Nr. 6/2010 AUMA Annual Press Conference German trade fair industry on the road to recovery 4 % less exhibitors at German trade fairs in 2009 Only marginal decline in German-run trade fairs abroad 29.06.2010 In 2009 there was a significant decline in exhibitor and visitor attendance at international trade fairs in Germany. This was anticipated due to the recession. However, the results for the first six months of 2010 indicate a good recovery, so that overall in 2010 the figures are expected to even out. These were the facts emphasised by Hans-Joachim Boekstegers, Chairman of the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA), at the association’s Annual Press Conference on 17 June 2010 in Berlin. He noted that at the 135 international trade fairs which took place exhibitor attendance fell by 4.3 %. Participation at trade fairs in Germany fell by 3.5 %, limiting the decline in exhibitor numbers. Clearly, although they had cut back on spending, German exhibitors largely avoided not taking part in domestic trade fairs. Furthermore, national demand within Germany remained relatively stable. Exports in particular were responsible for the drop in the gross domestic product. Boekstegers remarked that there was an above-average in the number of exhibitors from abroad (-5 %). The recession had particularly affected global trade, which shrank considerably in 2009. Accordingly, foreign exhibitors were very cautious with their plans. Decline in participation by exhibitors from abroad varied considerably from region to region. Thus participation by exhibitors from Russia fell by almost 40 %, from Japan by 13 % and from Taiwan by 12 %. By contrast, exhibitor numbers from EU countries declined by only 3 %, and by 4 % from the USA and China. He noted that at -6 % the reduction in the amount of rented space was even greater than the fall in exhibitor numbers. Despite not many companies staying away from trade fairs, a number of those remaining reduced the size of their stands. In general this was done for good reason, if for the time being they needed to save costs. Boekstegers added that exhibitors who do not turn up are conspicuous by their absence and leave a negative impression. In 2009, compared with corresponding events in previous years, trade fairs reported an 8.4 % drop in visitor attendance. Boekstegers: “That comes as no surprise, as companies without money will currently dispense with obtaining information.“ Furthermore, cost-cutting measures also influenced travel spending, sometimes rather too quickly. Overall, 154,155 exhibitors and 8,916,693 visitors attended the 135 international trade fairs which took place last year. The amount of rented space totalled 5,781,738 m˛. According to Boekstegers the recession had no significant effect on the standing of the various types of trade fair. Each type – be it a global leader, a national trade fair or a specialised event – had its place, providing it targeted certain sectors, regions and audiences. Outlook for 2010 Boekstegers noted that on average the figures for international trade fairs during the first six months of 2010 had been relatively stable. Clearly the trade fair industry was on the road to recovery, although a return to growth in 2010 was unlikely, as any decision to take part in a trade fair required long-term preparation. AUMA expects that in 2010 the overall figures for exhibitor and visitor attendance and for rented space will be 0 to 2 % lower than for the corresponding events in previous years, possibly with slightly less favourable results for the amount of space occupied. According to Boekstegers, compared with their international counterparts German trade fairs were faring well, and in some cases had even improved their standing. In a number of countries such as Spain, the UK, Russia and the USA the trade fair industry had suffered a double-digit decline. And within the range of marketing instruments trade fairs still remained stable. Clearly, German trade fairs had “only“ suffered an economic downturn, but not a structural crisis. German trade fair presence in China continues to grow In 2009, the year of the recession, the number of trade fairs abroad held by German organisers fell only marginally, to 211, compared with 220 in 2008. In fact 235 events are scheduled to take place around the world in 2010. In 2009, compared with corresponding events in previous years, average exhibitor numbers fell by 4.3 %, roughly the same as at domestic trade fairs, commented AUMA’s managing director Dr. Peter Neven. However, with exhibitors renting considerably smaller stands, at -8.1 % the decline in the amount of display space was more serious. Due to a number of consumer trade fairs experiencing considerable growth visitor attendance had actually risen by 4.5 %. According to Dr. Neven, the losses suffered abroad varied greatly from region to region. Thus in China exhibitor and visitor attendance increased by 3 % and 10 % respectively, although growth was not as high as in previous years. However, in Russia double-digit losses were practically the norm. On average, exhibitor numbers at German trade fairs in Russia fell by 16 %, and visitor attendance by 13 %. In terms of where German trade fairs abroad take place, the regions of Southern, Eastern and Central Asia still feature prominently (56 %), followed by the non-European countries of the EU (about 22 %). Russia leads the standings here, followed by the Middle East (8 %) and South America (6.6 %). With regard to the issue of sustainability, according to Dr. Neven the German trade fair industry boasted excellent credentials. More than 15 years ago the German trade fair industry already laid down environmental standards, which were exemplary on international level, and in recent years it has put numerous measures in place to fulfil its responsibilities towards society. Regarding the topic of sustainability AUMA provides a platform for an exchange of views among exhibitors, visitors, organisers, exhibition hall operators and service providers. Press contact: Harald Koetter, phone: +49/30/24 000-140, fax: +49/30/24 000-340, email: h.koetter@auma.de download eps-file Trade Fairs in Germany: Keyfigures 2009 download eps-file Trade Fairs Abroad by German Organisers: Number of events Veröffentlichung kostenfrei Beleg erbeten / Publication free File copy requested Copyright © 2010 AUMA_Ausstellungs- und Messe-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft e.V. Last update: 6/2010