UFI's Global Barometer Survey Indicates Tougher Times Ahead
January 18, 2012
UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s latest crisis barometer report indicates that companies worldwide are pulling back their expectations of growth based on a still fragile worldwide economic situation, according to survey results.
When the economic crisis started to take hold in 2008, UFI began compiling a series of Global Exhibition Barometer Survey to track the impact on shows in different regions.
The 8th edition of this series of reports showed that, compared with previous results in 2010 and 2011, in the Americas and Asia/Pacific region, seven to eight companies out of 10 showed a return of growth in gross turnover, while going into 2012, that number drops slightly below seven for companies in the Americas expecting the same growth and less than eight companies in the Asia/Pacific region.
Companies in Europe initially indicated strong growth with most companies reporting positive gains in 2011, but that tide has changed based on the recent UFI report, showing only 50 percent still growing.
On the other hand, the Middle East/Africa region continues to be mainly unaffected, with a majority of companies declaring an increase in their turnover during all periods, except the beginning of 2009.
The 8th barometer survey also questioned the evolution of operating profits for 2011, when compared with the previous two years.
The survey results indicated that fewer than 50 percent of companies anticipate an increase of more than 10 percent in annual profit in 2011 in all regions, except in Asia/Pacific, where there already is a majority of companies declaring an increase.
Few companies declare decreases of more than 10 percent in operating profit for 2010 or 2011.
Companies also are less sure overall on how long the economic crisis will continue to impact their companies.
For the first time, the survey indicated a majority of respondents from all regions consider that their business is affected by the economic crisis. The most pronounced change was the decrease of confidence in the Asia/Pacific region, where the level of positive answers drops from 65 percent to 27 percent.
Another significant change from previous survey results indicates that, even though most companies previously said they thought the economic crisis would be over by the end of 2012, 63 percent of those surveyed, now, almost 50 percent believe it will end in 2013.
“In trying times, our face-to-face media identifies new marketing opportunities to provide to our exhibitors and exhibition visitors,” said Paul Woodward, UFI managing director.
He added, “We may even, in 10 years’ time, look back on this era as one of positive developments.”
The 8th barometer survey, conducted in December 2011, was answered by 172 companies from 49 countries.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment