CEIR: modest decline for exhibition industry

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U.S., 9th December: The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its latest Q3 2025 Index Report, showing the exhibition industry declining moderately.

According to the report, the CEIR Total Index was 11.1% below Q3 2019, and 10.7% down from Q3 2024.

The Total Index consisted of four components: Exhibitors, Net Square Deet, Attendees, and Real Revenues. Compared with Q3 2019, Exhibitors was down by 5.0%, Net Square Feet decreased by 8.3%, Attendees dropped 12.3%, and Real Revenues declined the most of 18.2%.

CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC, said, “The Q3 2025 results reflect an exhibition industry navigating a complex transition from policy-focused concerns to broader macroeconomic challenges. While we’ve seen a modest pullback in overall performance, the increase in events surpassing pre-pandemic levels demonstrates that many organizers are successfully adapting to current conditions. The shift toward economic and inflationary concerns underscores the need for strategic planning that accounts for both market dynamics and policy influences.”

Pico Thailand posts decrease in revenues and profits in FY2024-2025

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Bangkok, 4th December: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, announced its full-year financial results for the year ended 31st October 2025. Revenues in the financial year were US$40 million, a moderate decrease of 1.9% year-on-year.

The company posted a drop of 28% of its net profit from the previous year, amounting at US$678,000. Earnings per share of the financial year were Baht 0.091 (US$0.0028).

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to the income decrease from the Exhibition business, Learning center & Museum business and the Knowledge Communication business. However, the company also recorded an increase in income from the Event marketing business to offset part of the decrease in other businesses.

The Selling and administrative expenses posted an increase due to the expected credit loss from trade accounts receivable, in the result of the decrease in profit.

Messe Frankfurt expects sales over €766m in 2025

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Frankfurt, 4th December: In the financial year 2025, Messe Frankfurt expected sales will be over €766 million (US$896 million).

By the end of 2025, the company will host a total of 346 events worldwide, featuring some 95,500 exhibiting companies, with an estimated of 4.9 million visitors. Bookings for Messe Frankfurt’s guest event business recorded more than 200 trade fairs, conferences, congresses and other events being held during the year, with over 150 events have already been contractually confirmed for 2026.

In Asia, Messe Frankfurt has more than 60 events in the region. The company added five new events to its consumer goods portfolio in India.

The company will add 25 new events to its portfolio worldwide by 2027. It opened a subsidiary and launched new formats in Saudi Arabia.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, commented, “Financial year 2025 shows once again that our worldwide events are the economic engine for sectors, giving them a valuable boost. In times of ongoing geopolitical and economic crises, we are aiming to strengthen our resilience and market presence. The high international component at our Frankfurt base increases range and traction – which in turn has measurable effects on the growth of our events outside Germany.”

Messe München to record revenues of €600m in 2025

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München, 5th December: International exhibition organiser, Messe München, expected the company to have record revenues of about €600 million (US$702 million). At the headquarters in Munich, it is expected the company to generate revenues of around €520 million (US$608 million).

According to Messe München, in 2024, the company organised 16 events in Munich, 93 guest events and 47 events abroad. The events in Munich featured 32,000 exhibitors and 1.3 million visitors, while the events abroad attracted 22,500 exhibitors and 1.2 million visitors. Outside Germany, China and India are Messe München’s two most important markets, with China hosting 26 events at six locations, and India hosted 19 events at five locations.

In 2025, a total of 18 events were held by Messe München’s trade fair centre, with some 21,000 exhibitors and 73 guest events with around 13,000 exhibitors, attracting 2.5 million visitors. In terms of international business, the company organised 42 events abroad, attracting 1.8 million visitors and 18,000 exhibitors.

For the coming year, the company expects to make a larger contribution to revenue from abroad, especially from China and India, driven by the major technology trade fairs.

The two CEOs of Messe München, Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel, were quoted, “2025 was a year of superlatives for Messe München. Not only did we demonstrate the strength of our portfolio at the Munich location, but we also showed how important trade fairs are as a platform for innovation and international exchange. This record year is a tailwind for our strategic investments and the further development of Munich as a trade fair location.”

Quick takes

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Nyaal Banyul to open in July 2026

Nyaal Banyul, a new exhibition venue in Australia, will open in July 2026. The venue brought the “One Year to Go” celebration for guests moving through the spaces, tasted dishes shaped by local producers and connecting with the stories of Geelong and The Bellarine. The venue also announced four confirmed events in 2026, with more to announce in the future.

Messe Düsseldorf’s JV appoints new GM

Hannover Messe Ankiros Fuarcılık A.Ş., a joint venture (JV) between Messe Düsseldorf GmbH and Deutsche Messe AG, has appointed Ozan Hünler as its new General Manager, effective 1st December 2025. The company organises international trade fairs for the metallurgical, foundry, and aluminium industries. Established in 2024, the JV opened Messe Düsseldorf’s portfolio to the Eurasian market. It is expected to further drive the JV’s growth through Ozan Hünler’s appointment.

Koelnmesse appoints new President and MD

International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, announced the appointment of Darrin Stern as its new President and Managing Director, succeeding Mette Petersen, who will retire on 30th June 2026. Darrin will assume the new role from 1st January 2026, Mette will continue in an advisory capacity through the first half of 2026 to ensure a smooth handover, mentoring team members and supporting key initiatives with Koelnmesse’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

43,000+ visitors at 10th swop

Organised by Messe Düsseldorf China (MDC), the Shanghai World of Packaging (swop), concluded on 27th November 2025, welcoming 43,090 trade visitors and buyers from 122 countries and regions. In its tenth-anniversary edition, swop 2025 featured 950 exhibiting companies, showcasing the entire packaging value chain. During the three-day event, the event spanned over 70,000 m2 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).