The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA), commenting on the results of UFI’s 7th Global Barometer Survey, says that these results point to the resilience of the exhibition market and its vital importance as a marketing channel.

“This is good news for our part of the world and underscores how exhibitions are a legitimate and vital channel for investment, because they deliver results,” said Joyce DiMascio, general manager, EEAA.

“Whilst most growth is being driven out of China, the general return to more buoyant conditions in our region is a welcome sign that our industry remains a major focus for marketing activity and company investment.”

According to UFI’s survey*, the trade fair industry in Asia expanded by 4.3% in 2010. Net area sold by organisers in Asia reached a total of 15.5 million m2 – nearly double that since the first edition of the report was published in 2004 when 8.1 million m2 was sold in Asia.

Worldwide, the picture is also more positive, showing that the majority of all companies globally are now registering a return to gross turnover growth. UFI commented that the exhibition industry ‘has regained its stride’ and ‘is moving forward with confidence’.

Full survey results can be downloaded at www.ufi.org