An online marketplace has reported a 44% increase in web traffic over the last seven days.
The global exhibitions industry platform Your Stand Builder said that the spike in site visits indicated a “strong surge” of interest from exhibitors looking to source stand build partners for upcoming in-person events.
Several key exhibition destinations around the world have reopened for business in recent weeks, with others laying out roadmaps and timeframes. Notably, UK prime minister Boris Johnson announced, 22 February, that events without restrictions would be permitted to run from 21 June in England, unless an increase in cases puts further pressure on the country’s health service.
Elsewhere, in the UAE, Gulfood 2021 kicked off on 20 February at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the participation of 2,500 companies from 85 countries.
Matthew Funge, managing director and founder of Your Stand Builder, said that the website has seen an increase of new member sign-ups on both the buyer and seller side, providing further evidence of growing confidence of a strong bounce back in the industry.
“It's been a tough year for everyone in our industry, with a few false dawns along the way,” he told EW. “Now it finally looks as if we are moving closer to a big return for in-person events and the key stakeholders are beginning to mobilise by putting plans in place for later this year.
“This is hugely encouraging, and we hope the momentum continue to build over the coming weeks and months.”
Pictured: International Confex, ExCeL London, 2020
