Exhibition industry can grow with government support

The exhibition market is projected to grow from USD 45.1 billion in 2025 to USD 88.7 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 7.0%. Trade shows will dominate with a 39.4% market share, while large enterprise will lead the enterprise size segment with a 58.7% share.

Between 2025 and 2029, the industry remains in an accelerated adoption phase, supported by steady annual increments from USD 45.1 billion to USD 59.1 billion. During this period, expansion is driven by greater corporate participation, demand for brand visibility, and hybrid event models integrating physical and digital exhibitions.

From 2030 to 2035, values rise from USD 63.3 billion to USD 88.7 billion, showing that while growth remains strong, the pace stabilizes, reflecting entry into the late majority phase of the adoption lifecycle. Market players emphasize innovation in visitor engagement and sustainability standards to maintain competitiveness. The exhibition sector demonstrates a sustained but controlled climb along the maturity curve, highlighting resilience and adaptability while progressing toward broader mainstream adoption.

Key Growth Regions in Exhibition Market: North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Top Key Players in Exhibition Market are Reed Exhibitions, Informa PLC, Messe Frankfurt, Messe Düsseldorf, Fiera Milano, Emerald Expositions Events, Inc., and Koelnmesse GmbH.

Within tourism and hospitality, a 2.4% contribution is observed, supported by travel and accommodation spending. Venue management and infrastructure account for 6.1% of exhibition-driven activities. Recent industry trends highlight the accelerated shift toward hybrid exhibition formats, where physical and virtual participation are integrated to expand global reach. Groundbreaking strategies have included investments in digital platforms for virtual booths, AI-driven matchmaking tools, and immersive technologies such as AR and VR for product demonstrations.

Key players have focused on sustainability by introducing energy-efficient exhibition spaces and reducing material waste through reusable booth structures. Strategic collaborations with technology providers have further enhanced the value proposition by enabling data analytics to measure visitor engagement.

The exhibition market is experiencing consistent growth, supported by increasing corporate emphasis on brand visibility, networking, and direct customer engagement. Rising globalization of business, expanding cross-border trade, and the need for face-to-face marketing in high-value sectors are driving event participation.

Technological integration, including virtual and hybrid formats, is enhancing attendee reach and operational flexibility while complementing physical events. Investment in large-scale venues, advanced logistics, and attendee experience optimization is further boosting market appeal.

Regional growth is being propelled by government initiatives to promote trade, tourism, and investment through business events. Over the forecast period, the market is expected to benefit from sustained demand across industries such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer goods, with exhibitors focusing on measurable ROI, enhanced digital engagement, and strategic collaborations to maximize impact.

The expansion of international trade has reinforced the relevance of exhibitions as critical platforms for showcasing products and services to global audiences. Businesses are leveraging exhibitions to reach potential clients across new geographies, leading to higher participation in international trade fairs. Developing markets in the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are witnessing rapid growth in exhibition hosting due to rising investments and infrastructure development. Established exhibition hubs in Europe and North America continue to attract strong global participation. The role of exhibitions as catalysts for cross border partnerships has been reinforced, driving their significance in global commerce.

The exhibition market has been influenced by the integration of digital platforms, enabling hybrid participation models. Virtual and augmented reality solutions, live streaming, and digital networking tools have expanded audience reach beyond physical event boundaries. Companies are adopting these solutions to maximize engagement while reducing travel and operational expenses. The hybrid format has proven valuable in attracting both international and local participants simultaneously. While in-person experiences remain irreplaceable for product demonstrations and relationship building, digital components are enhancing the accessibility of exhibitions. This shift has transformed the competitive dynamics, making technological integration a key factor in event success.

The United Kingdom recorded 6.7%, reflecting stable demand for exhibitions in finance, technology, and cultural platforms. The United States posted 6.0%, supported by strong activity in entertainment expos, business conventions, and academic conferences.

India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% in the market, supported by rising trade volumes and increasing corporate investments in promotional activities. The development of modern convention centers in major cities has expanded the country’s ability to host domestic and international exhibitions. Industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and technology are leading participants, showcasing significant demand for organized exhibition spaces. Digital adoption is improving audience engagement, with hybrid formats allowing broader access to events. Strong government support through trade promotion councils and industry associations is expected to provide further growth momentum. India’s expanding economy and evolving business environment are set to maintain a positive outlook for the exhibition market.