ABPCO's Annual Economic Impact Report

Powering on from last year’s Covid re-bound, ABPCO members maintained the same high levels of activity and financial growth throughout 2024.

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), the UK’s only professional body for association conference and not-for-profit event organisers has revealed the success of its members through the release of its second Economic Impact Survey. This second survey gives us a crucial year on year benchmark in understanding the economic influence and contribution that our members bring to the industry.

In 2024, 62% of members managed a portfolio of events generating turnover in excess of £1M ratifying that the Covid re-bound of 2023 has been maintained, and that ABPCO’s members continue to deliver substantial economic impact and leadership in the associations and not-for-profit side of the events industry. This includes:

• 10% of members with a portfolio of over £10M
• 80% with a portfolio of over £500K.

This year’s survey achieved a response rate of over 50%, and collectively presents a positive picture of on-going innovation and development in this sector, and a steadily upward trajectory in economic performance.

Key Highlights from the ABPCO Impact Survey include:

• Event Delivery: 1,020,000 delegates in 2024 - In 2024 ABPCO members managed 1,020,000 delegates, delivered via 6336 events throughout 7500 event days. 75%of these were in person – compared to 82% in 2023. This demonstrates the vibrancy and strength of this sector and the positive outlook for 2025 including the economic knock-on effect to venues and suppliers across the UK.
• Skill Sets: Professionalism, Event Experience & Project Management Skills - These are the most required and prized skills sets ABPCO members consider necessary to deliver high-quality event solutions with equal weighting given to digital and technical skills and financial management.
• National & International Meetings: 318 national meetings delivered with more than 500 delegates - ABPCO members continue to hold their ground in delivering a wide range of national events including conferences, congresses, leadership meetings and networking events. At the same time they continue to strengthen their international presence, demonstrating the demand for UK events professionalism and skill sets across the globe.

Exhibition & Sponsorship Income: In 2024 members purchased £42M of exhibition space

With collaborative innovation with venues and sponsors, 2024 delivered an outstanding increase of 47% in the purchase of exhibition space from £23M in 2023, with a £3mn increase in sponsorship revenues, totalling £48mn.

Staff: 2.5% growth in numbers employed

Aligned with general positive picture for the industry we have seen a small growth in the numbers of staff employed, seeing where our members thrive, working across UK regions, creating employment opportunities and fostering innovation and economic vibrancy – driving growth across the sector.

Industry Sectors: We map the sectors in which our members manage events with the key priorities of the Government Department for Business and Trade.

• Professional & Business Services – 47% 
• Life Sciences – 44%
• Creative Industries – 23%
• Advanced Manufacturing – 15%
• Clean Energy – 11%.

Summary of 2024 and prospects for 2025

Our members see growth for the benefit of all. Our findings reveal that over 1400 provisional bookings are still to finalise a destination and over 10,000 bookings are yet to confirm the venue. 49% of our members expect the number of events they organise in 2025 to increase, with 36% expecting more delegates and 50% expecting to spend more.

Dr James Musgrave, Head of UK Centre for Events Management, who led the research commented: "ABPCO members have sustained their post-Covid rebound, with 62% managing event portfolios exceeding £1M, reaffirming their vital role in the UK’s association and not-for-profit events sector. In 2024, our members delivered 6,336 events, welcoming over 1 million delegates and contributing significantly to the economy. Exhibition space purchases soared by 47% to £42M, with sponsorship revenues reaching £48M. Looking ahead, the sector remains strong—49% of members anticipate an increase in events for 2025, further driving economic growth and industry innovation."

The research was conducted by Dr James Musgrave on behalf of ABPCO. Responses were received from 59 in-house and agency PCO members of ABPCO. Only one response was submitted by each organisation. This represents 50% of ABPCO member organisations. The final figures were extrapolated from this data. For editors The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) is a dedicated industry association bringing the association events community together to promote and encourage excellence, share, learn and collaborate. ABPCO membership is open to professional conference organisers, suppliers, associates and destinations who clearly demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience required to plan and organise major UK and international conferences.

www.abpco.org