Snöcap September 12, 2025
Snöball correspondent
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Hello!
Hope you're planning to have a nice weekend ahead! Before signing off, here's our latest Snöcap with our top event stories of the week. Have a read below!
The headlines this week:
- Exhibition industry holds steady despite economic challenges: CEIR Q2 2025 Index Report
- IAEE, CEIR partner with MBB Consulting and Dr Sam Potolicchio for strategic consulting services
- NürnbergMesse Group's Greek subsidiary FORUM S.A. acquires O.MIND CREATIVES
- Emerald Holding names Danielle Puceta as new Chief Digital Officer
- Messe Frankfurt marks regional expansion with launch of Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia
- Who is hiring?
Exhibition industry holds steady despite economic challenges: CEIR Q2 2025 Index Report
The exhibition industry maintained performance levels in the second quarter despite ongoing challenges, according to data released by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
The CEIR Total Index registered 8.4% below second quarter 2019 levels, representing a decline from the 7.7% shortfall recorded in the same period last year. The industry showed quarter-over-quarter improvement of 0.5 percentage points from the first quarter of 2025.
Performance Metrics
The report revealed mixed results across key performance indicators:
- Attendees: 3.7% below 2019 levels (strongest recovery)
- Net Square Feet: 4.9% below 2019 levels
- Exhibitors: 8.8% below 2019 levels
- Real Revenues: 15.6% below 2019 levels (weakest performance)
Only 32.7% of events in the index sample surpassed pre-pandemic performance levels, down from 39.6% in the second quarter of 2024.
Government Policies Impact Events
Federal government policies emerged as the most significant factor affecting event performance, according to survey responses. Job cuts, agency closures and grant freezes replaced tariffs as the primary concern for event organizers.
Event cancellation rates increased to 1.5% in the second quarter from 0.5% in the first quarter, indicating continued volatility in the sector.
Economic Outlook
The report includes economic projections for 2025:
- GDP Growth: 1.7% expected
- Unemployment Rate: Projected to rise to 4.3% from 4.0% in 2024
- Consumer Price Index: 3.0% inflation expected
- Federal Funds Rate: Expected to decline from 4.4% in 2025 to 3.1% by end of 2026
"The Q2 2025 results reflect an exhibition industry that is generating steady outcomes in a challenging business environment," said Nancy Drapeau, CEIR vice president of research. "A notable percentage of organizers attribute federal government actions have negatively impacted event results."
Marsha Flanagan, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), said the industry demonstrates resilience despite headwinds.
"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," Flanagan said.
IAEE, CEIR partner with MBB Consulting and Dr Sam Potolicchio for strategic consulting services
In more news, the IAEE and the CEIR have announced a partnership with MBB Consulting Group and Dr. Sam Potolicchio to provide consulting services to the exhibitions and events industry.
The collaboration will offer IAEE members access to strategic advisory services that combine research insights with consulting expertise, the organizations said Tuesday.
Dr. Potolicchio, a geopolitical strategy and leadership consultant, will provide guidance on navigating uncertainties and making strategic decisions. His services include leadership development programs focusing on executive capabilities and soft skills training.
MBB Consulting Group, a management strategy consultancy, will deliver growth and profitability strategies, market intelligence, merger and acquisition advisory services, and venue consulting services for the exhibitions and events sector.
"IAEE and CEIR are committed to providing members with actionable insights and tools to thrive in today's events landscape," said Marsha Flanagan, IAEE president and CEO. "This partnership brings expertise to our community, combining research-driven insights with strategic implementation to help our members succeed."
Potolicchio said the exhibitions industry is at a pivotal moment and organizations that use research-driven insights and strategic guidance will be positioned to succeed.
"I'm excited to work with IAEE members to provide solutions that address today's challenges and prepare them for tomorrow's opportunities," he said.
Matthias Tesi Baur, CEO and founder of MBB Consulting, said the company is partnering with IAEE and CEIR to support the exhibitions and events community.
"By combining our operational expertise with consulting capabilities, we can help organizations unlock growth, improve performance and navigate market dynamics," Baur said.
The partnership will also offer educational programs and workshops, providing professional development opportunities alongside strategic consulting.
NürnbergMesse Group's Greek subsidiary FORUM S.A. acquires O.MIND CREATIVES
FORUM S.A., the Greek subsidiary of Germany's NürnbergMesse Group, announced Wednesday it has acquired Greek trade fair and publishing company O.MIND CREATIVES.
The acquisition was disclosed at a press conference in Athens, where Thanos Panagoulias, president and CEO of FORUM S.A., said the companies will work together to build on their successes and address future challenges guided by NürnbergMesse Group's corporate values.
O.MIND CREATIVES, founded in 2005, organizes trade fairs in logistics and food industries. Its portfolio includes Supply Chain & Logistics, Cargo Truck & Van, and food-related events such as Meat & Grill Days and Dairy Expo.
The deal will expand FORUM S.A.'s operations into new industry sectors and allow the company to organize its first event outside Athens. The 10th edition of Supply Chain & Logistics will be held in Athens from Oct. 18-20, while the Logistics & Transports Expo in Thessaloniki will mark FORUM's expansion beyond the capital.
Emerald Holding names Danielle Puceta as new Chief Digital Officer
Emerald Holding Inc. has named Danielle Puceta as Chief Digital Officer, effective immediately. The role is newly created.
Puceta will lead the company's digital strategy and business transformation efforts. Her responsibilities include overseeing Event Tech platform expansion, lead-generation programs and artificial intelligence integration.
She will continue as general manager of Elastic Suite, Emerald's B2B ecommerce and digital merchandising platform, while taking on the additional CDO duties.
"Danielle's expertise in digital strategy, business transformation and product innovation makes her the right leader to guide Emerald into its next phase of growth," said Hervé Sedky, president and CEO.
Messe Frankfurt marks regional expansion with launch of Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia
Messe Frankfurt launched its new subsidiary, Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, as part of its investment strategy in the Kingdom's exhibition industry.
The German trade fair organizer established the subsidiary to handle business activities in Saudi Arabia and develop platforms for industry interaction. The move supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.
Messe Frankfurt appointed Azzan Mohamed, as managing director of the Saudi subsidiary. Mohamed will report to Ted Bloom, chief executive officer of Messe Frankfurt Middle East in Dubai.
Mohamed will oversee commercial operations, the existing event portfolio and development of new sector-specific formats. He will also manage government relations and ensure company activities align with corporate objectives and local stakeholder needs.
"With more than twelve years of industry experience, Azzan has an in-depth knowledge of the market and a proven track record with large-scale exhibition formats across the MENA region," said Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt.
Who is hiring?
This section highlights the latest job positions in the events and associations industry. Here are some new roles that have opened up:
Microsoft
Director of Event Venue Strategy, Contracts, and City Engagement
Explori
Senior Marketing Manager
Opus Agency
Strategy Director
G-P
Event Manager, Developer Events
LockHeed Martin
Protocol & Events Senior Manager
Interested in learning how peer-to-peer marketing can boost your event registrations and audience engagement? Book a chat to know how Snöball can help .
