GES Q1 Revenues Down Nearly 16 Percent on Negative Show Rotation

May 10, 2018

GES recently reported its first-quarter 2018 earnings results in which revenues dropped 15.8 percent from $318 million in 2017 to $268 million during the same period this year.

Steve Moster, GES’ parent company – Viad - president and CEO, said, “GES delivered solid results, with continued same-show growth that partially offset significant negative show rotation. We remain focused on driving in-sourcing benefits and pursuing additional cross-sell opportunities from our ON Services audio-visual production business and capturing additional share in the corporate event space.”

He added, “I expect 2018 to be another year of solid progress toward our strategic goals, as we continue to position GES as the preferred global, full-service provider for live events.”

Moster took time out of his busy schedule to elaborate further on not only the current results, but also looking forward into growth areas, new tech and marketing trends and welcoming a new president of GES North America – Jay Altizer.

TSNN: What significant show (shows) were off rotation this year? 

Steve Moster: CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE was the largest U.S. show that was off rotation this year.  Internationally, some of the major off-cycle events were IDEX in Abu Dhabi, and IFE in the U.K. 

TSNN: How is GES growing in the corporate events space? 

Moster: Our expanded suite of services is strengthening our competitive position and helping to differentiate GES. Audio-visual production services is a key component of our growth strategy, and ON Services, a GES company, continues to solidify and grow our position in that area. We have created the most comprehensive suite of services for the live events industry, and we are helping brand marketers create epic experiences for their events through unique and innovative offerings including augmented reality and virtual reality. In addition, GES Measurement & Insight, and Sponsorship Strategy and Sales provides additional insights and value to our clients. As a global, full-service provider for live events, clients appreciate GES’ creative services and our expertise in the planning and execution of events of all size and scale. 

TSNN: Same-show growth still is growing, but looks to have slowed compared to previous quarters? 

Moster: This was expected and was primarily due to one event that experienced a net square footage decline compared to its prior occurrence.

TSNN: There is a lot of buzz about new event technologies being implemented at shows (AR, VR, etc) - how is GES working with their clients on this? 

Moster: GES offers our clients the latest event technologies, from AR and VR to creating unique 3D experiences, such as multitaction technology through ON Services, a GES company. In addition, last year, we acquired Poken, a cloud-based platform that creates richer engagement and delivers behavior-based insights. Poken by GES’ tools and technology enable organizers and exhibitors to create interactive experiences and drive ROI. It’s pair with our registration and intelligence platform, lead generation tools and NFC+ products, bringing together the digital and physical event spaces to drive engagement, centralize management and gain better insight through real data.

TSNN: In the same vein, there are also a lot of new marketing techniques being utilized by exhibitors at shows - what are some new ones being offered by GES? 

Moster: GES’ Measurement & Insight service helps exhibitors better understand the value of participating in events.  In addition, Poken by GES supports exhibitors with their marketing goals by allowing them to load their marketing documents or any other relevant content into one or multiple real-time touchpoints, which can be easily placed by exhibitors anywhere in their booth. Visitors, who are equipped with a smart badge, collect any content that is relevant to them by placing their badge onto the readers. The touchpoints are connected in real-time to Poken’s cloud-based content management system, and trigger an email with the aggregated, relevant industry content, sent directly to the visitor’s inbox. In exchange, the exhibitor receives the visitor’s digital business card, as well as additional useful analytics, which they can access online, any time

One final note, I’m excited to welcome Jay Altizer to GES as president of North America. Jay brings a wealth of experience around innovation and business growth, and that is what our clients are focused on.

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