Overview and Trends of the Global Exhibition Industry 2026

The year 2026 became a turning point for the global exhibition industry. According to the latest Exhibition Global Market Report 2026 (published on March 16), the global market volume is expected to grow from $70.6 billion in 2025 to $74.6 billion in 2026 (CAGR 5.7%). By the early 2030s, it is expected to exceed $90 billion. The industry has definitively stopped being just a marketing tool — it is now a strategic driver of growth and trust-building.

Key Growth Forecasts for 2026

According to the UFI Global Exhibition Barometer (January 2026):

• 44% of companies expect rented space to grow by more than 5%
• 33% forecast profit growth over 10%, while 58% expect stability (±10%)
• Market activity: growth >5% — 44%, stability — 41%, decline >5% — only 8%
• In the USA, 92% of organizers are confident in positive market dynamics

In India, an annual growth of 10% is projected, making the country one of the most dynamic markets.

New Market Rankings and Multidimensional Assessment

The consulting firm jwc confirmed in its Global Industry Performance Review 2025 that the size of venues is no longer the main factor. A multidimensional assessment framework has been introduced for the first time (economic potential + quality of the business ecosystem + competitive opportunity). France has risen to 3rd place, surpassing Germany. India has entered the top 10 despite its relatively small infrastructure.

Important Industry Changes

• ECA 2.0 — The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (USA) has introduced a new strategy and appointed its first President & CEO, Tommy Goodwin. The focus is on enhancing political lobbying and supporting organizers.
• The market remains highly fragmented: the top 10 players control only 7% of the market (the leader is Informa Markets with 1%).

Main Trends in the Exhibition Industry for 2026

Experts highlight five key directions:

• Integration of AI and data-driven approaches — personalization, visitor behavior analytics, and matchmaking automation.
• Sustainability as a standard — modular recyclable stands, reducing carbon footprint, “green” materials.
• Hybrid formats — combining offline and online for maximum reach.
• The human factor — emphasis on live interactions and emotional experiences (VR/AR complement but do not replace personal communication).
• Modular and flexible structures — reducing costs and quickly adapting to different events.

Conclusion

2026 confirms: the exhibition industry has reached a new level. Steady market growth, digitalization, sustainability, and a focus on real human interaction make exhibitions one of the most effective business tools. Organizers and exhibitors who implement these trends today will gain maximum advantage in the coming years.

Data source: Exhibition Global Market Report 2026, UFI Global Barometer, jwc GIPR 2025, ECA 2.0 (March 2026).