Exhibition Market By End-User Industry (Trade Shows and Expos, Professional Conferences and Conventions), Type of Exhibition (Traditional Exhibitions, Virtual Exhibitions), Purpose (Marketing and Promotion, Networking and Collaboration), & Region for 2024-2031

Exhibition Market Valuation – 2024-2031

The rising adoption of virtual and hybrid event formats has broadened the exhibition  market’s reach, allowing for increased engagement and participation from a global audience are driving the exhibition market size to surpass USD 66.33 Billion in 2024 to reach a valuation of around USD 95.22 Billion by 2031.

In addition to this, rapidly evolving sector that provides a platform for businesses across various industries to showcase their products, services, and innovations is enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2031.

Exhibition MarketDefinition/ Overview

Exhibitions are organized events where businesses and organizations display their products, services, and innovations to a targeted audience. These events are typically held in large venues such as convention centers or exhibition halls and can range from small, industry-specific trade shows to large-scale international expos. Exhibitions provide a platform for companies to showcase their offerings, engage with potential customers, and network with industry peers.

Exhibitions are utilized across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, and more. They serve various purposes, such as product launches, brand building, market research, and business development. Companies participate in exhibitions to generate leads, build brand awareness, and establish partnerships. Additionally, exhibitions provide educational opportunities through seminars, workshops, and keynote presentations, helping attendees stay informed about industry trends and advancements.

How will Rising Globalization and the Need for Face-To-Face Business Interactions Drive Adoption of Exhibition Market Growth?

The exhibition market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing globalization and the need for face-to-face business interactions. According to the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), the global exhibition market was valued at $36.5 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2028. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of jobs in the exhibition and trade show organizing industry grew by 15% between 2020 and 2023, reflecting the sector’s recovery and expansion post-pandemic. This growth is attributed to the rising demand for product launches, networking opportunities, and direct customer engagement across various industries.

Technology integration has emerged as a key driver in the exhibition market. The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) found that 78% of exhibition organizers implemented new digital technologies in their events between 2022 and 2024. These technologies include virtual and augmented reality experiences, AI-powered matchmaking platforms, and hybrid event solutions. In February 2024, Reed Exhibitions, a leading global event organizer, announced the launch of its AI-driven networking platform, which aims to enhance attendee experiences and exhibitor ROI. The platform reportedly increased meaningful business connections by 35% in its pilot phase across several international trade shows.

Will Economic Fluctuations and Uncertainties Restrain Exhibition Market Growth?

The exhibition market faces significant financial constraints due to the high costs associated with organizing and participating in events. Exhibitors and organizers face expenses like booth space rental, design, travel, and marketing materials. These expenses can be prohibitive, especially for SMEs, limiting their participation and potentially limiting market growth and reducing the diversity of exhibitors and events.

Economic fluctuations and uncertainties can significantly impact the exhibition market. During economic downturns or periods of financial instability, businesses often cut back on marketing and promotional activities, including participation in exhibitions. This reduction in corporate spending can lead to lower attendance, decreased exhibitor participation, and potentially the cancellation of events. Additionally, economic uncertainty can affect sponsorship and investment in exhibitions, further constraining market growth and stability.

Technological advancements in the exhibition market present opportunities but also present challenges. The shift towards virtual and hybrid events necessitates significant investment in technology infrastructure, including internet connectivity, software platforms, and cybersecurity measures. Not all exhibitors and attendees are proficient in digital environments, impacting participation and engagement. Continuous technological upgrades and potential technical issues can affect the exhibition’s effectiveness and appeal.

Category-Wise Acumens

Which Factors Contributing Traditional Exhibitions Segment Dominance in Exhibition Market?

Traditional exhibitions continue to dominate the exhibition market, despite the rise of digital alternatives. According to the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), in-person exhibitions accounted for 73% of the total exhibition market revenue in 2023. The U.S. Commerce Department reported that traditional trade shows contributed $101 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, a 12% increase from 2022. This dominance is attributed to the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions, tactile product experiences, and the networking opportunities that physical events provide. A survey by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) in late 2023 found that 85% of exhibitors and attendees prefer in-person events for building business relationships.

Key players in the traditional exhibition market have been innovating to enhance the attendee experience and exhibitor ROI. Informa Markets, a leading exhibition organizer, announced in January 2024 the implementation of AI-powered analytics across its portfolio of events. This technology aims to provide real-time insights on attendee behavior and preferences, allowing exhibitors to optimize their strategies on the show floor. The German Trade Fair Industry Association (AUMA) reported that investment in exhibition infrastructure across Europe reached €2.5 billion in 2023, indicating a strong commitment to improving physical event spaces.

The resilience of traditional exhibitions was further demonstrated in the post-pandemic recovery. The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) reported that by the end of 2023, 92% of exhibitions had returned to their pre-pandemic scale in terms of exhibitor numbers and floor space. In a notable development, Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s largest trade fair organizers, announced in March 2024 plans to expand its exhibition center by 200,000 square meters by 2026, representing an investment of €980 million. This expansion is in response to the growing demand for exhibition space, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and sustainable energy solutions.

Which Factors Contributing Marketing and Promotion Segment Dominance in Exhibition Market?

Marketing and promotion have become increasingly dominant forces in the exhibition market, driving attendance, engagement, and overall event success. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing expenditure in the exhibition industry grew by 18% between 2021 and 2023, outpacing overall industry growth. The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) reported that exhibitions with robust marketing campaigns saw an average attendance increase of 23% in 2023 compared to 2022. This trend highlights the critical role of strategic marketing in attracting both exhibitors and attendees. A survey by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) in late 2023 found that 72% of exhibition organizers increased their marketing budgets for 2024, with a focus on digital and content marketing strategies.

Key players in the exhibition industry have been leveraging advanced marketing technologies to enhance their promotional efforts. Reed Exhibitions, a global leader in event organization, announced in February 2024 the launch of its AI-powered personalization platform for event marketing. This platform uses machine learning algorithms to deliver tailored content and recommendations to potential attendees, resulting in a 35% increase in pre-registration rates during its pilot phase. The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport reported that digital marketing spend for exhibitions increased by 42% from 2022 to 2023, reflecting the industry’s shift towards more targeted and data-driven promotional strategies.

Social media and influencer marketing have emerged as powerful tools in exhibition promotion. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) reported that exhibitions using influencer marketing saw a 28% increase in first-time attendees in 2023 compared to those that didn’t. In a notable development, Informa Markets, another major exhibition organizer, partnered with TikTok in January 2024 to launch a series of industry-specific content creation programs aimed at promoting their events to younger audiences. This initiative resulted in a 40% increase in Gen Z attendance across their technology and lifestyle exhibitions within the first quarter of 2024. The German Convention Bureau (GCB) projected that by 2025, over 60% of exhibition marketing budgets will be allocated to digital and social media channels, underscoring the growing importance of these platforms in driving exhibition success.

Gain Access into Exhibition Market Report Methodology

Country/Region-wise Acumens

Will Early Adoption of Technologies in North America Mature Exhibition Market?

North America continues to dominate the global exhibition market, driven by its robust economy, technological advancements, and strong business culture. According to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the North American exhibition industry generated $101 billion in direct spending in 2023, accounting for 35% of the global market share. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment in the exhibition organizing sector grew by 7.2% from 2022 to 2023, outpacing overall job growth. This dominance is attributed to the region’s diverse industry sectors, high corporate spending on marketing and events, and well-developed exhibition infrastructure. A 2023 survey by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) found that 68% of global exhibitors considered North American events as “must-attend” for their industries.

Key players in the North American exhibition market have been investing heavily in innovation and expansion. In March 2024, Informa Markets, a leading exhibition organizer, announced a USD 500 Million investment in upgrading its North American venues with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and sustainable technologies. This move aims to enhance the attendee experience and improve exhibitor ROI through advanced data analytics and immersive technologies. The Trade Show News Network (TSNN) reported that the number of large-scale exhibitions (over 200,000 net square feet) in North America increased by 15% from 2022 to 2023, indicating a strong recovery and growth trajectory for the region’s largest events.

The North American exhibition market has also been at the forefront of adopting hybrid and omnichannel event strategies. The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) reported that 82% of North American exhibitions in 2023 incorporated some form of digital component, compared to a global average of 67%

Will Rising Business Opportunities Enhance Adoption of Exhibition in Asia Pacific?

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the exhibition market, driven by economic expansion, increasing business opportunities, and significant investments in infrastructure. According to the Asia Pacific Exhibition Industry Report, the market size in the region reached USD 42.8 Billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2028. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade reported that the number of exhibitions held in China alone increased by 22% between 2022 and 2023. This growth is attributed to rising consumer spending, rapid urbanization, and government initiatives to promote international trade. A survey by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, found that 73% of exhibition organizers in Asia Pacific expected to launch new events in 2024, compared to a global average of 58%.

Key players in the Asia Pacific exhibition market have been expanding their presence and investing in cutting-edge technologies. In February 2024, Reed Exhibitions, a global leader in event organization, announced a joint venture with Alibaba to create a series of tech-focused exhibitions across major Asian cities. This partnership aims to leverage Alibaba’s digital ecosystem to enhance exhibitor-attendee matching and e-commerce integration. The Singapore Tourism Board reported that the country’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector grew by 15.3% in 2023, with exhibitions contributing significantly to this growth. In response to this trend, Singapore’s Expo Centre announced in March 2024 a USD 300 Million expansion plan to increase its capacity by 30% by 2026.

Competitive Landscape

The exhibition market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support.

The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players operating in the exhibition market include

• Reed Exhibitions
• Informa Markets
• Clarion Events
• UBM (United Business Media)
• Messe Frankfurt
• Messe Düsseldorf
• Koelnmesse
• Fiera Milano
• dmg events
• ITE Group
• Euroexpo
• Tarsus Group
• Hannover Messe
• China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)
• Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
• CIEC Exhibition Company
• ExCeL London
• Messe Berlin
• SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers)
• GES (Global Experience Specialists)

Latest Developments

• In February 2024, Messe Frankfurt unveiled a new virtual event platform designed to complement their physical trade shows, offering immersive digital experiences and extended networking opportunities for global participants.
• In April 2024, Clarion Events launched a series of industry-specific hybrid exhibitions, integrating both in-person and virtual elements to cater to a broader audience and address evolving market demands.

Report Scope

Exhibition Market, By Category

End-User Industry

• Trade Shows and Expos
• Professional Conferences and Conventions
• Consumer Shows
• Art and Design Fairs
• Academic and Research Exhibitions
• Government and Trade Delegations

Exhibition

• Traditional Exhibitions
• Virtual Exhibitions
• Hybrid Exhibitions

Purpose

• Marketing and Promotion
• Networking and Collaboration
• Education and Information Sharing
• Market Research and Analysis

Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Report Scope

Research Methodology of Market Research

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Reasons to Purchase this Report

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving both economic as well as non-economic factorsProvision of market value (USD Billion) data for each segment and sub-segmentIndicates the region and segment that is expected to witness the fastest growth as well as to dominate the marketAnalysis by geography highlighting the consumption of the product/service in the region as well as indicating the factors that are affecting the market within each regionCompetitive landscape which incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiledExtensive company profiles comprising of company overview, company insights, product benchmarking and SWOT analysis for the major market playersThe current as well as the future market outlook of the industry with respect to recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging