European Exhibition Industry Defies Global Uncertainty with Strong Growth and Investment Outlook

Despite ongoing geopolitical instability, inflationary pressure and rising operational costs, Europe’s exhibition industry continues to demonstrate strong resilience, international expansion and sustained investment in innovation, according to discussions at the 2026 EMECA General Assembly in London.

Representatives from the European Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA) gathered at ExCeL London on 13 May, where members outlined a positive outlook for the sector despite mounting global economic and political challenges affecting international business, travel and live events.

EMECA President Elżbieta Roeske said: “Based on the EMECA Members’ updates during this spring General Assembly, we can affirm that the exhibition industry is a very robust industry even in these times of multiple challenges and uncertainties.”

Trade conflicts, wars, inflation and increasing costs for energy, labour and services continue to place pressure on exhibition organisers and venues across Europe and internationally. Rising travel costs are also influencing booking behaviour and visitor spending patterns across the global events industry.

However, EMECA members said demand for in person exhibitions and events remains exceptionally strong as businesses continue to prioritise face-to-face networking and industry collaboration.

To adapt to changing market conditions, organisers are continuing to diversify their portfolios and expand internationally, while many venues are broadening their activities beyond traditional trade fairs and congresses into sports, entertainment and multifunctional live event spaces.

Sustainability remained another major focus throughout the assembly. Members continue to align with wider decarbonisation targets through investment in renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaics, alongside venue refurbishments, smart logistics systems and energy-efficiency upgrades designed to reduce emissions and improve transport management. EMECA also reaffirmed its support for the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative led by JMIC, which provides guidance, education and carbon measurement tools to help the exhibition industry achieve long-term sustainability goals.

The General Assembly also saw the presentation of the BELA Award 2026, recognising the best exhibition launch of the previous year. The award was presented to PRIVEL, organised by IFEMA Madrid, following the successful debut of the private label exhibition in Madrid in November 2025.

EMECA President Elżbieta Roeske said: “The strength of the format, the clarity of its target audience, the precision of its strategic execution, and the growth prospects it carries forward, made PRIVEL the unanimous choice of the Jury. Congratulations to the entire organising team at IFEMA Madrid.”

Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice-president of IFEMA Madrid, added: “It is an honour to receive this award from the global exhibitions industry, which recognises our ability to generate business and identify new market opportunities.”

PRIVEL attracted 269 exhibitors and 4,800 visitors across 4,200 net square metres during its first edition, with organisers successfully expanding participation beyond the food sector to include a significant number of non-food exhibitors. The exhibition was recognised for its innovation, strong commercial performance and long-term growth potential across Europe and Latin America.

EMECA currently represents 25 leading exhibition venues and organisers across Europe, collectively hosting more than 1,800 trade fairs annually and welcoming approximately 39.2 million visits each year.