On the occasion of the celebration of Global Exhibitions Day (GED), the International Day of Fairs, the Galician Association of Fairs/Events (AGAFE) has highlighted the weight that the fair activity has in our territory and its economic and social impact. In this sense, AGAFE highlighted that its associates throughout 2017 held more than 85 fairs and 500 events, contributing with these to boost different productive sectors. These events brought together 5,500 exhibitors, occupied nearly 600,000 m2 and attracted 2,255,000 visitors, figures that give an idea of the strength of this sector in Spain means the holding of more than 600 fairs.
The celebration of the International Trade Fair Day has been organised since 2016 at the initiative of the UFI, the global association of the trade fair industry, to which 771 members from 87 countries and some 50 national and regional associations currently belong, including AGAFE. The aim of this event is to publicise the trade fair activity and highlight its economic and social impact, its importance and the advantages of trade fairs. Worldwide, 31,000 fairs are held annually, exhibitors and visitors spend 98,000 million euros and the activity generates 2.48 million direct and indirect jobs. Furthermore, trade fairs continue to be an unquestionable marketing tool and their development has an important economic and social impact, both locally and globally.
This year’s event focused on highlighting the importance of trade fairs as a major global industry, an effective and sustainable way of doing business and offering a wide range of job opportunities.