Event organisers UBM post 1.5% fall in revenue
UBM saw events revenue fall by 1.5 per cent in 2009 but viewed this as a success considering the backdrop of recession.
The event organisers recorded income of £287.5 million last year, down from £291.8 million in 2008.
In addition, 12-month forward bookings for its top 20 annual events are down by 1.7 per cent, according to the figures.
However, large trade shows fared well, growing by nearly 12 per cent last year. These contribute around half of UBM's events revenue.
David Levin, chief executive of UBM, described the performance as "disciplined and resilient".
"Our events business traded well in 2009, contributing more than half our adjusted operating profits and demonstrating the growing importance of market-leading face-to-face events in the digital age," he commented.
Recent research by FaceTime found that almost three-quarters of show visitors believe live events are the best form of marketing as they allow personal interaction.