GL events reports topline growth of 15% for 2024, although exhibition revenues drop 20%

Global event organiser and venue manager GL events has reported topline growth of 15% for 2024, with annual revenue rising to €1.63bn (up from €1.42bn in 2023). The growth was largely driven by the GL Events Live division, where revenues surged 24% over the year to top €1bn.

The Venues division also posted growing revenues, up 13% on the previous year at €442.6m.

The Exhibitions division, however, dropped 20%, recording revenues of €168.2m which the company said reflected a less favourable biennial effect and economic difficulties in the fashion and construction sectors. The year did end on a high for the division, the group reported, however, with Q4 2024 delivering €29.4m or marginal growth of 0.4%. Business in France and Latin America remained buoyant while China showed continuing resilience.

GL events Exhibitions successfully organised major shows that included Première Vision, Hyvolution and Tranoi Femme. A number of major exhibitions were held in the last quarter including Piscine Global in Lyon, Sepem in Grenoble, Fashion Source Autumn and Harbin Seed Industry Expo in China, Première Vision Denim in Milan and Exponaval in Chile.

Olivier Ginon (pictured), chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented: “GL events’ positive momentum remained on track throughout 2024, as we once again exceeded all expectations with a new record of €1.635bn in annual revenue and strong growth of 15%.”

As highlights of 2024, Ginon picked out the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the inauguration of the new Anhembi de São Paulo event space and the launch of projects for the Group such as Marseille’s Chanot Exhibition and Convention Centre and other large-scale sports arenas.

Ginon added: “We are committed to maintaining this growth trajectory in 2025 supported by a favourable biennial effect, by seizing numerous other opportunities (such as the Riesco event space in Santiago, Chile), and by remaining faithful to our mission of creating memorable and sustainable events creating genuine value.”

Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk