CEIR Q2 2025 Index Report Shows Exhibition Industry is Stable Amid Economic Headwinds

Industry Performance Down 8.4% from 2019 Levels, Federal Government Policies Emerge as Top Concern for Event Organizers

DALLAS, 11 September 2025 – Today, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its Q2 2025 Index Report, revealing continued challenges for the exhibition industry as it navigates a complex business environment. The CEIR Total Index registered 8.4% below Q2 2019 levels, representing a slight decline from the 7.7% shortfall recorded in Q2 2024.

Key Exhibition Industry Findings

Exhibition Industry Rebounds, Though Rate of Events Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels Stalls 

While the exhibition industry remains below pre-pandemic levels, Q2 2025 showed modest improvement from Q1 2025, gaining 0.5 percentage points quarter-over-quarter. However, only 32.7% of events in the Index sample have surpassed their pre-pandemic performance, down from 39.6% in Q2 2024.

Attendee Recovery Leads All Metrics

Among the four components of the Total Index, Attendees showed the strongest recovery with only a 3.7% shortfall compared to Q2 2019, followed by Net Square Feet at -4.9%. Exhibitors lagged at -8.8%, while Real Revenues faced the largest challenge at -15.6% below 2019 levels.

Federal Government Policies – a Drag on Q2 Event Performance

A new survey question revealed that federal government policies, including job cuts, agency closings, and grant freezes, have emerged as the most significant negative factors affecting event performance. This represents a shift from Q1 2025, when U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs were the primary concern.

Key Economic Outlook Findings

Recession Risks Remain Elevated but Manageable

Despite economic headwinds, the U.S. economy is projected to avoid recession in 2025, with GDP growth expected at 1.7%. However, the unemployment rate is projected to rise to 4.3% in 2025 from 4.0% in 2024.

Inflation Pressures Persist

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is expected to increase by 3.0% in 2025, with tariffs and geopolitical factors continuing to influence price pressures. Year-ahead inflation expectations have risen to 4.9% in August, up from 4.5%.

Federal Interest Rates Expected to Decline

Interest rates are projected to decrease gradually, with the federal funds rate expected to drop from 4.4% in 2025 to 3.1% by the end of 2026, providing potential relief for business investment and consumer spending.

“The Q2 2025 results reflect an exhibition industry that is generating steady outcomes in a challenging business environment,” said CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC. “While we’re seeing stable overall performance, a notable percentage of organizers attribute federal government actions have negatively impacted event results. This signals the need for continued vigilance and adaptability in event planning to pivot when needed to maximize outcomes in light of unexpected challenges.”

“The exhibition industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite facing significant headwinds," added IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “The strong recovery in attendee numbers, which are approaching pre-pandemic levels, shows that the fundamental value proposition of face-to-face business events remains strong. As we navigate this period of policy uncertainty, our industry’s ability to adapt and serve as essential business platforms will be crucial for sustained recovery.”

The report also noted that event cancellation rates increased to 1.5% in Q2 2025, compared to 0.5% in Q1 2025, suggesting continued volatility as organizers and exhibitors navigate economic uncertainties.

Click here to access the CEIR Index Dashboard and download the complete report.

About CEIR

The official research division of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) advances the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering knowledge-based research tools. These tools enable stakeholder organizations to enhance their ability to meet current and emerging customer needs, improve business performance and strengthen their competitive position. Visit ceir.iaee.com for more information.

About IAEE

Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the world's largest association of the exhibitions and events industry, with members including show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. More than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events worldwide are organized by IAEE members, and the organization advocates for face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.

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来源：IAEE