UFI Global Barometer Reveals Solid Exhibition Growth and Widespread AI Use in 2025

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has published its 35th Global Exhibition Barometer, shedding light on early 2025 trends and expectations across the global exhibition sector.

The report shows that 34% of companies anticipate renting more than 5% additional space domestically in 2025, compared to 2024, with activity growth especially strong in markets like Brazil, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In contrast, companies in the US and Germany expect stable conditions, while those in China forecast a downturn.

Workforce trends remain optimistic: 40% of firms plan to hire more staff over the next six months despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Meanwhile, 63% of companies report regular use of AI tools, with 17% integrating these tools into existing systems, and 3% building proprietary AI from internal data. AI is being explored across functions: 72% in efficiency improvements, 68% in customer experience, and 54% in revenue generation.

Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of UFI, emphasizes the contrasts across regions and the encouraging signs for workforce growth and AI adoption. The study captures inputs from 386 companies across 58 countries, offering segmented insights by organizers, venues, and service providers.

Author: Tatiana Rokou
Original source: Event Industry News
Read full report: UFI Global Barometer indicates activity growth in several markets and regular use of AI tools