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The UK events industry is booming! From bustling trade shows to world-class music festivals, events offer a powerful platform to connect, engage, and generate leads.
But in a competitive landscape, how can you ensure your event stands out?
Here's a look at the top 20 event marketing stats to fuel your strategy in 2025, with insights to make them work for you:
UK Event Marketing Stats 2025
1. 95% of exhibitors in the UK prefer 'in-person' to 'virtual' events
Face-to-Face is Key: Whilst virtual events did gain in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s no substitute for face-to-face events.
2. 85 million people attend events in the UK annually
Experiences First: The UK has some of the world’s biggest events, attracting visitors from Europe and further afield. Plan engaging activities, workshops, or entertainment to make your event unforgettable.
3. Three-quarters of meetings and events in 2024 will be either fully in-person (59%) or hybrid (20%).
Hybrid is Here to Stay: It’s important to cater to a wider audience by offering a virtual component alongside your live event.
4. 14% of a marketing budget goes towards event marketing on average
Marketing Matters: Investing in strategic event promotion is essential to maximise your event's success.
5. The UK events industry is valued at a staggering £42 billion
The UK Event Industry Powerhouse: This figure highlights the importance of the events industry for the UK and the vast potential for growth in the UK market.
6. The UK is a leader in trade shows, with London boasting the second-highest number of international trade shows per city globally
Trade Show Focus: Trade shows are a vital way for industries to exchange ideas and find new products and services, with London a global powerhouse for these events.
7. 61% of event technology companies offer at least one AI-powered feature, with matchmaking the most popular use of AI.
Adopt an AI: Consider incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance the attendee experience, with AI-enhanced attendee matchmaking tools the hottest option.
8. Sponsorship is a major revenue source in the UK events industry, accounting for an estimated 46% of total revenue.
Sponsorship Power: Event organisers should explore sponsorship opportunities to generate additional income and brand exposure.
9. The UK events market is projected to grow by 5.1% in 2024
Post-Pandemic Growth: After a very bumpy ride during Covid-19, when the events industry had to shut down completely, the industry is now rediscovering its growth potential.
10. 65% of UK businesses said that events such as in-person trade shows were an invaluable part of their marketing strategy
Trade Shows Vital for UK Businesses: Many UK businesses utilise event marketing such as trade shows as a useful marketing strategy, with many benefits of face-to-face networking.
11. Event marketing budgets in the UK have increased by 23.1% in Q1 2024 compared to a +15.9% increase in Q4 2023.
Event Budgets on the RIse: 2024 has got off to to a bang in the UK event industry, with budgets up 7.2% on the previous quarter.
12. The UK events industry employs over 700,000 people.
Events=Employees: There are a whole host of jobs created in the UK by the events industry, with over 700,000 people employed in this sector.
13. 92% of Businesses Plan to Be More Sustainable when Exhibiting at Events
Sustainibility is Key: Events such as trade shows can be harmful to the environment. As awareness grows of this trend, sustainability is becoming more and more important to both exhibitors and attendees.
14. 71% of SMEs won business using face-to-face networking
Network for Success: For small and medium-sized enterprises, events are an effective means of generating new business, with relatively low costs compared to other marketing channels .
15. The perception of a brand that is not represented at an event falls by 5%. This is true even for global brands.
Make your Brand Visible: Having a presence at a brand event is vital for how your brand is perceived. It may not lead to direct sales at the time but the importance of your brand in the eyes of consumers may fall.
16. 95% of marketers believe that face-to-face interactions are essential for building customer relationships.
Seeing is Believing: In-person events help build loyal relationships between consumers and businesses.
17. 63% of UK event planners leverage influencer marketing in their social media strategy
Influencer Marketing Boost: Event planners should consider partnering with relevant UK-based influencers to reach a wider audience.
18. 72% of UK event attendees expect to receive a post-event follow-up email within 48 hours
Lead Capture Strategies: Develop a targeted email nurturing campaign to build attendee loyalty and encourage sign-up to your next event.
19. 64% of consumers retain positive impressions of brands they interact with at live events.
Live Events Help Brand Perception: Live events can help improve the perception of brands that showcase themselves at events.
20. The UK events industry is projected to reach a valuation of $139.9 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 5.0% from 2023 to 2032.
Sustained Growth in the Event Sector: With 5% project annual growth per year, the UK events industry looks to go from strength to strength into the 2030s.
UK Event Marketing Facts Demonstrate The Good Health of the Industry
By understanding these key event marketing statistics, you can improve your event marketing strategy and get more out of your events.
For expert help with display stands for events, Display Wizard can help. We offer display stands for exhibitions such as pop up displays, modular reusable stands and even illuminated LED exhibition stands!
Get in touch to see how we can help your business maximise your next trade show.
Sources:
The UK Events Report 2020 - UK Government Reports
The UK Events Report 2020 - UK Government Reports
Association of Event Organisers Global Event Study 2019
The UK Events Report 2020 - UK Government Reports
Statista
The UK Events Report 2020 - UK Government Reports
posted in Marketing Advice
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