The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) – the collective associations of AEO, AEV and ESSA, has published the eighth Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASIE) report.

The total number of event days and total gross space sold has increased since 2022 and is now broadly on a par with pre-Covid figures. However, average duration and average gross and net size of exhibitions were slightly down on the previous year.

Marija Erzen, co-owner, Solutions2, ESSA chair and current EIA chair, commented, “The report provides vitally important market insight for our industry and includes cumulative comparative data from 2015.”

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.”

Erzen remarked, “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 500m2 of exhibition space) but also many new consumer events, impacting positively on totals.

Parker added, “The UK exhibitions industry will continue to play a crucial role in driving international trade and prosperity for business event destinations across the UK while, at the same time, supporting the government’s growth agenda. We will continue working with policy makers to reduce trade friction and ensure greater access to markets for the industry.”

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.

The report can be accessed via the EIA website or AEV, AEO and ESSA member zones.

For further information on the Events Industry Alliance, follow the link below: https://www.eventsindustryalliance.com/research