EIA Facts published               (Industry)

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) reports that the event industry is in better shape than related media. Live event marketing supporter the EIA reaches its conclusion in the industry's annual survey, the EIA Facts 2008, which was published on Thursday.
Abigail Parkin(13 Oct'08)

The main thrust of the report is that events have bucked the negative trends of the current media climate at a time when print and television, in particular, are reporting severe annual declines.

                                    Nigel Nathan - MD of EC&O Venues

The EIA Facts 2008 gleaned its information from 812 events, up by a third on last year's edition. The scrutiny comprised 374 B2B events, 329 B2C and 109 outdoor events. The report increased its scope by accepting data on any event hosted
in venues of at least 500 square metres covered space, as opposed to last year’s 2,000 square metres parameter.

The key industry measurement categories of attendance and net (sold) space saw increases in overall median results of 1% and 5% respectively, when using like-for-like data for 156 events over three years to 2007. The EIA cites these percentage increases as evidence of the rise of live event marketing among marketing professionals.

EIA Facts 2008 combed the B2B and B2C markets to provide attendance, net space and industry sector analysis at national and regional levels. Additionally, leading event figures have contributed "state of the nation" contributions to the report which was compiled by market researcher, Vivid Interface.

"The 'EIA Facts 2008' demonstrates that the events business is alive and well
and the unique benefits that we offer brands, organisations, exhibitors and
visitors - innovation, information and experience delivered in a live environment - are still very much in demand," comments Nigel Nathan, MD of EC&O Venues and EIA board member. "Looking ahead though, it remains the responsibility of the EIA and of the industry as a whole to promote the live medium wherever and whenever we can - not simply as a marketing medium in its own right but as complementary to both digital and print media."

The report is free to members of AEO (Association of Event Organisers), AEV (Association of Event Venues) and ESSA (Event Supplier and Services
Association) and downloadable at www.eia-facts.com using password.

Non-members - cost £995 + VAT

Contact Hannah Dickenson on 01379 740069 e-mail hannah@vivid-interface.com

RK  _________________________________________