Barometer points to exhibition sun rising on in-person return
EW takes a look at the recent UFI Global Barometer research , which indicates encouraging signs for a 2022 Great Reopening , and we look at two shows symbolising that return
he global association
T of the exhibition industry , UFI , has released the 28th edition of its flagship Global Barometer research , which is designed to provide an update on the state of the industry .
The bi-annual report , which concluded in January 2022 , surveyed 401 companies from 53 countries and regions .
Kai Hattendorf , managing director and CEO of UFI , states how the “ sun is finally rising at the end of a long , dark pandemic . The perspectives for 2022 are brighter and continue to improve quickly .”
Returning to in-person Results highlight the quickening pace of the industry ’ s recovery in response to the enduring impact of Covid-19 throughout 2021 . There is a strong belief that the sector , primarily driven by physical
“ The sun is finally rising at the end of a long , dark pandemic .’’
Below : Demand for in-person events is being mirrored by a growing financial recovery of the industry exhibitions and business events , will bounce back quickly .
In terms of operations , the proportion of companies declaring ‘ normal activity ’ has increased from less than two in 10 , in July 2021 , to around four in 10 , between October 2021 and February 2022 . According to UFI ’ s predictions , this looks set to increase to around six in 10 companies expecting normal activity levels from March 2022 .
The demand for in-person exhibitions is also on the rise , with 80 % of respondents agreeing that ‘ Covid-19 confirms the value of face-to- face events ’ ( up from 64 %, 12 months ago ).
This is mirrored by the growing financial recovery of the global exhibitions industry . On average , companies saw a 2021 turnover of just 41 % of 2019 levels , and UFI projects that this will increase to 71 % of the same baseline , in 2022 .
18 Issue 2 2022 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk