Market Watch: 5 Takeaways from Informa’s 2024 Financial Results
March 6, 2025
Informa PLC, the public international B2B events, digital services, and academic markets group, delivered strong financial results for 2024, reporting double-digit revenue and profit growth, along with significant international expansion.
“On every measure, the Informa Group delivered an outstanding result in 2024, from revenue growth to higher dividend returns, alongside further International and Portfolio expansion,” said Informa PLC Group CEO Stephen Carter. “This is a performance we aim to repeat in 2025.”
Here’s our take on the top five highlights from the company’s full-year financial report for the trade show sector.
1. Double-Digit Growth Across the Board
Informa, which owns TSNN, reported a 11.4% increase in revenue, reaching $4.5 billion (converted from £3.55 billion), compared to $4 billion in 2023. Adjusted operating profit grew 16.5% to $1.3 billion, while free cash flow surged 28.6% to $1 billion. The company also delivered 22.9% growth in underlying adjusted operating profit, showcasing robust demand in both its B2B events and academic markets.
Related: Informa Reports Double-Digit Revenue Growth, Offers $1.5 Billion for Ascential
2. Live B2B Events Are Thriving
With more than 800 specialist B2B event brands, Informa continues to see strong demand for in-person connections. The company highlighted the increasing value of face-to-face business meetings in a digital-first world, with trade shows and conferences remaining essential for networking and industry growth. Informa’s B2B events division grew revenue by 14.2% in 2024, outperforming expectations. Looking ahead, the company is targeting 7%+ underlying revenue growth for live events in 2025.
3. Expanding Global Reach Through JV in Dubai
Informa announced a strategic joint venture with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), forming Informa International. This new entity, expected to generate more than $700 million in revenue, will consolidate Informa’s UAE B2B events portfolio with DWTC’s brands. The move strengthens Informa’s presence in one of the fastest-growing global event markets with brands in healthcare (WHX), energy (Middle East Energy), aviation (Dubai Air Show), food (Gulfood), information and communications technology (GITEX), and information security (GISEC). The deal is expected to close in Q4.
4. Strong Start for 2025
Informa is targeting more than $5.2 billion in revenue for 2025, with at least 5% underlying revenue growth before considering new acquisitions. Informa has already secured $2.2 billion in committed revenue for the year, representing more than 40% of its annual target.
Related: 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM INFORMA’S TRADING UPDATE
5. AI and Digital Growth Strategy
Under its 2025-2028 “One Informa” strategy, the company is doubling down on AI and digital services. Informa is integrating data-driven marketing (IIRIS), expanding its specialist B2B brands, and rolling out its AI personal assistant, Elysia. The company’s new Informa TechTarget business, formed through a strategic merger, aims to accelerate growth in the B2B technology sector.
Looking ahead
“Our growth ambitions through the 2025-2028 One Informa period are underpinned by structural growth in B2B events and specialist knowledge, market-leading brands and a geographic mix weighted to fast-growing economies,” Carter said. “Further scale and opportunity in the increasingly important GCC Growth Gateway is delivered through today’s proposed strategic partnership in the UAE.”
GCC stands for the Gulf Cooperation Council, a political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Main image: GITEX 2024, Photo: Shutterstock
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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