates above the global economic performance in 2019.
  • 85% of decision-makers say attending trade shows saves their company time and money.
  • The average participating company allocates almost 32% of their marketing budget to events & exhibitions.
  • B2B exhibitions were 39.2% of B2B marketing budgets in 2011
  • Cancellation of business events due to COVID-19 will result in a potential loss of 31.6 billion U.S. dollars in direct spending through 2021.

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The Latest Exhibition Industry Statistics Explained

The global exhibition industry was expected to generate approximately 34.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

This statistic indicates that the global exhibition industry was projected to generate roughly 34.4 billion U.S. dollars in revenue during the year 2019. This figure reflects the economic activity generated by exhibitions and trade shows held worldwide, including revenue from exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and other sources within the industry. It serves as a metric of the industry’s financial significance and its contribution to the global economy. The sizeable revenue generated highlights the substantial scale and impact of exhibitions in various sectors, such as business, technology, and leisure, showcasing the importance of these events as platforms for networking, marketing, and collaboration among businesses and professionals on a global scale.

North America had the highest exhibition industry revenue worldwide at approx. 16.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

This statistic indicates that North America generated the highest revenue in the exhibition industry globally, amounting to approximately 16.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. This suggests that North America is a significant player in the exhibition sector, with a strong market presence and potentially a large number of exhibitions and trade shows held in the region. The high revenue figure also implies that the industry in North America is thriving, attracting both domestic and international participants and facilitating business interactions and collaborations. This statistic showcases North America’s prominence in the exhibition industry and highlights its economic impact on a global scale.

Less than 8% of the Exhibition and events industry have been implementing Virtual Reality technology.

The statistic “Less than 8% of the Exhibition and events industry have been implementing Virtual Reality technology” indicates that a very small proportion of organizations within the Exhibition and events industry have adopted Virtual Reality technology for their events. This suggests that Virtual Reality technology is not yet widely utilized in this sector, potentially due to various barriers such as cost, technological limitations, or lack of awareness about its benefits. The statistic highlights the current level of adoption and suggests that there is significant room for growth and potential opportunities for organizations to differentiate themselves by embracing Virtual Reality technology in their exhibitions and events.

The exhibition industry in the United States contracted by nearly 50 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statistic indicates that the exhibition industry in the United States experienced a significant decline in 2020, with a contraction of nearly 50 percent. This contraction can be attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread cancellations, postponements, and reduced attendance at events, conferences, and trade shows. The restrictions on gatherings, travel limitations, and health concerns resulted in a sharp decline in exhibitor participation and visitor numbers, causing a substantial economic downturn for the industry. This statistic underscores the profound impact of the pandemic on the exhibition sector, highlighting the industry’s vulnerability to external disruptions and the challenges faced by businesses and professionals in adapting to rapidly changing circumstances.

Almost 80% of exhibition organizers used social media to market their events in 2019.

The statistic states that nearly 80% of exhibition organizers utilized social media as a marketing tool for their events in 2019. This indicates a widespread adoption of social media platforms within the industry, showcasing their recognition of the potential benefits that social media can offer in reaching a wider audience and engaging with attendees. The high percentage suggests that social media has become an integral component of event marketing strategies, enabling organizers to enhance event visibility, drive attendance, and foster community engagement. This statistic highlights the importance of leveraging digital platforms for event promotion and underscores the shift towards a more technologically-driven approach in the exhibition industry.

Exhibition events compose 40% of marketers’ budgets on average.

The statistic “Exhibition events compose 40% of marketers’ budgets on average” indicates that, on average, 40% of the total budget allocated by marketers is spent on exhibition events. This suggests that marketers consider exhibition events to be a significant and integral part of their overall marketing strategy, as they are willing to allocate a substantial proportion of their resources to these events. Exhibitions provide marketers with opportunities to showcase their products or services, engage with potential customers face-to-face, and generate leads and brand awareness. The statistic highlights the importance of exhibition events as a key marketing tactic for businesses to connect with their target audience and promote their offerings effectively.

Trade shows in the U.S. generated more than $14 billion of revenue in 2019.

The statistic indicates that trade shows in the United States collectively contributed over $14 billion in revenue in the year 2019. This figure underscores the significant economic impact of trade shows as a key drivers of revenue generation within the events industry. Trade shows serve as valuable platforms for businesses to showcase their products and services, network with potential clients and partners, and drive sales. The $14 billion revenue figure highlights the scale and importance of trade shows in the U.S. market, underscoring their role in facilitating business growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing economic activity within the country.

One-third of exhibition professionals anticipate a return to pre-Covid levels of activity in late 2022.

The statistic “One-third of exhibition professionals anticipate a return to pre-Covid levels of activity in late 2022” indicates that approximately 33% of professionals in the exhibition industry expect a recovery to the level of business activity experienced before the Covid-19 pandemic by the end of 2022. This suggests that a significant portion of professionals in the industry are optimistic about the prospects of a rebound in the near future, potentially signaling a gradual recovery for the exhibition sector. However, it also implies that a majority of professionals may not anticipate a full return to pre-pandemic levels by that time, highlighting the uncertainty and challenges that the industry continues to face amidst the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

The Asia/Pacific region accounted for 23.1% of the global exhibition industry revenue.

This statistic indicates that the Asia/Pacific region contributed significantly to the total revenue generated by the global exhibition industry, representing 23.1% of the total revenue. This suggests that the region played a substantial role in the economic output and overall performance of the exhibition industry worldwide. The strong presence of the Asia/Pacific region in the global exhibition industry revenue highlights the growing importance and influence of this region in the global market, reflecting its economic development, investment opportunities, and business activities. Overall, this statistic underscores the significance of the Asia/Pacific region as a key player in the exhibition industry on a global scale.

At 63%, most exhibitions are owned by associations.

The statistic “At 63%, most exhibitions are owned by associations” indicates that the majority of exhibitions, events where products, services, or information are presented to the public, are owned or organized by associations. This suggests that associations, which can be professional organizations, trade groups, or other industry-specific entities, play a significant role in the exhibition industry. Associations likely have the resources, expertise, and network within their respective industries to plan and execute successful exhibitions. This statistic highlights the importance of associations in facilitating networking, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities through exhibitions in various industries.

88% of companies participate in trade shows to raise awareness of the company and its brand.

The statistic that 88% of companies participate in trade shows to raise awareness of the company and its brand suggests that trade shows are a widely utilized marketing strategy in the business world. This high percentage indicates that companies recognize the value of showcasing their products and services in a live setting to attract potential customers and increase their brand visibility. Trade shows offer a unique opportunity for companies to interact directly with their target audience, network with industry professionals, and differentiate themselves from competitors. By participating in trade shows, companies aim to enhance their brand recognition, generate leads, and ultimately boost their overall marketing efforts.

The largest exhibitions in the U.S. occupied over 72 million square feet in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the largest exhibitions in the United States collectively covered a total area of over 72 million square feet in the year 2020. This data point highlights the significant scale of these exhibitions, showcasing the magnitude and impact of the events within the industry. The vast amount of space utilized underscores the importance and popularity of these exhibitions, which likely attract a large number of attendees, exhibitors, and stakeholders. Additionally, the statistic may also reflect the size and diversity of industries and sectors represented at these exhibitions, indicating a wide range of products, services, and technologies being showcased to a broad audience.

The exhibition sector registered growth rates above the global economic performance in 2019.

The statistic “The exhibition sector registered growth rates above the global economic performance in 2019” indicates that the exhibitions industry experienced stronger growth compared to the overall global economy during the year 2019. This suggests that the exhibition sector, which includes trade shows, conferences, and other events, saw increased levels of business activity, attendance, and revenue relative to the broader economic landscape. This could be driven by various factors such as increased business investments, stronger consumer confidence, and a growing demand for networking and marketing opportunities. The outperformance of the exhibition sector in 2019 may signal resilience and positive momentum within the industry despite potential economic challenges elsewhere.

85% of decision-makers say attending trade shows saves their company time and money.

The statistic “85% of decision-makers say attending trade shows saves their company time and money” suggests that the overwhelming majority of individuals who hold decision-making roles within organizations believe that participating in trade shows is a beneficial investment. This statistic implies that decision-makers perceive trade shows as a cost-effective and time-saving strategy for their companies, likely through opportunities to network, showcase products/services, stay informed about industry trends, and potentially generate leads and sales. The high percentage of decision-makers endorsing the value of trade shows indicates a widespread consensus among industry leaders regarding the positive impact of participating in such events on the overall efficiency and financial performance of their companies.

The average participating company allocates almost 32% of their marketing budget to events & exhibitions.

This statistic means that, on average, companies allocate a significant portion of their marketing budget, specifically around 32%, towards events and exhibitions. This suggests that businesses value in-person marketing activities such as organizing or participating in events and exhibitions as an effective way to reach their target audience and promote their products or services. The data indicates that companies see value in face-to-face interactions and engagements with potential customers, recognizing the potential return on investment in terms of brand awareness, lead generation, and ultimately, sales growth. Firmly dedicating nearly one-third of the marketing budget to events and exhibitions reflects a strategic emphasis on utilizing this marketing channel to achieve business objectives and drive marketing success.

B2B exhibitions were 39.2% of B2B marketing budgets in 2011

In 2011, B2B exhibitions accounted for 39.2% of B2B marketing budgets, indicating a significant allocation of resources towards this marketing channel within the business-to-business sector. This statistic suggests that B2B companies heavily relied on exhibitions as a key component of their marketing strategy, likely due to the opportunities they provide for direct interaction with potential clients, showcasing products and services, and building relationships within the industry. The substantial percentage allocated to B2B exhibitions highlights their perceived importance and effectiveness in reaching and engaging target audiences in a competitive B2B market landscape during that time.

Cancellation of business events due to COVID-19 will result in a potential loss of 31.6 billion U.S. dollars in direct spending through 2021.

The statistic indicates that the cancellation of business events, such as conferences, trade shows, and corporate meetings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic is projected to lead to a significant economic impact in terms of direct spending. Specifically, it is estimated that the total loss in direct spending resulting from these cancellations will amount to 31.6 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2021. This includes expenditures on various aspects related to business events, such as venue rentals, accommodations, transportation, food and beverages, and related services. The substantial decline in business event activities due to the pandemic has severely disrupted economic activities and revenue generation in the event industry, leading to a substantial financial loss that reverberates across multiple sectors and businesses that depend on these events for income and networking opportunities.

Conclusion

The exhibition industry continues to play a vital role in business and networking opportunities, with impressive statistics highlighting its impact on various sectors. Understanding these statistics can help exhibitors, organizers, and participants make informed decisions to maximize their experience and success within the dynamic landscape of exhibitions.

References

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6. – https://www.blog.bizzabo.com

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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