After a phase of recovery in 2022, followed by a gradual return to normal in 2023, Paris Region trade shows have almost all returned to pre-Covid levels. Business at 1er half-year 2024 is in line with 2018The latest figures for Paris Region trade fair activity, published by the Paris Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, show that the Paris Region trade fair sector was the most active in the last even-numbered year.
With visitor numbers up +0.5% on the first half of 2018, exhibitor numbers up +8.9% and net stand space up +3.3%, the BtoB trade shows held in the first half of this year are benefiting froma new dynamic. This is in contrast to the consumer shows, which are still lagging behind, with a decline in both visitor numbers (-6.0%) and exhibitor numbers (-11.7%).
These good overall results were driven by key events such as Vinexpo Paris & Wine Paris, JEC World and Paris Packaging Week in the first quarter, and Santexpo, Eurosatory and VivaTechnology in the second. VivaTechnology welcomed 165,000 visitors, an increase of 10% compared with 2023, while the number of start-ups present was 20% higher.
Without these six key shows, the overall results for trade shows would have remained below pre-pandemic levels, with exhibitor attendance and visitor numbers down by at least -5% compared with the first half of 2018. The CCIP notes, for example, that the fashion, textiles, home decoration and design shows have not regained their pre-pandemic attendance levels, even though they have shown themselves to be more dynamic than in 2023. Nevertheless, some trade fairs, such as Lingerie and Bijhorca, have benefited from the return of Asian customersThis is particularly true of the Chinese (+223%).
What can we expect over the coming months, when the tourism industry will be holding its customary meeting? IFTM trade fairThis year's event, which will take place from 17 to 19 September in Hall 1 of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, will focus on the second half of the year. The figures show that the second half of the year is often less rich in key events. In this context, the CCI Paris Ile-de-France believes that ". it is possible that the second half of 2024 will produce less sustained results with, overall, a consolidated year 2024 better than the previous two, but still slightly below 2018" .
