EMECA members disclose positive figures

31.05.2018

Stable growth for all and best 2017 figures ever for some are the impressively good news reported at the EMECA general assembly celebrated at Deutsche Messe in Hanover. Economies in European countries that have suffered most during the crisis are back with steady growth rates which is reflected in the results of the EMECA members in these countries.

“We are very proud of our members’ performance which shows that quality of venues and of the events held at our premises, thorough investments and a veritable strategic outlook pay off. EMECA assemblies and working groups contribute to learning from one another and directing our perception to essential questions”, explains Claude Membrez, EMECA president and CEO of Palexpo Geneva.Revenues stem from a variety of activities: while services play an ever bigger role for some members, others report a growing or already high income share from global business. There is a tendency to align global exhibition portfolios clearly along the sectors and communities covered by the trade fairs celebrated at the European home venues. Only few engage in venue management abroad.
Investment into the trade fair premises continues on a high level as multiannual plans are being implemented. These focus on building new halls, in some cases adding square metres to the European home venues, or on permanent upgrading and refreshing existing exhibition space. Investments into IT infrastructure and digital services are maintained on a high level, too.

Guest speaker Torsten Windels, chief economist at Nord LB bank, presented a comprehensive picture of economic indicators for Europe and worldwide and highlighted some challenges. The most important ones are populist and protectionist tendencies in Europe, but also in countries around the world on which the European economic success heavily relies. This will impact these countries’ economic performance and change Europe’s relations with them. Growth in Europe itself is moderate, while European export is strong but it may be harmed by protectionism. “All these interdependencies may impact our business and require utmost attention in order to react quickly and adapt our engagement”, says Andreas Gruchow, EMECA vice president treasurer and member of the managing board of Deutsche Messe, Hanover.