UFI Global Exhibition Barometer 18th edition Report based on the results of a survey concluded in January 2017
Southern Africa
Global
US
Central & South America
Mexico
Brazil
United Kingdom
Thailand
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 2
Page
Introduction 3
Results by region
1. Gross Turnover development 4
2. Development of Operating Profits 6
3. Most important business issues 8
4. Priorities in terms of strategy 11
5. Impact of recent political developments 16
Detailed results for selected countries or zones 17
North America: Mexico, US 18
Central and South America: Brazil, other countries in Central & South America 20
Europe: Germany, Italy, Russia, UK, other countries in Europe 22
Africa: South Africa 27
Middle East 28
Asia/Pacific: China, Thailand, other countries in Asia/Pacific 29
Conclusion 32
Appendix: answers per country/region 33
Table of contents
2
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 3
Welcome to the 18th edition of the “UFI Global Exhibition Barometer“ survey. This study is based on a global survey,
concluded in January 2017. It represents up to date information on the development and the outlook of the global
exhibition industry as well as on 14 specific countries and zones.
UFI began assessing the impact of the global economic conditions on the exhibition industry twice a year in 2009, based
on perceptions of UFI members around the world. In 2010, this biannual survey became the “UFI Global Exhibition
Barometer“. For the United States, this survey includes Members of SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers)
and the scope of the Research has since been broadened to include members of AEO (Association of Event Organisers,
UK), AFIDA (Asociación Internacional de Ferias de América), AMPROFEC (Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales de
Ferias y Exposiciones y Convenciones), AAXO (The Association of African Exhibition Organizers) and EXSA (Exhibition
and Events Association of Southern Africa) in South Africa, TEA (Thai Exhibition Association) and UBRAFE (União
Brasileira dos Promotores Feiras) in Central and South America.
Important remarks
It should be noted that the number of replies to the current survey (240 from 54 countries - see full list on the page 33)
provides representative results. However, the consolidated regional results may not reflect the situation of specific
countries in that region. This is why the report also includes a set of detailed results for the 14 countries or zones where
a significant number of answers were obtained are included (see list on the page 17).
Questions related to this survey can be addressed to Christian Druart, UFI Research Manager, at [email protected].
Introduction
3
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 4
The 18th Barometer surveyed the evolution of participants’ gross turnover expectations for the second half of 2016 and
the two halves of 2017 compared to their turnover during the same period in the previous year (regardless of possible
biennial effects).
The chart on the next page presents, at regional level, the percentage of companies declaring an increase in their
turnover. It combines these results with those of previous surveys since 2008 It does not take into account the “unknown”
or “not applicable” answers. It shows a very positive and stable outlook for Europe, where 77 to 78% declare an increase.
In the Americas, the situation improves over the period, from 55% to 81%. A positive trend is also noticed in Asia/Pacific
(from 64-67% in 2016 to 74% in 2017) whereas the situation is relatively stable in the Middle East and Africa (56 to
60%). The charts included in the second part of this report (“Detailed results for selected countries or zones”) detail these
regional results, adding the percentage of companies declaring decreases in their turnover and the percentage of
“unknown” answers. They show a variety of situations:
• In North America, the US and Mexico present a positive outlook with more than 60% of companies expecting increase
in turnover for the 3 periods, and even more than 70% in the US or 90% in Mexico for some periods;
• In Central and South America however, the 2nd part of 2016 has seen a decrease of turnover for around 80% of
companies on average; the situation for 2017 is anticipated to improve importantly for Brazil, with 80 to 90% of
companies declaring an increase, but not so much for the other countries, where a majority of companies still expect
decreases;
• In Europe, most markets declare a very positive outlook with around 80% of companies expecting increase in
turnover for the 3 periods. Exceptions are however noticed for Germany and Italy where 2017 appears weaker than
2016. In Russia, a positive trend is noticed for the 2nd half of 2017, where 60% anticipate growth;
• In Asia/Pacific, China outperforms the other zones studied, with 70 to 85% of companies declaring an increase on
average for the 3 periods. This is the case for only up to 50% of companies in Thailand and 60% on average for the
other countries;
• In the Middle East or South Africa, 45 to 65% of companies expect increase in turnover for the 3 periods.
1. Gross Turnover development
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 5
% of companies declaring an increase in turnover when
compared to their projections for the same period
the year before (regardless of possible biennial effects)
As declared in previous surveys As declared
in December 2016
Americas
Asia &
Pacific
Europe
5
Middle East
& Africa
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
H22008
H12009
H22009
H12010
H22010
H12011
H22011
H12012
H22012
H12013
H22013
H12014
H22014
H12015
H22015
H12016
H22016
H12017
H22017
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 6
The 18th Global Barometer survey questioned the evolution of operating profits for 2016 compared to the previous
year.
The chart presented on the following page combines these results with those of previous surveys which track the
development of operating profits since 2009. It highlights the results of companies declaring an increase of more than
10% and those declaring a more stable result (between -10% and +10%) – see footnote.
The detailed results show that most regions maintained in 2016 the good level of performance recorded in 2015;
• A majority of companies declare an increase of more than 10% in annual profits for 2016 in Mexico, USA, most
countries in Asia/Pacific and Central and South America (except in Thailand: 42%; China: 19% and Brazil: 40%);
• In Europe, 3 to 5 companies out of 10 declare an increase of more than 10% in annual profits for 2016 in most
zones, except in the UK which outperformed with 57% in that situation;
• There is a similar situation in the Middle East (46%) but in South Africa, only 6% declare an increase of more than
10%.
Footnote: The charts included in the second part of this report (“Detailed results for selected countries or zones”) detail these
results, adding the percentage of companies with reductions in profits or losses.
2. Development of Operating Profits
6
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 7
Operating profits compared to the previous year
Americas Europe Asia & Pacific Middle East & Africa
7
% of companies declaring:
- stable profits (between -10% and +10%)
- or increases of more than 10%
% of companies declaring:
- profit increases of more than 10%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 8
Companies were asked to identify the three most important issues for their business in the coming year from a pre-
defined list of seven issues. Multiples choices were proposed to get further insight for some answers.
As in previous surveys, around 80% of all answers relate to the following 4 issues:
• “State of the economy in home market” (25% in the current survey, down 1% compared to 6 months ago)
• “Global economic developments” (24% in the current survey, down 2% compared to 6 months ago)
• “Competition from within the industry” (20% in the current survey, up 3% compared to 6months ago)
• “Internal challenges” (13% in the current survey), unchanged, where “Human resources” are named as the most
important aspect.
It can be noted however, that, compared with the last survey results, “Competition from within the industry” climbs up
by +3% taken to the first 2 issues.
“Impact of digitalisation” (“Responding to customer digitalization needs”, “New digital products” or “Internal
processes”), “Competition with other media” (“Internet”, “Social media”, “Virtual trade shows” or “Other”) and
“Regulatory / Stakeholders issues” (“Sustainability”, “Health & safety” or “Other) keep their exact same level as in the
last survey.
The next slide shows the consolidated global results, including further insights. The following pages details those
results by region and by type of activity (for 3 main segments: “Organiser”, “Venue only” and “Service provider only”).
Results show that there are no significant differences based on these criteria, except for the “Impact of digitalisation”
which is not so present, generally speaking, in Middle East and Africa and also among “Venues only”, but receives vey
high relevance in Germany (21%) and most countries in Central and South America (20%).
Regarding venues, “Competition from within the industry” has become the top issue. Also, “Human challenges” are
ranked significantly higher .
3. Most important business issues
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 9
Top issues: global results
(multiple answers possible)
Top issues ( : results from last survey conducted in June 2016)
67%
34% 6%
Humanresources
Finance Other
50%
17% 28%
11%
Internet Socialmedia
Virtualtrade
shows
Other
84%
49% 40%
Respondingto customerdigitalisation
needs
Internalprocesses
New digitalproducts
16%
47%
26%
Sustainability Health &safety
Other
26% 22%
20%
13% 8%
4% 4% 3%
27% 24%
17% 13%
8% 4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom within the
industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 10
Most important issues: detail by region and type of
activity for the five top issues identified globally
Organiser
Americas Europe Asia & Pacific Middle East & Africa
Venue only Service provider only
32%
21% 19%
12% 7%
25% 25%
16% 13% 12%
25%
18% 21%
16%
2%
21% 23% 23%
13%
9%
State of the economy inhome market
Global economicdevelopments
Competition from withinthe industry
Internal challenges Impact of digitalisation
27% 23%
19%
12% 11%
2% 3%
24% 20%
29%
22%
2% 0% 0%
18%
25% 24%
14%
5% 8%
4%
State of theeconomy in home
market
Global economicdevelopments
Competition fromwithin the industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competition withother media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 11
Companies were asked to share their current priorities in terms of strategy in two specific areas: their range of
activities and their geographical exposure.
In all regions, a large majority of companies intend to develop new activities, in either the classic range of exhibition
industry activities (venue/organiser/services), other live events or virtual events, or in both: 67% in the Middle East &
Africa, 87% in Asia/Pacific, 90% in Europe and 96% in the Americas.
In terms of geographical expansion, 4 companies out of 10 on average declare an intention to develop operations in
new countries, and the rate is much higher in the UK (70%), USA (67%) and the Middle East (57%).
These results are also detailed in the following pages for the main segments of “company type” (“Organiser”, “Venue
only” and “Service Provider only”).
4. Priorities in terms of strategy
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 12
Current strategic priorities related to the range of
activities : results by geographical zone
Asia/Pacific
Middle East
& Africa
Europe
Americas
WORLD
Stay within current
scope of activities (as a venue, an organiser
or a service provider)
Develop new activities
within the classical range
of the exhibition industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities
in terms of live events
or virtual events
Both of these
developments
14% 57% 5% 24%
4%
13%
10%
33%
59%
64%
63%
37%
2%
9%
6%
2%
35%
13%
22%
28%
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 13
Current strategic priorities related to the range of
activities: results by type of company
Stay within
current scope
of activities
(as a venue, an
organiser or a
service provider)
Develop new activities
within the classical range of
the exhibition industry
(venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities
in terms of live events
or virtual events
Both of these
developments
Service
provider only
Venue only
Organiser 11%
19%
27%
59%
55%
40%
6%
2%
7%
24%
24%
27%
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 14
Current strategic priorities related to geographic
exposure: results by geographical zone
Asia/Pacific
Middle East
& Africa
Europe
Americas
WORLD
Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Operate in new
countries
61% 39%
69%
64%
54%
62%
31%
36%
46%
38%
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 15
Current strategic priorities related to geographic
exposure: results by type of activity
Service
provider only
Venue only
Organiser
Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Operate in new
countries
62%
49%
92%
38%
51%
8%
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 16
This question aims to assess the perceptions of the impact to international trade and the exhibition industry due to
numerous recent major political developments (namely the Brexit vote in the UK, the failed coup in Turkey and the
outcome of the US presidential elections).
45% of participants globally anticipate a limited or significant negative impact of some sorts for business. Detailed
results at country level indicate that Mexico (60%) and the US (54%) report the highest degrees of concern.
By comparison only 1 out of ten on average are expecting a positive impact of some sort. 2 on average anticipate no
impact, and between 2 and 3 don’t know are or not sure.
5. Impact of recent political developments
From the Brexit vote in the UK to the failed coup in Turkey and the outcome of the US presidential elections
- numerous major political developments are causing discussions in the exhibition industry. What kind of
impact to international trade and the exhibition industry do you expect?
6%
9%
11%
3%
39%
46%
40%
36%
34%
18%
17%
16%
15%
26%
6%
2%
9%
4%
7%
4%
7%
6%
3%
27%
28%
27%
28%
26%
Significant
negative
impact
I don’t know
I am not sure
Significant
positive
impact No impact
Limited
positive
impact
Limited negative impact
Asia/Pacific
Middle East
& Africa
Europe
Americas
WORLD
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 17
North America: Mexico
US
Central and South America: Brazil
Other countries in Central & South America
Europe: Germany
Italy
Russia
United Kingdom
Other countries in Europe
Africa: South Africa
Middle East: Middle East
Asia/Pacific: China
Thailand
Other countries in Asia/Pacific
Part 2: Detailed results for 14 selected countries or zones
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 18
60%
7%
13%
20%
7% 29% 0% 64%
Detailed results for MEXICO (15 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
7% 7% 8%
31%
92%
62%
86%
7%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
64%
36%
2016
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact (0%)
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact
No impact Limited positive impact (0%)
Limited negative impact
24% 27%
15%
20%
7%
2% 2% 2%
25%
22% 20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
69% 31%
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 19
54%
15%
8%
23%
33% 67%
0% 60% 10% 30%
Detailed results for USA (13 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact
No impact
Limited negative impact
11% 9%
22% 36% 18%
67% 64% 73%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
50%
30%
20%
2016
20%
17%
20%
11%
14%
9%
6%
3%
25%
22% 20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
Limited positive impact (0%)
Significant negative impact (0%)
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 20
45%
27%
9%
18%
9% 82% 0% 9%
Detailed results for Brazil (11 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in
new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact (0%)
No impact
Limited positive impact
Limited negative impact
45%
10%
33%
10% 10%
22%
80% 90%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
40%
50%
10%
2016
37%
11%
22%
19%
4%
0%
4% 4%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
90% 10% Significant negative impact (0%)
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 21
8%
25%
8%
58%
75% 25%
0% 63% 0% 38%
Detailed results for other countries in Central and South America (12 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact (0%)
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact
No impact
Limited positive impact (0%)
Limited negative impact
20% 14% 14%
60%
43% 29%
20% 43%
43%
14%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
60%
30%
10%
2016
30%
7%
13%
20% 20%
0%
3%
7%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
both of these
developments
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 22
45% 55%
8% 42% 17% 33%
Detailed results for Germany (15 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure
No impact
Limited OR significant positive impact (0%)
Limited negative impact
8% 8%
17% 17%
100%
67% 50%
8% 25%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
40%
27%
27%
7%
2016
7%
40%
13%
40%
12%
23%
19%
9%
21%
9%
5% 2%
25%
22% 20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 23
67% 33%
29% 71% 0% 0%
Detailed results for Italy (10 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure
No impact
Limited negative impact
33% 11%
22%
67%
78% 56%
11% 22%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
33%
50%
17%
2016
10%
40%
10%
40%
30%
26%
19%
15%
11%
0% 0% 0%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
Limited OR significant positive impact (0%)
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 24
73% 27%
17% 67% 0% 17%
Detailed results for Russia (13 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact (0%)
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact (0%)
No impact
Limited positive impact
Limited negative impact
12% 10%
55% 33%
10%
45% 44%
60%
11% 20%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
36%
45%
18%
2016
23%
23%
23%
31%
34%
29%
20%
9%
3% 6%
0% 0%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
both of these
developments
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 25
30% 70%
0% 70% 10% 20%
Detailed results for the United Kingdom (10 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact (0%)
No impact
Limited positive impact
Limited negative impact
11% 10% 20%
11%
78% 90%
80%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
57%
29%
14%
2016
20%
20%
20%
10%
30%
22%
35%
17%
13%
4%
0%
4% 4%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 26
6% 65% 3% 26%
56% 44%
Detailed results for other countries in Europe (26 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure Significant positive impact (0%)
No impact
Limited positive impact
Limited negative impact
16% 20% 17%
84% 80% 77%
6%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
46%
35%
19%
2016
9%
52%
15%
9%
15%
28%
22%
13% 15% 14%
4% 2% 2%
25%
22% 20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 27
71% 29%
44% 28% 0% 28%
Detailed results for South Africa (26 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact (0%)
No impact
Limited positive impact
Limited negative impact
20% 14% 18%
15% 32% 18%
65% 45% 46%
9% 18%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
6%
50%
31%
13%
2016
8%
35%
27%
8%
23%
29%
14%
25%
12%
3% 5%
9%
3%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
both of these
developments
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 28
43% 57%
21% 50% 7% 21%
Detailed results for the Middle East (17 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact
No impact OR Limited positive impact (0%)
Limited negative impact
40% 18% 18%
18% 9%
60% 55% 64%
9% 9%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
46%
35%
19%
2016
6%
41%
18%
35%
17%
21%
15%
23%
2% 4%
12%
6%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 29
75% 25%
7% 80% 7% 7%
Detailed results for China (16 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact (0%)
I don’t know / I am not sure
Limited OR significant positive impact (0%)
No impact
Limited negative impact
14% 23% 21%
86% 69% 79%
8%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
19%
69%
6% 6%
2016
44%
25%
31%
13%
27%
19%
13%
8% 10%
4% 6%
25%
22% 20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 30
73% 27%
8% 67% 8% 17%
Detailed results for Thailand (14 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact
No impact
Limited positive impact
Limited negative impact (0%)
25% 22% 17%
25% 22%
50% 44%
50%
12% 33%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
42%
50%
8%
2016
7%
43%
14%
7%
29%
24%
19%
30%
14%
5% 3% 3% 3%
25%
22% 20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 31
55% 45%
19% 54% 12% 15%
Detailed results for other countries in Asia/Pacific (28 answers)
Decrease:
10% or more
Increase
Decrease:
less than 10%
I don’t know
How do you expect your turnover to change when
compared to the same period the previous year?
Operating profits
compared to previous year
Top issues ( : global)
Stay within current scope
of activities (as a venue, an
organiser or a service provider)
Develop new activities within the
classical range of the exhibition
industry (venue / organiser / services)
Develop new activities in terms
of live events or virtual events
both of these
developments
Current strategic priorities related to the range of activities
Current strategic priorities related to geographic exposure
Operate in new countries Stay in the same countries
as those in which I currently operate
Loss
Increase of more
than 10%
Reduced by
11-50%
Stable (between
-10% and +10%)
Reduced by
more than 50%
I don’t know
Impact of recent
political developments
Significant negative impact
I don’t know / I am not sure
Significant positive impact
No impact
Limited positive impact
Limited negative impact
5% 8% 4%
32% 25% 21%
64% 58%
63%
8% 13%
H2 2016 H1 2017 H2 2017
57%
43%
2016
4%
46%
18%
7% 4%
21%
25%
22% 23%
12% 11%
1% 3% 3%
25% 22%
20%
13%
8%
4% 4% 3%
State of theeconomy in
home market
Globaleconomic
developments
Competitionfrom withinthe industry
Internalchallenges
Impact ofdigitalisation
Competitionwith other
media
Regulatory /Stakeholders
issues
Other
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 32
The Global Barometer survey has been measuring the pulse of the exhibition industry since 2008. The 18th survey, concluded in
January 2017, was answered by 240 companies from 54 countries. The results are detailed for 14 geographical zones, including
10 major national markets.
Survey results reveal that despite an ongoing slowdown in global economic growth, and a decline in open trade promoters on the
international stage, the exhibition industry remains geared for continued growth in 2017. Answers indicate turnover increases for
a majority of companies in 2017, following two years of relatively stable levels of operating profit. The US, Mexico, China and the
UK perform above average. Brazil and Russia also indicate a positive trend in turnover, but for 2017 only. In Germany and Italy
however, 2017 appears at this stage weaker than 2016.
When asked about the possible impact of recent major political developments (such as the Brexit vote in the UK, the failed coup
in Turkey, and the US presidential elections) on international trade and the exhibition industry, 45% of participants globally
anticipate a limited or significant negative impact on business. At country level, Mexico (60%) and the US (54%) report the
highest degrees of concern. By comparison an average of only one in ten respondents expects recent political developments to
have a positive impact on business. On average, 20% anticipate no impact, and 20-30% are unsure.
A core question of UFI’s Global Barometer asks for the “most important business issues” companies are currently facing. As has
been the case in recent years “State of the national/regional economy” and “Global economic uncertainty” retain their top
positions, yet both items receive slightly less attention than six months ago. In contrast, “Competition from within the industry”
has seen a measurable rise in importance, closing the previous gap with the other two top issues. “Impact of digitalisation”
receives high relevance in Germany (21%) and most countries in Central and South America (20%).
Covering the strategic outlook of the global exhibition industry, the barometer shows an ongoing expansion in the industry’s
business activities globally, both at companies’ home bases and in new geographical markets. A large majority of companies
from all regions intend to develop new activities, either in the classic range of exhibition industry activities
(venue/organiser/services), or in other live or virtual events, or in both. An average of four out of 10 companies also declare an
intention to develop operations in new countries. This figure is particularly high for companies based in the UK (70%), the US
(67%) and the Middle East (57%).
THE NEXT GLOBAL BAROMETER SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED IN JUNE 2017 – PLEASE PARTICIPATE!
Conclusion
18th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer © 2017 Page 33
Appendix: Number of survey replies per country
Total = 240 (in 54 countries)
North America 31 Europe 81 Middle East 17
Canada 3 Austria 2 Iran 8
Mexico 15 Belgium 1 Jordan 2
USA 13 Croatia 1 Lebanon 1
Czech Republic 1 Oman 2
France 2 Saudi Arabia 2
Georgia 1 United Arab Emirates 1
Central & South America 23 Germany 15 (*) 1
Argentina 4 Greece 1
Bolivia 1 Hungary 1
Brazil 11 Italy 10
Chile 3 Luxembourg 1
Colombia 2 Netherlands 1
Ecuador 2 Poland 1 Asia / Pacific 58
Portugal 3 Australia 5
Romania 1 China 16
Russian Federation 13 India 4
Serbia 1 Indonesia 1
Africa 30 Slovenia 1 Japan 5
Egypt 1 Spain 1 Malaysia 1
Libya 1 Sweden 3 New Zealand 1
Namibia 1 Turkey 7 Pakistan 2
South Africa 26 Ukraine 2 Singapore 6
Sudan 1 United Kingdom 10 South Korea 3
(*) 1 Thailand 14
(*): several countries (regional answer)
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