Exhibitions give £10.9bn boost to UK economy

Exhibitions generated £10.9 billion in business for the UK in 2023 – £1.5bn higher than last year – underscoring their crucial role in driving economic growth.

These stats were revealed in the Event Industry Alliance’s (EIA) latest Economic Impact Study of exhibitions. Read more about it below.

Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:

• Exhibitions pump £10.9bn into UK economy: report
• UFI elects new president for 2025-26
• Easyfairs appoints new CEO for UK & Global region

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Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️

Exhibitions pump £10.9bn into UK economy: report

Exhibitions contributed £10.9bn to the UK economy in 2023, according to EIA’s latest economic impact report.

The figures represent a £1.5bn increase from 2022, primarily due to a 12% jump in the total number of exhibitions – 1016 in 2023 vs 969 in 2022.

Here are the key takeaways from the report ⤵️

UK exhibitions in 2023 attracted nearly 7 million visitors and over 130,000 exhibitors.

↪️ Economic powerhouse: Exhibitions generated a significant economic impact, supporting £10.9bn in output. Here’s a lowdown?

• Direct Spending: £4.8 billion from visitors, exhibitors and related expenses.
• Job Creation: Supported 114,000 direct and indirect jobs.
• GDP Contribution: £2.6 billion directly contributed to the UK’s GDP.

↪️ Exhibitor Spending: On average, each exhibitor spent approximately £37,000.

↪️ Venue capacity & output: Based on total exhibition space of 0.6 million square meter (sq m), the output per sq m was around £18,000.

EIA chair Marija Erzen said: “We are delighted with the results of our latest economic impact report.

“A 17% growth in the events industry between 2022 and 2023, demonstrates that, whilst other areas of the economy are struggling, the events industry is growing exponentially in a challenging economic environment and with little help from the Government.”

Marija added: “These figures bring us just shy of our pre-pandemic levels of economic impact (£11bn) and the events industry’s strong growth really demonstrates our potential and resilience as an industry during an economically challenging year for many.

“We hope that these positive figures encourages the next Government to really notice and pay attention to our industry.”

Rachel Parker, director EIA, added: “The number of exhibitions over the last year is really promising, including both new and long standing repeat exhibitions.

“The dynamism of the sector to move with new trends and trades when they emerge in the economy is a particular strength and one that we hope to see more of in the future.

“The positive growth in the industry feeds into other areas of the economy and helps explain the dynamic and far reaching potential of the industry, so it is not only the events industry that benefits from the growth of the sector.”

UFI elects new president for 2025-26

UFI has elected Panittha Buri, vice-chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group, as its president for 2025-26.

✨? We're thrilled to announce the 2025-26 UFI President: Panittha Buri!

? Read the official media release: https://t.co/q2aA1a2sne#ufi #ufipresident #ufinews #eventprofs pic.twitter.com/9dsDtdhpcp

— UFI (@UFILive) June 11, 2024

She will become the incoming President in November and assume responsibilities at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong in November 2025.

UFI’s outgoing president Geoff Dickinson said: “I am incredibly happy that Panittha Buri will take on the Presidency of UFI in 2026.

“She has served the events industry passionately and committed for many years in various roles.

“As a board member of UFI for many years, as the Chapter Chair for Asia Pacific, and as President of the Thai Exhibition Association, she brings a high level of experience and excellent relationships with her industry peers, and as Vice Chair of the Bhiraj Buri Group, she has extensive leadership experience.”

Panittha added: “I am excited about the journey ahead and am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside each of you.

“Let’s embark on this journey with passion, integrity and a shared vision for the next generations to come. Together, we can achieve great things.”

Since October 2022, Panittha has been the vice-chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group. Prior to this, she held several roles at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), including managing director and director of marketing and sales.

Easyfairs appoints new CEO for UK & Global region

Easyfairs has promoted Alison Willis as its new CEO for the UK & Global region.

She takes over from outgoing regional CEO Matt Benyon, who will focus on his group CEOs role alongside Anne Lafère.

In her new position, she will manage the UK & Global business, covering events and media in Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK.

Matt Benyon, Group CEO for Easyfairs, said: “It gives me great delight and pride to hand the baton of the UK & Global region after 15 years to Ali.

“She is the perfect choice to continue the next phase of the region’s growth and innovation, with her extensive experience and knowledge of the exhibition sector, collaborative leadership and proven track record of running successful and ‘visit the future’ events.

“This appointment allows me to focus exclusively on my Group CEO responsibilities, which include driving our overall growth and accelerating our M&A strategy.”

Alison added: “I am truly honoured and thrilled to step into Matt’s shoes as CEO for Easyfairs UK & Global.

“The past seven years at Easyfairs have been fantastic, and I am proud to have contributed to the company’s incredible growth story.

“In this next phase of my career, I am grateful for the trust and support from Matt, Anne and the entire Easyfairs management team.

“Together we have achieved great things and I am confident that – with the continued support of our talented team – we can drive even more growth and innovation.

“Change is always exciting as it brings fresh perspective, new ideas and opportunity for growth. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey.”

Alison joined Easyfairs as Divisional Director in 2017 and was promoted to divisional managing director in 2022.

Since then, she has led a diverse portfolio of events in construction, logistics, manufacturing, engineering and aesthetics.

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