Las Vegas, NV – Further signs that the trade show industry was getting back on its feet were seen in the second-quarter earnings report from the Marketing & Events Group at Viad Corp., the parent company of GES, Global Experience Specialists.
The group’s revenues for the quarter were flat compared to the same quarter in 2009, but Viad called that “better than expected” in its previous guidance and possibly a harbinger of better days ahead in 2011. “In 2011, we feel we will start to see some positive momentum,” said Paul Dykstra, chairman, president and CEO of Viad.
Same-show revenues in the Second Quarter were down (1.0)% after a 2009 Q2 in which revenues plunged (22.5)%. Revenues for the First Quarter of 2010 were (10.0)% below the previous year.
Along with a healthy international performance, the Marketing & Events Group benefited from a positive show rotation of approximately $9 million in revenue.
“After seven straight quarters of recessionary declines, U.S. based same-show revenues were essentially flat to 2009, indicating that the exhibition and event industry appears to be stabilizing,” said Dykstra, who is also president and CEO of GES. “The pricing environment, however, remains challenging, especially in the U.S.”
While the remainder of 2010 remained somewhat uncertain due to the higher level of retail shows on the calendar, Dykstra was hopeful that customer demands for lower prices would ease as the overall economy improves.
Reach Paul Dysktra at (702) 263-1560 or pdykstra@gesexpo.com
