CHICAGO — June 4 is designated as Global Exhibitions Day by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, to recognize the power of the industry. This year marks the 10th annual event which aims to build awareness of the industry.
This year’s theme, “Exhibitions Unleash Potential,” is centered around four key messages that highlight how trade shows and exhibitions help to unleash potential for companies, industries, individuals and communities:
- Exhibitions drive collaboration and innovation to transform businesses and industries
- Exhibitions enable new, emerging and established talent to grow and succeed
- Exhibitions power economic development and societal progress for countries and communities
- Exhibitions amplify reach, build brands, foster connections and drive revenue through face-to-face engagement
Data from UFI reports that in 2024, the global exhibition industry generated $398 billion in total output, contributed $233 billion in total GDP and supported 4.3 million jobs. Exhibitions also accounted for 4.6 million exhibiting companies, 138 million square meters of booths rented (more than 1 billion square feet), and 318 million visitors welcomed to shows.
In honor of Global Exhibitions Day, Trade Show Executive (TSE) checked in with some industry powerhouses that were 2025 TSE Power Lunch stars to hear their thoughts on the most powerful byproduct of B2B events, the message they’d share with policymakers and why they’re passionate about creating live events.
Kevin Thornton, Senior Vice President, Infrastructure and Construction, Informa Markets
“The most powerful byproduct of B2B events is the unparalleled opportunity for meaningful connections. These events create a targeted environment where buyers and sellers converge in ways impossible to replicate through other channels. Face-to-face interactions build trust and credibility that digital communications simply cannot match. B2B events facilitate strategic introductions between complementary businesses that might otherwise take years to develop. This accelerated networking creates immediate value for participants and establishes relationships that drive long-term business growth.”
His message to policymakers: “The exhibition industry serves as a powerful economic engine with far-reaching impacts. When exhibitions arrive in a city, they generate immediate economic benefits through visitor spending on accommodations, dining and transportation — but this represents only the beginning of their value.
“B2B events catalyze long-term economic growth both locally and internationally through the global networks they create. When industry leaders convene, significant deals are negotiated, innovations are shared, and economic activity extends well beyond the exhibition hall.
“The exhibition industry should be recognized as vital economic infrastructure deserving support, investment and consideration in economic policy development. With the global B2B exhibitions market projected to reach $931.1 billion by 2031 (growing at a CAGR of 7.5%), the ripple effects benefit communities, businesses and economies at every level.”
Why Kevin’s passionate about the events industry: “In our increasingly digital world, the power of in-person connection remains irreplaceable, particularly in specialized industries like construction. For substantial business deals and partnerships, face-to-face interaction delivers unmatched value.
“Live events create environments where:
- Experts connect with professionals seeking education
- Contractors meet suppliers directly
- Products can be demonstrated in real-time
- Communities celebrate industry advancements
- Innovations gain visibility and accelerate adoption
“These human connections drive industries forward in ways that digital interactions cannot replicate. The ability to physically gather, experience products firsthand, and engage in spontaneous discussions creates an ecosystem where businesses develop and grow through authentic human connection.”
Kris Kiser, CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
“Our event excels at creating social events and business events at the show that foster peer-to-peer engagement. Trade shows and conferences are a powerful tool to bring people together and make connections with people they might otherwise never meet. These events provide attendees and exhibitors one-of-a-kind experiences to learn from one another, and to see the latest technologies and innovations that will advance their businesses.”
What Kris would tell policymakers about the trade show industry: “That it’s a valuable business enterprise — and a successful one. The impact of trade shows can’t be overstated. The numbers are strong — the exhibits industry employs more than 2 million Americans, and generates more than $400 billion — but even greater are the impacts those jobs and people have in their communities and in their industries.”
Why he’s passionate about live events: “We weren’t able to host Equip in 2020. Post-COVID, exhibitors and attendees came to realize just how valuable that face-to-face interaction is. What happens at events like Equip Exposition and others across the world can’t happen online or on your phone. Live events bring people together in the real world to share challenges, solve problems, and in an uncertain time, know that they aren’t alone.”
Liz Irving, CEO, Clarion Events North America
“The most powerful byproduct of B2B events is connection. Business gets done, trust is established, and insights are shared, but it’s the human connection that makes all of it stick. Whether it’s a handshake that sparks a strategic partnership, a chance meeting over coffee that leads to a new job, or the shared energy of a session that brings a team together, live events create moments that build trust faster and deeper than any digital channel can. That connection drives long-term business and personal growth, which is exciting to not only create but to see happen right in front of you.”
Liz’s message to policymakers: “Invest in the exhibitions industry, and you invest in economic growth at scale. B2B events are economic engines that support local and small businesses, connect global markets, and drive innovation in every major sector from energy and healthcare to technology and manufacturing. We don’t just put on shows; we create marketplaces that fuel entire ecosystems. Policymakers should see exhibitions not as events, but as infrastructure for economic development.”
Why she’s passionate about the industry: “Live events remind us we’re human. In a world that’s increasingly digital and transactional, live events bring people together in a way that sparks creativity, builds community, and creates space for serendipity. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-designed event can inspire someone to take a leap in their career, help a small business find a critical partner, or give a young professional a moment that changes everything. Being part of that kind of impact is what keeps me passionate every single day. And when I see how by sharing my passion with my team they too understand their role and impact, you watch their engagement change for our customers — that is meaningful!”
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Mary Beth Shaughnessy, Event Vice President, ISC Security Events, RX
“For me the most powerful byproduct of B2B events would be the networking and creating relationships with our customers. This allows me to meet new customers, strengthen relationships with existing customers, identify partnership opportunities, share industry insights and build trust.”
Her message to policymakers: “The trade show industry isn’t just about hosting events — it’s about building platforms that connect people from across the globe. We enable collaboration, spark innovation, and foster learning by bringing together diverse industries. Trade shows offer businesses the opportunity to showcase products, feature new technologies, and form partnerships. By supporting this industry, we’re not only helping companies grow — we’re making connections and strengthening economies worldwide.”
Why Mary Beth is passionate about events: “I thrive on the energy that comes with organizing in-person trade shows. There’s something incredibly powerful about bringing people together face-to-face — especially in an industry I am passionate about, and I truly love reconnecting with my industry ‘friends’ and customers each year. There’s nothing better than the moment we arrive on-site, the buzz of networking, unveiling the show features we’ve worked on all year, and ultimately celebrating success with my team and peers. It’s more than just an event — it’s a culmination of hard work, creativity and community.”
Mike Karsting, Senior Vice President, Events, World Pet Association (WPA)
“In-person connections truly stand out as the cornerstone of B2B events. The relationships that form on the show floor drive business opportunities, foster peer-to-peer learning and often lead to collaborations that go well beyond the event itself. There’s a unique energy and trust that comes from meeting face-to-face, and those interactions are what create lasting value for everyone involved.”
Mike’s message to policymakers: “For policymakers, I’d highlight not just the positive impact of our industry, but also the challenges we face — especially the persistent issue of scammers. Unfortunately, fraudulent activity has become a common issue, with tactics ranging from unauthorized use of event branding to fake social media accounts used to lure attendees into phishing scams, as well as offers for false attendee lists or hotel bookings outside official room blocks. These schemes put our participants at risk and threaten the trust that is essential to our industry, so support in combating these threats is critical.”
Why he’s passionate about live events: “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an event concept come to life and drive meaningful interactions. Knowing that these experiences help people connect, discover new opportunities and move their businesses forward is what makes the live event creation process so fulfilling for me.”
