Global B2B Events Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the global B2B Events Market is expected to record a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2032. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 498.41 Billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 929.29 Billion.

The B2B events market encompasses a dynamic industry facilitating business interactions, knowledge exchange, and brand visibility. It involves conferences, trade shows, and seminars where businesses engage for networking, collaboration, and professional development.

Fuelled by digital transformation, the market has evolved with virtual and hybrid event formats, providing global accessibility. Key players, such as Informa, Reed Exhibitions, and Cvent, drive innovation through technology, while trends like data analytics, sustainability, and immersive experiences shape the industry.

B2B events serve as vital platforms for industries to showcase products, foster partnerships, and stay abreast of market trends.

B2B Events Market – Significant Growth Factors

The B2B Events Market presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Digital Transformation: Accelerated digital transformation has driven the adoption of virtual and hybrid B2B events, enhancing accessibility and global reach.

• Networking and Relationship Building: B2B events serve as crucial platforms for networking, fostering relationships, and facilitating strategic partnerships and collaborations.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge Sharing: The demand for specialized knowledge exchange through conferences and seminars fuels the growth of B2B events, promoting industry-specific insights and expertise.

• Innovative Event Technology: Continuous innovation in event technology, including AR, VR, and AI, enhances attendee engagement, creating interactive and immersive event experiences.

• Data Analytics for ROI: Leveraging advanced data analytics tools provides opportunities to measure and enhance the return on investment, refining event strategies for better outcomes.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The rising focus on sustainability presents an opportunity for B2B events to adopt eco-friendly practices, reducing environmental impact and attracting socially conscious participants and sponsors.

B2B Events Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The B2B Events Market has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and leverage synergies to improve their product offerings and profitability. Some notable examples of mergers and acquisitions in the B2B Events Market include:

• In 2023, Zoom introduced a new event management solution, enhancing user flexibility and expanding features for single-session virtual events. This innovation reflects Zoom’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions, catering to the evolving needs of users in the dynamic landscape of virtual gatherings.

• In 2023, Informa reinforced its B2B market leadership by acquiring Tarsus, a B2B Events group, for $940M. This strategic move enhances Informa’s international presence in Academic Markets, B2B Markets, and Digital Services, solidifying its position as a key player in the dynamic B2B events industry.

• In 2023, Virtual and hybrid event technology provider Hubilo acquired Fielddrive, a Belgian company specializing in on-site event technology like check-in, badging, and access management. This strategic move aligns with the trend of virtual event firms broadening their capabilities to include in-person events, creating a more comprehensive and integrated event management offering.

These mergers and acquisitions have helped companies expand their product offerings, improve their market presence, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the B2B Events Market. The trend is expected to continue as companies seek to gain a competitive edge in the market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

B2B Events Market – Significant Threats

The B2B Events Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Public Health Concerns: Public health crises, such as pandemics or outbreaks, pose significant threats to B2B events by leading to cancellations, reduced attendance, and increased health and safety regulations.

• Economic Instability: Economic downturns and uncertainties can impact corporate budgets, leading to reduced spending on B2B events, fewer sponsorships, and decreased participation, affecting the overall revenue of event organizers.

• Competitive Landscape: Intense competition among event organizers and the emergence of alternative networking platforms, such as online forums and social media groups, pose threats to the market share and relevance of traditional B2B events.

• Technological Disruptions: Rapid advancements in technology may disrupt traditional event formats, making them less appealing or outdated. Failure to adapt to technological trends could result in diminished attendee engagement and decreased event effectiveness.
• Geopolitical Factors: Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and regulatory changes in different regions can disrupt international B2B events, leading to logistical challenges, visa restrictions, and uncertainties in cross-border collaborations and partnerships.

Category-Wise Insights

By Industry Verticals:

• Technology: In the dynamic realm of technology B2B events, industry professionals converge to explore cutting-edge innovations, network with key players, and showcase groundbreaking products. Trends include the surge in virtual tech expos, AI-driven conferences, and forums addressing the latest advancements in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT).

• Healthcare: Healthcare B2B events form critical platforms where professionals engage in collaborative discussions, share medical breakthroughs, and foster partnerships. Virtual medical conferences, telehealth symposiums, and expos spotlighting healthcare technology are prevailing trends, reflecting the industry’s focus on innovative solutions, patient-centric care, and digital health advancements.

• Finance: In the finance B2B events landscape, professionals converge to navigate regulatory landscapes, explore fintech innovations, and foster strategic alliances. Virtual finance forums, blockchain conferences, and expos focusing on digital payments and decentralized finance (DeFi) are prominent trends, reflecting the financial sector’s quest for technological evolution and compliance.

• Manufacturing: B2B events in the manufacturing sector serve as hubs for industry trends, supply chain discussions, and technological advancements. The integration of Industry 4.0 discussions, sustainable manufacturing expos, and global supply chain forums are trends shaping these events. The focus is on fostering collaboration, exploring innovative manufacturing technologies, and navigating the complexities of a globalized supply chain.

• Retail: Retail B2B events are pivotal for professionals aiming to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving consumer landscape. These events emphasize product launches, discussions on retail technologies, and insights into changing consumer behaviors. Virtual retail expos, e-commerce strategy conferences, and sustainable retail forums are trends reflecting the industry’s focus on digital transformation and sustainable retail practices.

• Education: In the education B2B events sphere, stakeholders converge to explore the latest trends in tech, e-learning, and academic collaboration. Virtual education expos, online learning symposiums, and discussions on digital education advancements are prevailing trends. These events facilitate the exchange of insights, innovations, and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of education technology and online learning.

By Event Type

• Conferences: Conferences in the B2B events market are gatherings where professionals convene for in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking. Virtual and hybrid conference formats are on the rise, accommodating global participation. Trends include interactive sessions, expert panels, and an emphasis on diverse content delivery methods.

• Trade Shows: Trade shows are B2B events showcasing products, services, and industry innovations. They facilitate networking and business collaborations. Trends include virtual showrooms, augmented reality experiences, and integration of e-commerce platforms, enhancing the exhibitor and attendee experience.

• Seminars: Seminars in the B2B events landscape are focused sessions addressing specific topics or industry challenges. Virtual and on-demand seminar formats have gained popularity. Trends include expert-led discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, and personalized content delivery for targeted insights.

• Workshops: Workshops in the B2B events market offer hands-on learning experiences and skill development. Hybrid workshop formats allow both in-person and virtual participation. Trends include practical sessions, collaborative problem-solving, and the integration of technology for interactive learning experiences.

• Expos: Expos are comprehensive B2B events showcasing a wide range of products and services. Virtual expos, featuring 3D booths and immersive experiences, are gaining prominence. Trends include sustainable exhibition practices, interactive product demonstrations, and enhanced virtual engagement for a global audience.

• Symposiums: Symposiums in the B2B events market are forums for specialized discussions and academic or industry-focused exchanges. Virtual symposiums have become prevalent, facilitating global participation. Trends include interdisciplinary collaborations, keynote presentations, and the integration of advanced technologies for enhanced knowledge dissemination and networking.

By Event Sizes

• Small and Medium-sized Events: Small and medium-sized B2B events offer intimate settings for focused networking and knowledge exchange. Trends include the rise of virtual platforms, making these events accessible globally, and the integration of personalized experiences to enhance participant engagement.

• Large-scale Conventions: Large-scale B2B conventions draw industry leaders for extensive networking and comprehensive discussions. Virtual components, interactive technologies, and sustainability practices are trends, reflecting the need for inclusivity, innovation, and environmental responsibility in these grand gatherings.

• Corporate Meetings: Corporate meetings in the B2B events landscape emphasize collaboration, strategy discussions, and team building. Virtual and hybrid meeting formats, interactive technologies, and wellness-focused elements are trends shaping these gatherings, ensuring effective communication and engagement among corporate participants.

• Product Launch Events: B2B product launch events are dynamic platforms for unveiling innovations and building brand presence. Trends include the integration of virtual showcases, immersive experiences using AR and VR, and personalized content delivery to captivate audiences and maximize the impact of new product introductions.

Report Scope

B2B Events Market – Regional Analysis

The B2B Events Market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

• North America: B2B events in North America are transforming towards hybrid models that seamlessly blend virtual and in-person experiences. This trend is driven by a quest for inclusive collaboration across diverse industries, leveraging cutting-edge event technology such as AI-driven platforms. Moreover, sustainability practices are gaining prominence, aligning with the region’s strong focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, ensuring events leave a lasting positive impact on both industries and the planet.

• Europe: European B2B events are evolving with a distinct focus on fostering diversity and inclusivity. The prevailing trend involves the integration of multilingual platforms and strategies that facilitate cross-border collaborations. Cultural elements are also being woven into events, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. This emphasis on diversity aligns with the region’s commitment to creating a global atmosphere that accommodates diverse perspectives, fostering enriching and globalized networking opportunities.

• Asia-Pacific: In the dynamic landscape of Asia-Pacific B2B events, a surge in technological innovation is evident. Trends include the widespread adoption of advanced event technology, such as AI-driven networking platforms and immersive experiences through virtual and augmented reality. Furthermore, the region is witnessing a transformative shift in B2B interactions with the integration of sophisticated event analytics.

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa): B2B events in LAMEA are characterized by a growing dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices. The prevailing trend involves the implementation of eco-friendly event solutions, incorporating renewable energy sources, and initiatives addressing social responsibility.

Competitive Landscape – B2B Events Market

The B2B Events Market is highly competitive, with a large number of manufacturers and retailers operating globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Informa PLC
• Reed Exhibitions
• Emerald Holding Inc.
• UBM
• Messe Frankfurt
• Clarion Events Ltd.
• Koelnmesse GmbH
• ITE Group plc
• Cvent Inc.
• GES a Viad Corp company
• SmithBucklin Corporation
• Freeman
• ViacomCBS
• Hyve Group plc
• Eventbrite Inc.
• Others

These companies operate in the market through various strategies such as product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships.

New players entering the B2B events market, such as Hopin and Brella, have rapidly adopted innovation, leveraging virtual event platforms and cutting-edge technology to establish a foothold. Meanwhile, key players like Cvent, Informa, and Reed Exhibitions dominate the market through their extensive industry experience, global reach, and continuous innovation.

These leaders maintain market dominance by embracing hybrid event models, incorporating advanced analytics, and providing comprehensive solutions, positioning themselves as indispensable partners for businesses seeking impactful networking, knowledge exchange, and brand visibility in the evolving B2B events landscape.

 The B2B Events Market is segmented as follows:

By Industry Verticals

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Finance
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Education

By Event Types

• Conferences
• Trade Shows
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Expos
• Symposiums

By Event Sizes

• Small and Medium-sized Events
• Large-scale Conventions
• Corporate Meetings
• Product Launch Events

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America