The figures, for the six months from April to September 2008, come at a time when other exhibition organisers are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.
“Easy Fairs shows enable exhibitors to do business, develop new contacts and make sales at a fraction of the cost of a traditional trade show,” says UK managing director Peter Heath, pictured. “There is a clear return on investment, and that’s crucial for companies right now.”
The Easy Fairs model is based on delivering all-inclusive stand packages and, in four years, the company has grown from a small portfolio of manufacturing shows in Belgium to 90 shows in 16 countries across Europe and Latin America, across a number of sectors. The company reported a €30 million turnover in its last financial year and recently took on 100 additional staff.
“Large trade fairs are demanding both in terms of time, resource and budget and there is a lot of casual footfall,” says Heath. “That may be great for making a brand statement but if we’re heading towards further economic uncertainty is that really enough? Exhibitors want a tangible return on investment in addition to raising their profile.
Source: ExpoABC, January 2009
