Global Experience Specialists Overall Q3 Revenue Down, Same-show Revenue Up

November 1, 2015

Negative show rotation was a key factor in Global Experience Specialists’ overall U.S.-based third-quarter revenue posting a 14.6 percent decrease to $143.5 million, compared with the same quarter last year with $168.1 million.

Even with the dip, the good news was same-show revenue continued to surge with 4.7 percent growth in the third quarter, compared with the same quarter last year.

“GES delivered better results in the third quarter than we had previously anticipated. We continued to see stronger same-show growth, short-term bookings and sales to corporate clients,” said Steve Moster, Viad’s president and CEO, GES’ parent company.

He added, “Our acquisitions of onPeak, Blitz and N200 are performing well and we continue to have success cross-selling these new services into our client base. We expect strong execution and favorable industry conditions to continue, resulting in meaningful year-over-year growth during the fourth quarter.”

Moster said the same-show growth also was “stronger than expected.”

The same-show growth has been a result of not only the show itself growing, but also selling more into the actual show, he added.

“Same-show growth bodes really well for the exhibition industry overall,” Moster said.

Cross-selling some of the new services, including registration into the Middle East division, as well as to existing clients, such as Labelexpo Americas, was a boost for GES as well.

In addition, clients, such as Solar Power International that already had AV services and signed on also for general service contracting 2016-2018, continued to add to GES’ success.

Moster said the company also was “building more of a presence in the consumer and corporate” areas.

One such effort is a Walt Disney, five-city “Frozen Fall Festival” tour and another is an America’s Cup fan experience exhibition that tours to different ports.

Overall, Viad Q3 revenues dipped 14.6 percent to $255.9 million, compared with $299.8 million from the same quarter last year.

These results beat expectations, Moster said, “Our Marketing & Events Group continues to deliver better than expected performance. As a result, our income per share before other items came in above our prior guidance for the quarter.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be. Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024. To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages. Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions. In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage. Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.