UFI Global Barometer indicates activity growth in several markets

05.08.2025

UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, has released the latest 35th edition of its Global Exhibition Barometer report.

This report captures the current status and outlook of the exhibition industry worldwide.The results indicate expected growth of activity in different markets for 2025, following a year 2024 where operating profits were stable for a majority of companies: on average globally, 34 percent of respondents anticipate an increase of more than percent of the space rented in their country, and 36 percent expect this for their company. Most businesses expected to increase by more than 5 percent in Brazil, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But this does not apply to the 3 largest markets, where most respondents anticipate either stability (in USA and Germany) or decrease (China).

In parallel, increases by more than percent of other revenues channels are expected by 39 percent for services, and 26 percent for sponsoring opportunities. “Global economic developments”, “Geopolitical challenges” and “State of the economy in the home market” are listed by businesses as the top issues for both short and mid-terms, preceding “Sustainability / Climate” (12 percent of global answers for mid-term), “Competition from within the exhibition industry” (12 percent), “Impact of digitalisation”, “Competition with other media” and “Internal management challenges” (all 8 percent) and “Regulatory / Stakeholders issues” (7 percent).