According to the latest Size
and Scale Index for Exhibitions report, the total number of event days and
total gross event space sold has increased since 2022 and is now broadly on a
par with pre-Covid figures.
The 8th SASIE report, published by the Events
Industry Alliance (EIA) – the collective associations of AEO, AEV and ESSA, is
a deep dive analysis of how the UK exhibition scene is performing.
While the headline of the 2023 report is positive, the average
duration, average gross and net size of exhibitions are still slightly down on 2022.
Rachel Parker, AEV director, said, “The report is now the
only one of its kind providing in depth analysis of UK exhibitions and is of
great value for both our members and in discussions with government. As always,
we are appreciative of the time and resource contributed by the participating
AEV and AEO members, many of whom have been providing data since the report’s
inception in 2014.”
Marija Erzen, co-owner, Solutions2, ESSA chair and current
EIA chair explained that with over 1,000 exhibitions, the 2023 report shows the
number of exhibitions were up significantly and at comparable levels to the
pre-Covid period. “Visitor and exhibitor numbers also showed signs of recovery
although not yet reaching pre-Covid levels. We have seen some venues reporting
their highest number of new show launches helping to truly underline the
positive impact of the exhibitions industry on UK trade.”
The increase in events in 2023 is partly explained by a
significant upturn in conference events (with minimum 500sqm of exhibition
space) but also many new consumer events, impacting positively on totals.
The report can be accessed via the EIA
website or AEV, AEO and ESSA member zones.
The report is compiled annually by RJS Associates and Tony
Rogers Conference & Event Services. Participating AEV and AEO members
submit the data which is then weighted and analysed to produce the report.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
