Industry Statistics and Trends
Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe key trends
Technology took over when COVID-19 hit.
It remains a significant threat. Conference centres will have to prove their relevance to make people spend on hosting events that they could set up remotely for next to nothing
With the advent of COVID-19, technology became a significant competitor.
The industry will need to demonstrate its value to persuade individuals and businesses to invest in hosting events that could otherwise be arranged remotely at minimal cost.
Video conferencing tools’ popularity decrease the demand for in-person conferences.
By transitioning to virtual tradeshows and conventions, or focusing more on hybrid events, industry operators could still maintain their appeal and provide valuable services.
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Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe
Industry Revenue
Total value and annual change from 2011-2029. Includes 5-year outlook.
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Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe market size (2019-2024)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 7.2 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €30.4bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
The growing reliance on digital alternatives challenges convention and trade show organisations
- Within the EU, Spain (336), France (298) and Italy (228) hosted the most exhibitions in 2022, according to Euro Fair Statistics.
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Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
The rising degree of digitalisation and virtual events will remain a threat to the industry
- Teleconferencing and internet-based communication technologies have become essential for businesses, especially after the remote-working trend, accelerated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Revenue
€30.4bn
Employees
179k
Wages
€X.Xbn
European Leaders & Laggards
Top 5 Countries
- Croatia +11.9%
- Turkey +7.9%
- Luxembourg +5.7%
- Portugal +5.7%
- Slovakia +5.1%
Bottom 5 Countries
- Denmark -14.1%
- Bulgaria -8.4%
- Bosnia & Herzegovina -7.6%
- Czechia -6.0%
- Lithuania -4.8%
* CAGR values are for the years 2019-2024.
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Biggest companies in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue (€m)
2024 | Profit (€m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Informa plc | 4,327.3 | 1,270.8 | 29.4 | |
RELX plc | 10,401.7 | 3,766.2 | 36.2 | |
GL Events | 1,522.0 | 150.7 | 9.9 |
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Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe
Products & Services Segmentation
Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.
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Top Questions Answered in this Report
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What is the market size of the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe in 2024?
The market size of the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe is €30.4bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry in 2024?
There are 63,392 businesses in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe, which has grown at a CAGR of 3.2 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe has been declining at a CAGR of 7.2 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe is expected to grow.
What does the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe include?
Trade shows and Professionally motivated events are part of the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry.
Which countries have the most businesses in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe?
The European country with the most businesses in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry is France.
How competitive is the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe?
The level of competition is high and increasing in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning industry in Europe.
Related Industries
This industry is covered in 37 countries
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Greece
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Romania
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Norway
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Hungary
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in the UK
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Denmark
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Malta
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Croatia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Slovenia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Austria
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in France
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Lithuania
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in the Netherlands
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Belgium
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Italy
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Sweden
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Latvia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Luxembourg
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Russia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Slovakia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Switzerland
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Poland
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Ireland
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Finland
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Bulgaria
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Spain
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Portugal
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Serbia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Czechia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Turkey
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Cyprus
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Estonia
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Iceland
- Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
The industry involves promoting, organising and implementing large-scale events, including trade fairs, congresses, conferences, meetings or motivational speaker events. Some of the industry players also provide staff for the event spaces.
Related Terms
CONGRESS CONFERENCE EXHIBITIONWhat's included in this industry?
Trade showsProfessionally motivated eventsConvention showsCompanies
Informa plcRELX plcGL EventsIndustry Code
823 - Organization of conventions and trade shows in Europe
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Performance
Key Takeaways
The growing reliance on digital alternatives challenges convention and trade show organisations
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Revenue Highlights
Trends
- Revenue
- 2024 Revenue Growth
- Revenue Volatility
Employment Highlights
Trends
- Employees
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Employee
Business Highlights
Trends
- Businesses
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Business
Profit Highlights
Trends
- Total Profit
- Profit Margin
- Profit per Business
Current Performance
Charts
- Revenue in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
- Employees in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
- Business in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
- Profit in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
Analysis
What's driving current industry performance in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry?
Outlook
Analysis
What's driving the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry outlook?
Volatility
Analysis
What influences volatility in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix
Life Cycle
Analysis
What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Life Cycle Matrix
Products and Markets
Highlights
Trends
- Largest Market
- Product Innovation
Key Takeaways
The industry generates most of its revenue by hosting trade shows. Trade fair organisers are among the largest suppliers worldwide and also attract many international exhibitors and visitors with their events.
Products and Services
Charts
- Products and Services Segmentation
Analysis
How are the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry's products and services performing?
Analysis
What are innovations in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry's products and services?
Major Markets
Charts
- Major Market Segmentation
Analysis
What influences demand in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry?
International Trade
Highlights
- Largest Importer
- Smallest Importer
- Total Imports into Europe
- Largest Exporter
- Smallest Exporter
- Total Exports into Europe
Heat maps
- Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
- Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Data Tables
Value and annual change (%) included
- Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2024)
Geographic Breakdown
Business Locations
Heat maps
- Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2024)
- Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2024)
- Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2024)
- Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2024)
Industry Geographic Breakdown
Data Tables
Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:
- Revenue (2024)
- IVA (2024)
- Enterprises (2024)
- Employment (2024)
- Exports (2024)
- Imports (2024)
Competitive Forces
Highlights
Trends
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
Key Takeaways
Fragmentation in the industry stems from low entry barriers. Simply put, it's easy and relatively inexpensive for new companies to step in and offer event planning services, leading to a wide array of planners competing for a market slice. This results in a landscape where no single player dominates and diversity thrives.
Supply Chain
Charts
Buyer and supply industries
Companies
Market Share
Charts
- Industry Market Share by Company (2019-2024)
Companies
Data Tables
Top 10 companies by market share:
- Market share (2024)
- Revenue (2024)
- Profit (2024)
- Profit Margin (2024)
Data Tables
- Countries of operation for Informa plc
- Countries of operation for RELX plc
- Countries of operation for GL Events
- Countries of operation for Messe Frankfurt GmbH
- Countries of operation for Fiera Milano SpA
- Countries of operation for EasyFairs NV
- Countries of operation for IFEMA
- Countries of operation for AIM Group International
- Countries of operation for Svenska Mässan Stiftelse
- Countries of operation for Clarion Events Ltd
External Environment
Highlights
Trends
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key Takeaways
There’s very little regulation affecting conference centres. The industry is not subject to industry-specific regulation. Otherwise, companies mostly have to worry about abiding by fire safety laws.
External Drivers
Analysis
What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry?
Financial Benchmarks
Highlights
Trends
- Profit Margin
- Average Wage
- Largest Cost
Key Takeaways
Profit can fluctuate wildly. It’s mostly driven by economic conditions, which drives the level of demand for both conventions and trade shows.
Cost Structure
Charts
- Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
-
Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
- Marketing
- Depreciation
- Profit
- Purchases
- Wages
- Rent
- Utilities
- Other
Analysis
What trends impact cost in the Convention & Trade Fair Planning in Europe industry?
Key Ratios
Data tables
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
Country Benchmarks
European Leaders & Laggards
Data Tables
Top and boottom five countries listed for each:
- Revenue Growth (2024)
- Business Growth (2024)
- Job Growth (2024)
European Country Performance
Data Tables
Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:
- IVA/Revenue (2024)
- Imports/Demand (2024)
- Exports/Revenue (2024)
- Revenue per Employee (2024)
- Wages/Revenue (2024)
- Employees per Establishment (2024)
- Average Wage (2024)
Structural Comparison
Data Tables
Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
- Volatility
- Capital Intensity
- Innovation
- Life Cycle
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Methodology
Where does IBISWorld source its data?
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