UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report, which takes the pulse of the industry.
The complete report includes dedicated profiles for 19 markets and regions, showcasing differences around the world. Based on the results of a survey concluded in January 2025, further growth is expected.
Following are key takeaways from the survey:
- Year over year, 2024 and 2025 global revenues are expected to grow by 16 percent and 18 percent on average respectively
- 46 percent of businesses plan to increase staff numbers in the coming 6 months
- Global economic developments, geopolitical challenges and sustainability / climate are the most important mid-term business issues
- 92 percent of companies state that they are using AI
This latest edition of UFI’s bi-annual industry report was concluded in January 2025 and includes data from 390 companies in 56 countries and regions.
The study also includes outlooks and analysis for 19 focus countries and regions—Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S.—as well as five additional regional zones.
Globally, the level of operations in the second half of 2024 has picked up for 6 companies out of 10 (and even 7 out of 10 in North America, but only 5 out of 10 in Asia-Pacific) compared to the year before.
This trend will continue in the coming year with, on average, a percentage of companies reporting an increased activity, ranging from 71 percent in North America, 62 percent in Central and South America and in the Middle East and Africa, to 60 percent in Europe and 42 percent in Asia-Pacific, respectively.
In terms of space rented, results show a global progression of 9 percent for 2024 compared with 2019, but with significant variations at the country level, especially for some of the major global markets.
To see the full report, visit ufi.org/industry-resources/research.
