Exhibition Market Report 2026

The exhibition market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $70.64 billion in 2025 to $74.65 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising global business expansion activities, increasing need for product exposure, growing culture of trade showcasing, expansion of event hosting infrastructure, rising industry networking needs.

The exhibition market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $92.7 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing global marketing initiatives, rising demand for interactive exhibition platforms, growing corporate participation in international expos, expansion of themed exhibition categories, rising focus on experiential marketing. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing organization of large scale public and industry exhibitions, rising emphasis on product showcasing for market visibility, growing participation of businesses in global exhibition platforms, expansion of specialized and niche exhibition categories, strengthening focus on audience engagement and brand interaction.

Growing arts and cultural industries are expected to propel the growth of the exhibition market going forward. The arts and cultural industry refers to a broad sector that encompasses activities and organizations involved in the creation, production, distribution, and promotion of cultural and artistic products and experiences. The growth of the arts and cultural industries is fueled by rising disposable incomes and changing spending patterns, allowing greater investment in cultural and artistic experiences. Exhibitions play a vital role in the arts and cultural industry by providing platforms for showcasing and promoting artistic works, engaging the public, facilitating cultural exchange, offering educational opportunities, supporting market development, and strengthening community connections. For instance, in April 2025, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), a US-based government agency, inflation-adjusted economic activity in the arts and cultural sector grew by 6.6% in 2023, following a 3.8% increase in 2022. Therefore, the growing arts and cultural industries are driving the growth of the exhibition market.

Major companies in the exhibition market are focusing on developing digitally advanced event and exhibition planning products, such as mobile applications, to enhance attendee engagement, streamline operations, and offer innovative solutions for a seamless event experience. These mobile apps provide comprehensive tools for managing event schedules, exhibitor logistics, attendee registration, and interactive features, thus improving the planning and execution of exhibitions and events. For example, in November 2023, Simpleview, a US-based marketing software provider, introduced the Eventsforce mobile app, designed as a cost-effective solution for tourism event organizations to enhance attendee engagement. The app includes user-friendly features for attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and organizers, such as seamless integration with major association management systems (AMS) or customer relationship management (CRM) and event management systems, mobile and desktop access, advanced QR code scanning, and gamification tools to boost engagement.

In April 2024, CloserStill Media, a UK-based media company, acquired Elite Exhibitions for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to enhance CloserStill's portfolio in the cruise ship sector, complementing its existing events in the transportation and design industries. Elite Exhibitions is a UK-based exhibition and conference organizer company.

Major companies operating in the exhibition market report are Reed Exhibitions, Informa Markets, GL Events, Ascential plc, MCH Group, Emerald Expositions, Messe München, Clarion Events, Fiera Milano SpA, NürnbergMesse, Artexis Easyfairs, Comexposium, dmg events, Hyve Group, Tüyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc., Koelnmesse, RAI Amsterdam, Fira Barcelona, Pico Global, Tarsus Group, Messe Düsseldorf, Messe Frankfurt, ITE Group.

North America was the largest region in the exhibition market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the exhibition market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the exhibition market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The exhibition market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as event organization, exhibitor space rental, sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, and ancillary services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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