Market Watch: 5 Takeaways from Informa's Q1 2025 Trading Update
May 6, 2025
While several public companies have lowered their annual guidance forecasts during this quarterly earnings season, Informa PLC, the international leader in B2B events and academic markets, is bucking the trend, affirming its full-year guidance with underlying revenue growth of 5% and double-digit adjusted earnings growth, according to its first quarter (Q1) 2025 trading update released on May 1.
“The Informa Group continues to deliver strong underlying growth in both live B2B events and academic markets,” said Informa Group Chief Executive Stephen A. Carter. “Specialist brands in specialist markets, annual/multi-year subscriptions, forward booked revenues, and leading positions in faster growing geographies, underpin the Informa growth platform.”
Here’s our take on the top five highlights from the company’s trading update for the trade show sector.
1. Robust Revenue Growth Continues
- The company achieved an impressive 7.6% underlying revenue growth in Q1.
- Strong performance was noted across both Live B2B Events portfolio.
- The first half of 2025 is delivering in line with targeted growth ambitions.
2. Strong Forward Revenue Visibility
- More than $3.14 billion in revenues have already been secured for 2025. (Based on current approximate exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.26 USD)
- This represents 61% of full-year target revenues.
- The current pace is running ahead of 2024's performance.
- Revenue security comes from subscriptions, recurring exhibitor revenues, and forward booked contracts.
3. Major B2B Events Driving Performance
- 55 of Informa's Top 100 B2B Brands are scheduled for the first half of 2025.
- The Live B2B Events portfolio is on track to meet its 7%+ underlying revenue growth target.
- Geographic expansion shows particular strength in IMEA (India, Middle East, and Africa).
4. Successful Integration of Festivals Business
- The combination of Informa brands with the Ascential portfolio has been completed on schedule.
- The newly formed Informa Festivals business is performing according to plan.
- Both revenue growth and synergy targets are being met as expected.
5. Positive Financial Outlook
- Full-year guidance remains strong with underlying revenue growth of 5%+.
- Company maintains its $5.17 billion revenue target for 2025. (Based on current approximate exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.26 USD)
- Double-digit adjusted earnings growth forecast remains in place.
From Tech to Boats: 6 Informa Q1 Mega-Shows That Span Global Markets
Some of the notable trade shows and events produced by Informa in Q1 include:
1. Natural Products Expo West, March 4-7, in Anaheim, Calif.
- Attendance: 64,000+
- Exhibitors: 3,000+
- Space: 1.8 million square feet (total convention center space)
2. WHX (World Health Expo) Dubai, formerly Arab Health, January 27-30
- Attendance: 60,000+
- Exhibitors: 3,800+
- Country Pavilions: 40+
3. LEAP, February 9-12, in Riyadh
- Attendance: 200,000+ industry professionals
- Exhibitors: 1,800+ global tech brands
- Additional stats: 680 startups, 1,000+ speakers
4. Miami International Boat Show, February 12-16, in Miami
- Attendance: 100,000+
- Exhibitors: 1,000+
- Space: 2.5 million square feet (total exhibition space)
- Vessels on Display: 1,000+ boats and yachts
- Locations: Six venues including Miami Beach Convention Center
5. MAGIC Las Vegas, February 10-12, in Las Vegas
- Attendance: 70,000+
- Exhibitors: 3,800+
- Space: 800,000+ square feet
6. HIMSS, March 3-6, in Las Vegas
- Attendance: 30,000+
- Exhibitors: Nearly 1,000 companies
- First-time Exhibitors: Nearly 300 companies
- Venues: Venetian Convention and Expo Center and Caesars Forum
Disclosure: TSNN is owned by Informa PLC.
Main image: Miami International Boat Show
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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