Exhibitions revenue projected to grow 18% in 2025 – UFI

Exhibition industry revenues are poised to jump 18% in 2025 and outpace last year’s growth, according to UFI’s latest Barometer.

The forecast – based on UFI’s global survey of 390 companies – points to a strong recovery trajectory. Scroll down to read the details.

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

• Exhibitions revenue projected to grow 18% in 2025 – UFI
• Stax names new managing director to drive Americas growth
• ESSA appoints new chair and vice chair

Exhibitions revenue projected to grow 18% in 2025 – UFI

Global exhibition industry revenues are set to grow 18% in 2025, following a 16% increase in 2024, according to UFI’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer report.

The report, which surveyed 390 companies across 56 countries, reveals strong recovery signals across major markets.

The 34th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer report is AVAILABLE NOW!

This bi-annual report provides global, regional and topical survey data from 390 companies in 56 countries and regions.

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— UFI (@UFILive) February 11, 2025

Exhibition space sold globally in 2024 increased 9% compared to 2019 levels, with India leading growth at 40% and Germany showing a 12% decline.

UFI CEO Chris Skeith said: “UFI’s Barometer research has provided like-for-like benchmarking on key metrics for 18 years, and this new edition shows positive indicators for the year ahead across all markets, which is heartening to see.

“However, at the same time, it shows some uncertainty around economic environments and geopolitical challenges, demonstrating we operate in an ever-changing world.”

Operating profits remain robust, with 82% of companies reporting increases above 10% in 2024.

The industry outlook for 2025 maintains this momentum, with 77% of companies expecting profit growth above 10%.

The survey highlights significant regional variations in space sold:

• North America leads with 71% of companies reporting increased activity
• Central and South America shows 62% growth
• Europe registers 60% growth
• Asia-Pacific reports 42% growth

The report also indicates strong employment prospects, with 46% of companies planning to increase their workforce and 51% maintaining current staffing levels.

AI adoption has accelerated, with 92% of companies now using the technology, primarily in sales, marketing, and customer relations. The adoption rate in these functions has increased by 17% compared to the previous year.

Stax names new managing director to drive Americas growth

Stax LLC has appointed Brad Kuntz as senior managing director in its New York office to expand the firm’s presence in the Americas market.

Brad brings 25 years of experience in strategy consulting and investment management, having most recently served as founder and managing partner of New Amsterdam Capital Group.

Previously, he held leadership positions at EY and EY-Parthenon, where he led the global industrials practice and served as Americas innovation leader for EY’s transactions advisory services.

Stax CEO Jayson Traxler said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Brad to the Stax team. His decision to join us is a testament to the strength of our platform and our ability to attract top talent.

“Brad’s expertise aligns perfectly with Stax’s growth strategy, enabling us to scale the platform further and deliver high-impact solutions to private equity firms and their portfolio companies.

“His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reach and create meaningful value for our clients.”

At Stax, Brad will focus on supporting private equity firms, PE-backed companies, hedge funds, and investment banks with commercial due diligence, value creation and exit planning services.

During his tenure at EY-Parthenon, he helped expand the global strategy consulting practice and managed the integration of Parthenon Group into EY.

ESSA appoints new chair and vice chair

The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) has named Rob Brackstone as chair and Alexandra Bailey as vice chair of the UK trade organization.

Rob, managing director of ESM Ltd, succeeds Marija Erzen who served during a period of membership growth.

He said: “I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair and build on the great strides we have made in strengthening our accreditations, professional standards and collective voice.

“Collaboration will be key as we navigate shared challenges, particularly in sustainability and in creating an even more unified approach across organisers, venues and contractors.”

Rob joined ESSA’s board in 2021 and brings 20 years of experience in designing and building solutions for live events.

Alexandra, who co-founded exhibition stand company Creative8, will serve as vice chair.

She said: “I take immense pride in being part of this vibrant and creative industry and, in my role as Vice Chair, I am dedicated to supporting our members and ensuring that ESSA remains a leading force in the sector.

“Our membership includes many individuals, sole traders and small businesses very like myself, and I’m passionate about increasing ESSA’s value to their voices and harnessing the power of our collective strength.”

Alexandra’s appointment brings expertise in small business operations and stand contracting to the leadership team.

ESSA director Andrew Harrison said: “Through their time on the ESSA board to date, Rob and Alex have already demonstrated unwavering commitment to ESSA and the greater good of our industry.

“I’ve no doubt that their combined skillsets will play a pivotal role in advancing the association’s mission to create a more cohesive, collaborative and thriving community of event suppliers and service providers. I’m excited to see where they’ll take us.”

Get in-depth insights into the digital landscape of events this year – download the Event Tech Forecast 2025