During a press presentation at the Royal Jaarbeurs Utrecht, Lex Kruijver of Respons presented the first results of the 2025 Trade Fair Monitor on Thursday 6 February. The Trade Fair Monitor is published annually on behalf of and under the auspices of CLC-VECTA. The preliminary research figures for 2024 show that the trade fair sector has experienced clear growth in all parameters examined over the past year. Trade fairs in particular are showing a positive development compared to 2023 and are now above pre-corona levels again. The full report will soon be available via the CLC-VECTA member portal.
Trade fairs above pre-corona level
In absolute numbers, more trade fairs were organised in 2024 than in 2019, before the corona pandemic. The number of trade fairs increased by 16% compared to 2023, while public fairs showed a growth of 9%. When this increase is compared to the number of visitors, we see a somewhat opposite picture. The number of visitors to trade fairs increased by 24%, while the increase in the number of visitors to public fairs remained at 4%. This indicates an increasing appeal of trade fairs.
Growth in rented square meters of stand space and exhibitors
Growth is also visible in the area of rented square meters of stand space. At trade fairs, 15% more surface area was rented, while the number of exhibitors increased by 4%. Exhibitors’ spending at trade fairs increased by 22% to €229 million, while spending at public fairs increased slightly to €107 million. The number of organisers increased in 2024 for both trade fairs and public fairs, but the result was that the average turnover per organiser fell by more than 10%.
Prospects and challenges for 2025
Organisers and trade fair locations are predominantly positive about the coming year. The main challenges lie in the rising purchasing and personnel costs and the limited number of visitors to public fairs. Nevertheless, the sector remains optimistic about further growth and development in 2025.
Monitor Trade Fairs
All results of the 2024 trade fair year will soon be available (free of charge for CLC-VECTA members) in the Trade Fairs Monitor. This independent online platform contains figures, analyses and trends and rankings of trade fairs and public fairs.
About Respons
Respons is a knowledge, research and consultancy agency specialising in events, tourism and city marketing. Respons collects event data, publishes the results in independent reports (monitors) and makes the data available via Respons Events Insights. Furthermore, Respons carries out (custom) assignments such as benchmarks, quick scans, policy evaluation and development, event development and positioning, management & organization and interim management for governments, companies, event organizers and venues, industry organizations and (semi) governments.
About CLC-VECTA
CLC-VECTA is the knowledge and inspiration platform for and about the live communication industry. CLC-VECTA helps entrepreneurs and professionals in the industry in their business and individual development and professionalization, and supports organizations that use live communication as part of their marketing and communication strategy.
