Viad’s Overall 2015 Q1 Revenues Down 7.4 Percent, Same-show Revenues Up 7.4 Percent

May 3, 2015

Negative show rotation in the first quarter of 2015 had an impact on Viad’s overall revenues, dipping to $264.4 million, compared with $285.6 million in the first quarter of 2014.

Global Experience Specialists, a division of Viad, also saw first-quarter revenues decrease to $256.9 million, compared with $277.8 million during the same time period last year.

"Both business groups delivered steady progress toward our financial goals for 2015.  Results for the quarter were in line with guidance and the underlying businesses performed well, with continued same-show growth in M&E (Marketing and Events - GES) and organic growth in T&R (Travel and Recreation),” said Steve Moster, Viad’s president and CEO.

He added, “Additionally, our recent acquisitions are meeting expectations and resulting in new business wins.”

Even with the overall decrease in revenues, same-show growth saw a big jump of 7.4 percent. “I think that this bodes well for the industry,” Moster said.

He added a number of sectors had experienced increase and that there was continued growth in the number of exhibitors, attendees and net square footage. Base same-show revenue is expected to increase at a mid-single digit rate in the U.S. throughout the year.

For 2015, the acquisitions of onPeak, Blitz Communications and N200 are expected to provide incremental revenue of $45 million to $50 million and incremental adjusted segment EBITDA of $13 million to $14 million, compared with 2014. 

“We are continuing to integrate (these businesses) with GES,” Moster said, adding that the goal is to provide a full suite of services for their clients.

The acquisitions have allowed GES’ existing clients to hire on new services, such as Morgan Stanley, who already utilized GES’ registration and measurement services, and now also added AV.

As far as the rest of the year, consolidated revenue is expected to be comparable to 2014 full year revenue, despite negative show rotation of approximately $70 million and unfavorable currency translation of approximately $45 million.

“As we continue to improve the fundamentals of our businesses through our strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies, we are well positioned to deliver enhanced shareholder value and significant growth in 2016 and beyond,” Moster said.

In non-trade show related GES news, the company recently partnered with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products (Fox) to develop and tour an exhibition based on James Cameron's AVATAR”.

The state-of-the-art global touring exhibition, which will kick off in the fall of 2016, is inspired by the creatures and environments of the world of Pandora first introduced in the record-breaking film. Fox and GES are developing the interactive attraction in consultation with James Cameron and Jon Landau’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

“This unprecedented global exhibition will create a truly memorable experience for fans,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. “Bringing the world of Pandora to life and comparing it to the wonders of our own planet, the ‘AVATAR’ exhibition will bring together immersive new storytelling and science in a tangible, engaging forum.”

Add new comment

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