Rachel Swann, chief operating officer energy, dmg Events, AEO chair and current EIA chair, commented, “The SASIE report provides crucial market intelligence for our industry and establishes the baseline against which future growth can be measured.”
In 2024, there were an estimated 1,145 exhibitions and conferences at the UK’s main exhibition venues with an estimated 7.2 million visitors.
Rachel Parker, AEV director and EIA director, said, “The number of exhibitions showed further recovery and growth of 4% in 2024, reaching their highest level since 2017. The UK exhibitions industry continues to have a significant impact in enhancing international trade and contributing to local economies. The SASIE report is vital in supporting the government’s growth agenda.”
The average number of exhibitions per venue was also up on 2023; the volume of trade exhibitions is up and above pre-Covid levels, however, the number of consumer exhibitions remains below. Swann added, “Exhibitions are an important element in promoting the UK’s best assets, so it is encouraging to see the total visitor numbers were up on 2023 by 3%.”
Seasonality of events in 2024 was similar to 2023; March, September, October and November remain the busiest exhibition months accounting for 50% of all exhibitions. Exhibition sizes showed a mixed trend, there was an increase in 2024 in terms of total and average gross space sold. The same applies to exhibition type – conference events were up nearly 10% and trade exhibitions were up 6.5% to reach their highest levels since 2015.
Many of the participating AEV and AEO members have been providing data since the first SASIE report in 2014. The data is weighted and analysed to produce the report, which is compiled annually by RJS Associates and Tony Rogers Conference & Event Services.
