EEAA’s ‘pulse’ shows exhibition industry in good health

Working men creating global business growth

The results of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) annual Member ‘PULSE’ survey shows strong growth in new shows within the Australasian business event industry.

This is due to an increases in the number of trade and consumers shows in 2017 and forecasts of continued growth over the coming year.

The findings, released by the Association this week at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne, showed that 40 per cent of organisers launched at least one new show in 2017 and 67 per cent plan to launch or host at least one new show in 2018.

Of those who are planning a new show in 2018, at least 43 per cent expect they will deliver two or more new shows over the coming year.

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio said the findings of the EEAA survey of Members showed that 67 per cent of Organisers and 87.5 per cent of Venues planned to launch at least one new show in 2018.

She said of those who are planning a new show in 2018, at least 43 per cent expect they will deliver two or more new shows over the coming year.

“The findings signal that the industry is constantly evolving. It also shows that our sector is nimble and responsive, creating exciting new marketplaces to meet the needs of emerging and new industries,” DiMascio said.

“For example, of the new shows planned for 2018, 35 per cent are technology-based, with a focus on space and satellite technology, and cybersecurity. Last year, we also saw a new show specifically for drones.”

The overall sentiment of the survey points to optimism among the Association’s Organiser, Association Organiser and Venue Members who reported strong performance from their shows in 2017 and a positive outlook for the year ahead.

The results are consistent with the 20th Global Exhibition Barometer released recently by The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI. The Barometer included the first country report for Australia.

The key findings from the survey include:

2018 outlook

  • 66.6 per cent of Organisers and Association Organisers, and 87.5 per cent of Venues plan to deliver or host new exhibitions in 2018, with expectations there will be more new trade shows than consumer shows
  • 43 per cent of Organisers and Association Organisers plan to deliver two or more new shows in 2018, and 86 per cent of those organisers plan to include a paid or free conference/seminar component to their exhibition
  • The most popular sectors for new shows are technology (35 per cent) and health & wellbeing (35 per cent)
  • Other sectors that will be home to new shows in 2018 are space & satellite, science / health, pet, accommodation, design, home, and lifestyle

2017 performance

  • 40.9 per cent of Organisers and Association Organisers, and 87.5 per cent of Venues delivered or hosted new exhibitions in 2017
  • 55.5 per cent of Organisers and Association Organisers that delivered new exhibitions, delivered two new shows or more
  • 9.5 per cent of Organisers and Association Organisers retired a show in 2017 (all consumer)
  • There were equal numbers of new trade and consumer shows across a diverse range of industry sectors, including drones, retail, gift & homewares, build, design, safety, manufacturing, pet, recreation, waste, food & beverage, wellbeing, lifestyle & health, and accounting, finance & professional services
  • Close to 30 per cent of Organisers and Association Organisers either acquired or sold a trade or consumer show in 2017

“Overall, the insights provided by the Association’s Organiser and Venue Members shows a sector that continues to evolve with reports of healthy performance in 2017 and signs of continued growth in 2018,” DiMascio concluded.

“We look forward to exploring these findings in more detail via our upcoming annual Market Monitor research where we’ll dive deeper into the factors underpinning the performance and outlook of the exhibition and event industry in Australasia.”

The survey was sent to the Association’s Organiser, Association Organiser and Venue Members in December 2017 and received a high response rate, as follows:

  • 71 per cent of Organiser and Association Organiser members responded (22/31)
  • 32 per cent of Venue members responded (8/25).

This PULSE survey is a snapshot of Member sentiment at the close of each year and the results are provided as indicative of the broader industry.

The Association’s annual Market Monitor, to be released later in the year, is a key part of the Association’s research agenda and delivers an in-depth analysis on the health and performance of the exhibition and event in Australasia.

In 2018, the Association will partner with global research company, Explori, to deliver its next Market Monitor. Read more about the benefits of EEAA’s new research partnership and research program.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

eeaa MICE

Latest News