Exhibition industry shows significant post-Covid recovery

The exhibitions industry has shown significant recovery since the pandemic, the latest industry-wide research has shown.

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) –  has published its Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASiE) report – the first edition since 2019.

Shaun Hinds, current EIA chair, said: “The report identifies and confirms important trends in UK exhibitions as well as describing the key dimensions and characteristics of the sector.

“It shows that the number of major exhibitions held in the UK’s main exhibition venues in 2022 was almost back to pre-Covid levels, showing significant recovery with some indicators on a par or up on 2019 and highlighting the resilience of our industry”

Key findings

• While overall numbers of exhibitions were down, the number of trade exhibitions was up on 2019.
• Overall, gross exhibition size in 2022 was also down on pre-Covid levels but consumer exhibition had largely recovered.
• Both venue hire days and exhibition open days were broadly on a par with pre-Covid levels -they were very slightly up for consumer exhibitions.

• Industry sectors

  Consumer exhibitions were strongly orientated to the leisure sector (at Westpoint we host Campervan and Motorhome Shows, large Craft Shows, Comic Con,  and Antique Fairs ), and the lifestyle / wedding / homeware sector (Wedding Extravaganza, Build It Live) and the education / careers / training sector (UCAS).

  Trade exhibitions were more diverse in their industry sector – we host an eclectic range including – Hale Events Trade Shows, Tool Fair, Home Hardware

Visitor numbers are bouncing back to pre-Covid levels for 2023 and Westpoint is delighted to be seeing packed shows and a full calender of events for the year ahead.

Find out more about hiring Westpoint or search our full list of upcoming events.

info@westpointexeter.co.uk