Global Snapshot
Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
Europe – Terrapinn is back on the acquisition trail , according to the organiser ’ s group CEO , Greg Hitchen . The company , which counts renewables shows in Africa , education technology events in Australia , e-commerce shows in Asia and aviation events in Europe as part of its portfolio , did its last deal in June 2024 when it bought ARABLAB LIVE .
Now Hitchen is looking to acquire “ events of scale – anywhere in the world ”, saying Terrapinn was interested in transport , enterprise tech , finance , e-commerce , life sciences , energy and telecoms . “ We are dealagnostic and can do earn-outs or outright purchases .”
Europe – UK-based international exhibition organiser Nineteen Group , which is backed by Phoenix Equity Partners , announced the acquisition of Pro Integration Future Asia ( PIFA ) in Singapore from Montgomery .
The acquisition marks Nineteen Group ’ s expansion into the APAC market and follows its opening of an APAC HQ in Singapore and the launch of Safety & Security Asia .
PIFA is Southeast Asia ’ s leading international event for the Professional Audiovisual , Lighting & Live Entertainment Technologies .
The next edition PIFA , under Nineteen Group leadership , is scheduled for November 2025 .
Europe – Global event organiser and venue manager GL events reported topline growth of 15 % for 2024 , with annual revenue rising to € 1.63bn ( up from € 1.42bn in 2023 ). The growth was largely driven by the GL Events Live division , where revenues surged 24 % over the year to top € 1bn .
The Venues division posted revenues up 13 % on the previous year at € 442.6m .
The Exhibitions division , however , dropped 20 %, recording revenues of € 168.2m which the company said reflected a less favourable biennial effect and economic difficulties in the fashion and construction sectors .
Americas – Clarion Events has promoted Kelly Comboni to CEO of Clarion Connect , the organiser ’ s division focused on delivering one-to-one event formats , digital platforms and communitybuilding experiences .
Comboni will oversee key brands within the division , which include Quartz Network , Consero Events , Connect Events , Eaton Hall and LeftField Media . She was previously president of Leftfield Media , Quartz Network and Consero , having joined Clarion Events in 2017 , following Clarion ’ s acquisition of LeftField Media , where she was a cofounder .
6 Issue 1 2025 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk