UFI Report Shows Positive Outlook and Growing AI Adoption in Exhibition Industry
UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – has released the 35th Global Exhibition Barometer report, highlighting strong growth prospects and a notable rise in technology use for 2025.
The report, based on input from 386 companies in 58 countries and regions, shows that 34 percent of companies expect domestic rented space to increase by more than 5 percent compared to 2024. Brazil, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE lead this growth, while the US and Germany expect stability, and China anticipates a decline.
Other revenue streams also show promise, with 39 percent forecasting growth in services and 26 percent in sponsoring opportunities. Operating profits in 2024 were stable for most companies, with 40 percent reporting gains above 10 percent. For 2025, 30 percent expect similar strong increases, particularly in India, the UAE, Brazil, Colombia, and Malaysia.
Recruitment stands as a priority, as 40 percent of companies plan to increase staff numbers in the next six months. The highest hiring intentions are recorded in Saudi Arabia (80 percent), Malaysia (70 percent), Spain (62 percent), the UAE (58 percent), and India (57 percent).
AI adoption is becoming a standard business practice. Globally, 63 percent of companies use AI tools regularly, 17 percent have integrated AI-powered systems, and 3 percent have developed proprietary algorithms. Thailand, the UK, the UAE, the US, and Saudi Arabia lead in advanced AI implementation.
Chris Skeith OBE, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, UFI, commented, “It is especially encouraging to see high levels of recruitment and the significant proportion of companies already integrating AI-powered tools into their systems.” He noted that the new report also segments results for organizers, venues, and service providers, adding, “This offers valuable insight and supports better strategic planning across the industry.”
Image Source: UFI