Italy joins Spain, Finland, Portugal, France, Turkey, Germany in jaw-dropping exhibition growth in European historyβmore than fifty-three million attendees and counting with two thousand two hundred and forty events, twenty-three million square meters space.

In a historic shift, Italy has joined Spain, Finland, Portugal, France, Turkey, and Germany in what can only be described as jaw-dropping exhibition growth across Europe. The latest figures reveal a staggering 2,240 events and a mind-blowing 23 million square meters of exhibition space, making 2024 a groundbreaking year in the exhibition industry.
This phenomenal expansion has attracted over 53 million attendees, a testament to the growing demand for face-to-face business platforms across the continent. The collaboration among these countries highlights a major trend in the exhibition world: unparalleled growth and opportunity. With major nations like Italy taking part, the European exhibition market is on a record-breaking trajectory. Travel and Tour World urges readers to dive into this exciting development, as this is just the beginning of a new era of exhibition dominance. Donβt miss outβkeep reading to discover how these numbers are reshaping the European exhibition industry forever!
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has published the latest edition of its Euro Fair Statistics report, providing a comprehensive look into the exhibition market across 16 European countries. The report, which includes certified data from 11 national and regional organizations, represents an estimated 55% of the European exhibition sector. The newly released figures highlight the continued recovery and expansion of the industry, with 2,240 exhibitions held in 2024, showcasing the sectorβs resilience and growing demand for face-to-face business platforms.
Key Findings from the 2024 Euro Fair Statistics Report
The 2024 Euro Fair Statistics report covers a total of 2,240 exhibitions, including 235 UFI Approved Events. These exhibitions occupied 23.1 million square meters of registered net space and attracted a total of 53.8 million registered visits. Additionally, the events hosted 594,444 exhibiting companies. This data underscores the vibrant nature of the European exhibition market, reflecting ongoing growth as businesses continue to invest in physical events.
The report also reveals that 40% of these events were dedicated to trade visitors, while 30% targeted the public and the remaining 30% served both audiences. This breakdown highlights the diverse nature of exhibitions, which cater to a wide range of industry sectors and audiences, ensuring that the exhibition space remains a vital platform for business interaction and consumer engagement.
Market Growth and Expanding Data Coverage
The increase in events and market coverage is evident in the 2024 report, with UFI estimating that the data represents nearly 55% of the European exhibition sector. Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO, commented, βThe number of events covered by the βEuro Fair Statisticsβ report has continued to grow in recent years.β He also noted that this yearβs data collection process was enhanced by asking national bodies to specify whether reported figures referred to visitors or visits, thus improving the accuracy of the data.
The 2024 report reflects the changing demands in the exhibition industry, with organisers adapting to shifts in the market, particularly in response to the increasing importance of face-to-face engagement. As the sector recovers from previous disruptions, the continued growth in event numbers and attendance is a positive sign for the future of in-person exhibitions across Europe.
Contributions from National and Regional Organisations
The comprehensive data in the Euro Fair Statistics report is made possible through the collaboration of national and regional organizations, including AEFI (Italy), AFE (Spain), ATFEO (Finland), BDO & Associates (Portugal), CENTREX (Central and Eastern Europe), CLC-VECTA (The Netherlands), FEBELUX (Belgium), FKM (Germany), SOKEE (Greece), TOBB (Turkey), and UNIMEV-OJS (France). These organizations have provided certified data that reflects the diverse nature of exhibitions across different European regions, contributing to a fuller picture of the market.
By consolidating data from these diverse sources, UFI can provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of the European exhibition sector, further solidifying its role as a key resource for the industry.
The Future of the European Exhibition Industry
The findings of the Euro Fair Statistics report suggest a promising future for the European exhibition market. The increase in events, coupled with rising attendance, indicates a recovery that is outpacing expectations. As businesses and organisations continue to prioritize face-to-face engagement, the exhibition sector is likely to remain an essential element of the European economy.
With continued investment in exhibition platforms and the development of new ways to engage audiences, the industry is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead. As UFI continues to enhance its data collection methods and provide insights into market trends, the association remains a central figure in shaping the future of the global exhibition industry.
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