Paris, January 23, 2024 (Local Time) – GL events Group announced its 2024 performance report, revealing a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue to €1.6352 billion (approximately RMB 12.238 billion*), exceeding its annual growth target.
Mr. Olivier Ginon, Chairman of the Group, stated:
"In 2024, GL events continued its dynamic growth trajectory, exceeding expectations once again with record revenue of €1.635 billion and robust 15% growth. By fully leveraging the synergistic strengths of our three core business segments—Event and Sports Operations, Venue Management, and Exhibition Organization—supported by the Group’s deep local expertise and extensive international network, we successfully navigated major annual challenges and laid a solid foundation for future development. This outstanding performance underscores our resilient market position and validates the forward-looking nature of our strategic vision.
Key milestones in 2024 included our involvement in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the grand opening of the Anhembi District Convention Center in São Paulo, Brazil, and the launch of strategic projects such as the renovation and expansion of the Marseille Chanot Exhibition and Convention Centre and partnerships for major sports venues. These achievements not only reflect our team’s dedication and professionalism but also demonstrate GL events’ commitment to balancing operational excellence with social and environmental responsibilities, fostering a sustainable and innovative event ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Group will sustain its growth momentum by capitalizing on opportunities such as biennial events and strategic initiatives like the Riesco Event Space in Santiago, Chile. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver long-term value for clients and society through impactful and sustainable events, continuing to lead innovation in the industry."
Revenue Performance of LIVE Division
The LIVE division achieved remarkable growth in 2024, with revenue rising by 24% to €1.0244 billion (approximately RMB 7.667 billion)*. This strong performance was primarily driven by projects related to the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, which contributed 34% of the division's total revenue. Additionally, outstanding contributions from markets in France, the UK, the Middle East, and South America further fueled growth.
In Q4, revenue increased by 8.5% year-on-year to €277.7 million (approximately RMB 2.078 billion)*, supported by the successful execution of major events such as Equita Lyon (equestrian show), Paris Agricultural Fair, Sommet del’Elevage (livestock exhibition), and Riyadh's Soundstorm music festival. In Türkiye, the team efficiently organized multiple medical conferences. The dismantling and site restoration work for the Olympics and Paralympics were also fully completed. Notably, the team provided comprehensive professional services for the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) held in Riyadh in December, further showcasing GL Events' expertise and global leadership in large-scale event management.
Revenue Performance of EXHIBITIONS Division
The EXHIBITIONS division generated €168.2 million in revenue in 2024 (approximately RMB 1.259 billion)*.
In Q4, revenue remained stable at €29.4 million (approximately RMB 220 million)*, up 0.4% year-on-year. France and Latin America demonstrated strong momentum, while the Chinese market continued to exhibit resilience. Key exhibitions such as Première Vision, Hyvolution (hydrogen energy expo), and Tranoi Femme were successfully held. Major Q4 events included Lyon's Piscine Global (pool and spa expo), Grenoble's Sepem (industrial equipment show), China's Fashion Source Autumn Fair, HSIE Harbin Seed Industry Expo, Milan's Première Vision Denim, and Chile's Exponaval (maritime and defense exhibition), solidifying the group's global leadership in the exhibition sector.
Revenue Performance of VENUES Division
The VENUES division maintained growth in 2024, with revenue climbing 13% to €442.6 million (approximately RMB 3.312 billion)*, driven by robust performance in France and Brazil. As of December 31, 2024, GL Events managed 59 venues across 11 countries and regions in key business and leisure destinations.
Q4 saw strong activity in Europe and South America. Lyon venues hosted major events such as the AFVAC (French Veterinary Association) Congress, Mondial des Métiers (careers exhibition), Époqu' Auto (vintage car show), and Préventica (safety and risk management expo). Paris venues welcomed events including GIE Carte France, True Communication Finance, the Exhibition of French Mayors, and the Children's Book Fair.
The World Forum The Hague (Netherlands), Square-Brussels Convention Centre (Belgium), and Lingotto Fiere (Turin, Italy) delivered positive results. Brazil's São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador venues drove a 30% quarter-on-quarter revenue increase in the region.
Looking ahead, GL Events will further expand its venue network. The group has secured a three-year management contract for Marseille Chanot Exhibition and Convention Centre through a partnership with Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan CCI. A six-year management agreement was also signed for Abidjan Exhibition Centre in Côte d' Ivoire. In China, the group won operating rights for Guangzhou Airport Economic Zone Convention & Exhibition Center (GAEC) and Capital International Convention Centre, with contracts effective from January 1, 2025, for 16 and 5 years, respectively.