Informa and Dubai World Trade Centre Forge Global Events Powerhouse

Informa PLC, a leading British events and academic publishing group, has reported an 11.6% increase in underlying revenue for 2024, reaching £3.55 billion, up from £3.19 billion in 2023. The company's adjusted operating profit also saw a substantial rise, climbing 16.5% to £995 million from £853.8 million in the previous year.

In a strategic move to bolster its global presence, Informa has entered into a partnership with the Dubai World Trade Centre to form a joint venture named Informa International. This collaboration aims to create a global leader in exhibitions and event management, with operations spanning the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. The joint venture is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Informa holding a 52% stake.

The partnership plans to expand beyond Dubai and the Middle East, targeting high-growth markets globally. DWTC, which owns and operates prominent event venues like the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, brings significant infrastructure to the collaboration.

Chief Executive Stephen Carter highlighted that the joint venture will integrate leading brands across sectors such as healthcare, energy, aviation, food, and information technology. This integration is expected to drive growth into adjacent markets and enhance the global reach of their event offerings.

Informa's financial performance reflects a robust recovery in the events sector, which has experienced a resurgence over the past two years as businesses have resumed in-person conferences and exhibitions, steadily rebounding from the pandemic-induced downturn. The company's growth has been broad-based, with significant contributions from the Americas and Asia, as well as expansion in India, the Middle East, and Africa.

The academic markets division also showed strong performance, benefiting from diverse revenue streams and AI partnerships contributing $75 million.

Looking ahead, Informa has set an ambitious target of achieving more than $5.2 billion in revenue for 2025, with at least 5% underlying revenue growth before considering new acquisitions. The company has already secured $2.2 billion in committed revenue for the year, representing more than 40% of its annual target.

The partnership with DWTC is expected to contribute significantly to this growth trajectory. The joint venture aims to leverage DWTC's extensive event infrastructure and Informa's expertise in event management to create a formidable presence in the global events industry.

DWTC's venues, such as the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, offer a combined capacity of over 203,000 square meters of indoor event space, providing a solid foundation for hosting large-scale international events.

The collaboration also aligns with Dubai's strategic vision to position itself as a global hub for events and exhibitions. By partnering with Informa, DWTC aims to enhance its global reach and attract a diverse portfolio of events to the region.

Informa's commitment to innovation is evident in its integration of artificial intelligence across its services. The company provides a range of services connected to its exhibitions and events, such as data analysis, accreditation, and learning services, which are increasingly underpinned by AI. This technological integration enhances the value proposition for clients and participants, offering more personalized and efficient experiences.

The joint venture with DWTC is expected to capitalize on these technological advancements, incorporating AI-driven insights to optimize event management and deliver enhanced value to stakeholders. This approach aligns with the industry's shift towards digital transformation and the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making.

Informa's strategic acquisitions, including the recent £1.2 billion purchase of Ascential, have further strengthened its market position. The company plans to restructure its global operations following this acquisition, creating three distinct event businesses and forming a digital services company combining Informa Tech's digital businesses with Nasdaq-listed TechTarget.

These strategic moves are expected to yield synergies of approximately £12 million, though they may involve some job reductions. Despite these challenges, Informa's underlying trading performance remains strong, meeting upgraded full-year guidance. The company's growth has been broad-based, with significant contributions from the Americas and Asia, as well as expansion in India, the Middle East, and Africa.

Informa's robust financial performance and strategic initiatives have positioned the company for sustained growth in the coming years. The partnership with DWTC is a testament to its commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its service offerings in the events and exhibitions industry.

As the global events landscape continues to evolve, Informa's strategic partnerships, technological integration, and diversified revenue streams are expected to drive its growth and solidify its position as a leader in the industry.

The company's focus on high-growth markets, coupled with its commitment to innovation, positions it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global events sector.

Informa's strategic direction reflects a keen understanding of market dynamics and a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of its clients and stakeholders.

The partnership with DWTC is a significant milestone in Informa's growth journey, marking a new chapter in its expansion into high-growth markets and reinforcing its position as a global leader in the events and exhibitions industry.