EUROPEAN EVENTS AND EXHIBITION INDUSTRY ALLIANCE
The European Events and Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEEIA) is a cooperation between the European Major Exhibition Centres Association EMECA, the European Members of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and the European Members of ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association.
Its aim is to represent the common interests of the European Events and Exhibition Industry towards the European Union Institutions and other relevant stakeholders in Brussels. It promotes the impact of the sector, monitors EU issues and advocates the sector’s common interests in order to maintain a favourable operating environment within the EU and globally.
The EU and geographical Europe represent the largest region in the events and exhibition world.
520 exhibition venues with a minimum of 5.000 sqm of gross indoor space are located in Europe representing 36,3% of the world capacity; there are about 1500 exhibitions venues worldwide.
13.700 exhibitions per year are organised in Europe out of 32 000 exhibitions taking place per year worldwide; European exhibitions represent nearly 44% of the global share.
110 millions of sqm net exhibition space were occupied worldwide in 2024, 43.2 millions of which in Europe thus representing 31%.
1.3 million exhibiting companies welcome 101.7 million visitors per year in Europe.
European events and exhibitions are globally leading thanks to their high quality in infrastructure, event and exhibition concepts, services and innovation. The European events and exhibition industry facilitates knowledge exchange, benchmarking and trade at all levels. Events and exhibitions are the most effective marketing tool for companies, especially SMEs. They boost innovation and contribute to growth and jobs in the respective industry sectors. By subject matter, medical sciences, technology, and science lead the way in conferences and congresses, followed by industry and education. These five sectors have remained in the top positions for over a decade, underscoring sustained interest globally in healthcare innovation and digital transformation. Medical sciences leads the field significantly, demonstrating the demand for collaboration in health and life sciences.
Beyond that, the European events and exhibition industry generates considerable social economic effects.
The European Events and Exhibition Industry Alliance is based in Brussels and run by the Secretary General Barbara Weizsäcker.
EMECA
The European Major Exhibition Centres Association EMECA unites 25 leading exhibition venues in Europe, many of which are also exhibition and event organisers. It was formed in 1992, the starting year of the European Union Internal Market. The date marks the beginning of an unprecedented path of growth, enhancement and success for the exhibition industry in Europe. Many exhibition venues have expanded and renewed their premises as the trade fairs and business events increased in quantity and quality and in particular became more and more international. Today, Europe hosts the large majority of the leading international shows for each sector and represents over one third of the global market share. Exhibitions play an active part in the development of local trade. Regular socio-economic impact studies prove the huge effects of exhibition activity on the community and the larger region and the number of jobs generated directly and indirectly. Outside Europe, EMECA Members have become renowned exhibition organisers in key growth regions outside of Europe, helping European companies to thrive in markets worldwide.
EMECA organises various formals of dialogue on topics of interests for its members. Besides, it provides members with studies and offers education and training.
More information about EMECA: www.emeca.eu
UFI
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is the global trade association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry. UFI’s main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry. UFI directly represents more than 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally and also works closely with more than 75 national and regional association members. Close to 900 member organisations in 90 countries and regions worldwide are presently signed up as members. Over 900 international trade fairs proudly bear the UFI-approved label, a quality guarantee for visitors and exhibitors alike. UFI members continue to provide the international business community with a unique marketing media aimed at developing outstanding face-to-face business opportunities.
More information about UFI: www.ufi.org
ICCA
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association and governmental meetings industry.
Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unparalleled data, education, and communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities.
Today, ICCA is one of the most prominent organisations in, and advocates for, the world of international meetings. The ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools, and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings.
More information about ICCA: www.iccaworld.org