International Fairs Day commemorates a decade of sustained growth and an economic impact of €13.000 billion in Spain.

 

The Spanish trade fair sector joins this 4 June to the world celebration of Global Exhibitions Day (GED), an initiative now in its tenth year and seeking to raise awareness about the economic and social significance of the industry. Under the motto "Trade fairs unleash potential" (Exhibitions unleash potential), this year's campaign emphasizes the power of these events to drive innovation, collaboration, economic development, and social progress in communities, businesses, and individuals.

 

La Association of Spanish Fairs (AFE), a member of UFI and voice of the sector in Spain, celebrates this anniversary with figures that support the sustained growth of the activity. In 2024, the Spanish trade fair market hosted 445 trade fairs and events with commercial exhibitions, an increase from 433 in 2023. These events attracted more than 7,5 million visitors and were attended by 60.105 exhibitors, which occupied a total net area of ​​almost 4 million square meters.

 

 

Spain, with 47 associate members in AFE and a history dating back to 1964, is positioned among the main trade fair countries in Europe, along with Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

 

 

Xabier Basañez, president of AFE, highlighted the significance of this day: “We have reached the 10th edition of Global Exhibitions Day, which is a significant date in the calendar for our sector and an incomparable opportunity for celebration. And what better reason to celebrate than to continue to see sustained growth over the years, as demonstrated by the comparative figures?” Basañez added that GED 2025 underscores the potential of trade fairs for individuals, companies, and sectors, as well as their potential for collaboration and innovation, success, economic and social development, brand building, and fostering personal connections and commercial growth.

 

The economic impact of the trade fair sector in Spain is significant. In 2024, the activity generated a economic impact of 13.000 million euros in direct, indirect and induced production, which represents a contribution to GDP of 6.500 billion euros. In addition, the fairs contributed to the creation of 123.000 direct and indirect jobsThe forecasts for 2025 anticipate a similarly positive outlook, with the sector consolidating its position as a key economic driver.

 

Despite their obvious contribution, the trade fair industry is still seeking greater recognition. “Trade fairs do not yet receive the appreciation and attention they deserve, in our view, despite being indispensable tools for companies in different economic sectors and having a significant impact on the regions where they are held, positively impacting a wide variety of activities and generating wealth and employment,” emphasizes the AFE.

 

On a global scale, the trade fair landscape is also robust. Oxford Economics, through UFI, estimates that in 2024, 32.000 fairs annually at 1.432 exhibition venues around the world. These events brought together 4,6 million exhibitors y 318 million visitors, generating a contribution to the world GDP of 215.000 millones de euros and 4,3 million direct and indirect jobs. Europe, with 505 fairgrounds, is a key player in this scenario, contributing €54.000 billion to GDP and creating one million jobs.