Events Industry Alliance publishes the 2024 SASIE report

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA), the secretariat platform for the three event industry bodies AEO, AEV and ESSA, has, today, published the ninth Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASIE) report.

Rachel Swann, chief operating officer energy, dmg Events, AEO chair and current EIA chair, commented, “The SASIE report provides crucial market intelligence for our industry and establishes the baseline against which future growth can be measured.”

In 2024 there were an estimated 1,145 exhibitions and conferences at the UK’s main exhibition venues with an estimated 7.2 million visitors.

Rachel Parker, AEV director and EIA director, said, “The number of exhibitions showed further recovery and growth of 4% in 2024 reaching their highest level since 2017. The UK exhibitions industry continues to have a significant impact in enhancing international trade and contributing to local economies. The SASIE report is vital in supporting the government’s growth agenda.”

The average number of exhibitions per venue was also up on 2023; the volume of trade exhibitions is up and above pre-Covid levels, however the number of consumer exhibitions remain below.

Swann added, “Exhibitions are an important element in promoting the UK’s best assets, so it is encouraging to see the total visitor numbers were up on 2023 by 3%. With regard to exhibition duration, the total numbers of hire and open days were also up in 2024.”

Seasonality of events in 2024 was similar to 2023; March, September, October and November remain the busiest exhibition months accounting for 50% of all exhibitions.

Exhibition sizes showed a mixed trend, there was an increase in 2024 in terms of total and average gross space sold. The same applies to exhibition type – conference events were up nearly 10% and trade exhibitions were up 6.5% to reach their highest levels since 2015.

Many of the participating AEV and AEO members have been providing data since the first SASIE report in 2014. The data is weighted and analysed to produce the report which is compiled annually by RJS Associates and Tony Rogers Conference & Event Services.

Parker added, “We are continually grateful for the time and resource our members contribute. We will keep collaborating with policy makers to minimise trade barriers and secure improved market access for the events industry.”

Read the report here.