Despite Predicted Negative Show Rotation, Global Experience Specialists Sees Q2 Revenue Uptick

July 28, 2014

The second quarter of this year was supposed to be a challenging one for Global Experience Specialists and its parent company Viad, with $12 million in predicted negative show rotation to contend with.

Despite that, though, Viad saw an uptick in revenues to $256.4 million during the second quarter of this year, compared with $246.2 million in 2013.

Paul B. Dykstra, chairman, president and CEO of Viad, said of the overall company’s results, “As expected, we delivered meaningful growth in the second quarter. The Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group both posted increases in revenue and operating income.”

The U.S. Marketing & Events division also saw revenue increase to $168.8 million in the second quarter of this year, compared with $155.5 million during the same quarter last year.

Steve Moster, president of GES, said of their division’s positive results this quarter, “In the second quarter, global show rotation was negative $12 million. Revenues were up, despite negative show rotation as a result of some excellent clients wins, same-show growth, as well as providing electrical and new audio visual services."

He added that GES signed several new client wins in the second quarter, including big brand accounts in industries as varied as pharma, defense, telecom, consumer goods and business services.  

In addition, the company recently won the AV contract for Solar Power International in Las Vegas this October.

GES will provide all AV equipment and production for this event, including general session, breakout rooms, exhibits and show management needs.

The company also signed a five-year contract renewal to produce the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium. 

With $45 million in positive show rotation predicted for the third quarter of the year, GES seems to be having a good 2014 so far.

International Manufacturing Technology Show, on tap in September in Chicago, and International Woodworking Fair, in August in Atlanta, both rotate into the third quarter, as well the National Safety Council’s annual event, scheduled for September in San Diego.

“New show wins will add to our revenues, and we expect to benefit from continued same-show growth,” Moster said.

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