CLC-VECTA
Recovery of the event sector is fragile and will take years
CLC-VECTA|
4 November 2021

The events sector is one of the sectors that has been hit hardest by the corona crisis. The total loss of turnover amounts to € 11 billion. The recovery is expected to take years. A forecast by research agencies Respons and Leisure Advice, in close collaboration with CLC-VECTA and VVEM, assumes a loss of turnover of € 5 billion for 2021 (-69%). This is based on the results for the first 3 quarters and the expectations for the 4th quarter. Normally, the sector is good for € 7.4 billion on an annual basis. In 2020, turnover already fell by a shocking 81% (more than 6 billion). This means that the sector has seen € 11 billion in turnover evaporate in 2 years.


The expectations for the 4th quarter of 2021 are obviously better than the first 3 quarters of this year when virtually no events were possible, but are still significantly lower than the results for the same period in 2019. The noticeable reluctance among event attendees, measures such as the 75% maximum capacity at unplaced events and travel restrictions for international visitors to trade fairs and conferences are the main reasons for the lower figures. In addition, events have a preparation time of several months.


“By extending the measures, the sector will not be 'back in business' overnight. Since the end of September, the industry has been hesitant to start with fewer visitors and more costs to keep everything running smoothly. So there is still little room for air in the industry," said Riemer Rijpkema, director of CLC-VECTA and the EventPlatform. Willem Westermann of the VVEM adds: “As a sector, we do everything in our power to allow events to take place safely. You will only enter events if you have been tested, vaccinated or cured. We sincerely hope that the outgoing Cabinet will continue to give us the confidence we deserve so that we can continue to build on recovery.”

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