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Statistics & Figures

Statistics & Figures

The exhibition and conference industry is a vital part of the global economy, with some countries leading in this sector. Below is a list of the largest countries in the exhibition and conference industry based on their economic impact, the volume of hosted events, and the development of their infrastructure:

  1. United States of America
  2. China
  3. Germany
  4. France
  5. United Kingdom
  6. Italy
  7. United Arab Emirates
  8. India
  9. Singapore
  10. Saudi Arabia

The leading countries in this field rely on advanced infrastructure, strong economies, and tourism appeal. The U.S., China, and Germany dominate the global market, while countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia stand out in the Middle East due to rapid growth and significant investments.

The MICE Industry and its Global Economic Impact

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is a key driver of the global economy, fostering trade, industry development, and investment attraction. Below are some recent global and regional statistics:

Global Market Highlights

  • Market Size and Growth: The global exhibitions and events market was valued at approximately $44.02 billion last year and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.88%, reaching $52.68 billion over the next five years.
  • Conference Spending: In 2023, global corporate spending on conference participation reached $32 billion.
  • Direct and Indirect Impact: Exhibitions generated $334.5 billion in business sales in 2019 and supported 3.4 million direct and indirect jobs worldwide.

United States

  • Contributes over $100 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
  • Hosted more than 5,000 exhibitions and conferences annually before the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Provides approximately 1.7 million direct and indirect jobs.
  • Expected to grow at a rate of 4.5% annually over the next five years.

China

  • Hosted 3,844 economic and trade exhibitions in 2024, maintaining steady performance from 2023.
  • The total exhibition area reached 155 million square meters, reflecting a 10.1% increase over the previous year.
  • The China International Import Expo (CIIE) featured 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders, setting a participation record.
  • By the end of 2024, China had 265 UFI-approved exhibition projects, marking a 20% annual growth, showcasing the sector's growing international influence.

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

  • Market Size: The MENA exhibition and conference market is expected to grow from $53.63 billion in 2022 to $76.67 billion by 2028.
  • GCC Market: The event management market in the Gulf Cooperation Council is estimated at $78.25 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 9.06%, reaching $120.73 billion by 2029.

Saudi Arabia

  • The Saudi exhibition and conference market is valued at $2.6 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $5.4 billion by 2029, achieving an 11% CAGR, the fastest growth rate in the Middle East.
  • In 2023, the Kingdom hosted approximately 832 exhibitions, with Riyadh leading in numbers.
  • The total number of events surpassed 17,000 in 2023, with expectations of 40,000 events by 2030.
  • Exhibition sector spending reached SAR 10 billion in 2023, reflecting a 10% increase from 2022.
  • There were over 1,200 licensed exhibition and conference organizers in Saudi Arabia as of 2014.

These figures highlight the critical role of the exhibition and conference industry in driving global and regional economies. Continuous investments in infrastructure and related services are essential for ensuring the sustained growth and prosperity of this dynamic sector.

 

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