CEIR unveils 2025 Research Agenda to empower the B2B exhibitions industry

DALLAS – The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announces a dynamic 2025 research agenda, designed to provide critical insights and drive innovation within the business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions industry. These studies will equip organizers, exhibitors and industry leaders with actionable data and benchmarks, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry trends and challenges.

“CEIR’s 2025 research agenda underscores our commitment to delivering actionable insights that empower the exhibitions industry,” said CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC. “These studies address both foundational benchmarks and forward-looking trends, ensuring stakeholders are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

 2025 Research Highlights

CEIR Index: The Index is a comprehensive tool that provides valuable insights into the health and performance of the exhibitions industry in the United States. It tracks four key metrics to measure industry trends and performance: exhibit space net square footage, number of exhibitors, attendance and real revenue. Updated quarterly, the CEIR Index serves as a key resource for industry stakeholders, including organizers, exhibitors and venues, offering a benchmark for comparing performance, anticipating market changes, and making informed strategic decisions. The 2025 CEIR Index Report will analyze the B2B exhibition industry performance in 2024 and provide an economic and exhibition industry forecast through 2027.

• Oxford Economics BI Symphony: CEIR is launching an interactive tool powered by the Oxford Economics BI Symphony engine. This powerful resource will visualize annual Index results, allowing users to drill down into the Index data as needed to meet their specific information needs.
• Organizer Performance Benchmarking Study: This pivotal study will complement the CEIR Index by offering additional performance benchmarks that help organizers assess event results and support strategic planning. Key metrics will include attendee acquisition, exhibit and sponsorship sales, sentiment scores, and other performance indicators. Reports will begin publishing in the second quarter of 2025, with benchmarks tailored by event size and a special focus on the healthcare sector.
• Artificial Intelligence Pulse Poll Series: As AI continues to revolutionize industries, CEIR’s pulse poll series will explore its impact on the B2B exhibitions space. Two polls in 2025 will examine AI’s role in planning, marketing, sales, logistics and engagement. These insights will track integration trends and effectiveness over time, providing invaluable guidance for stakeholders.
• Hot Topic Pulse Poll Series: Addressing the most pressing business trends, this series will delve into emerging issues that influence the trade show industry. With topics selected based on current market dynamics, these polls aim to provide timely insights into challenges such as international participation and evolving organizer strategies. At least two polls are scheduled for 2025.
• Wants and Preferences of Next Generation Attendees: This groundbreaking study will engage young Millennials and Gen Z leaders to uncover their preferences and behaviors at B2B exhibitions. By comparing these insights with past generational findings, CEIR aims to illuminate shifts and continuities in attendee expectations. Findings from qualitative and online phases will be released in the second half of 2025.
• Industry Insight Series Reports: Authored by leading industry experts, these reports will offer actionable advice on maximizing exhibition success. Each article will address a specific challenge or opportunity, providing practical guidance for exhibitors and other industry professionals.
• Custom Research Opportunities: CEIR also offers tailored research solutions for organizations with unique interests or specific goals. These custom projects allow sponsors to provide insights on topics that align with their targeted thought leadership objectives.

The article CEIR unveils 2025 Research Agenda to empower the B2B exhibitions industry first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.