dmg world media is one of the world’s leading international exhibition companies. It aims to be its customers’ first choice, helping them do business together and make informed choices through its range of exhibitions and related print and new media products. dmg world media organises more than 325 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs around the world, supported by 65 related magazines, newspapers, directories, market reports and industry databases.
dmg world media had another strong year, building upon its record year in 2002. Adjusted operating profit was down by 18% on last year, due primarily to the absence of a number of large non-annual events, including the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary and Aluminium Essen, as well as adverse foreign exchange costs and a one-off property charge. However, adjusting for these items, the underlying operating profit grew year-on-year by 8% on a turnover increased by 2%.
2003 was a tough year for any business reliant on its customers travelling for face-to-face meetings. The SARS epidemic had an immediate adverse impact on a number of dmg world media’s shows, including shows held in Toronto, during the time it was quarantined by the World Health Organisation. The war in Iraq directly affected two of the group’s Middle East Shows, held just after the war, and also affected the press coverage and therefore attendance at many of its home shows in the US. Continued growth has been delivered, however, thanks largely to the commitment of staff, tight management and cost control and the group’s strategy of investing in market-leading products, which can withstand economic downturns and difficult trading conditions.
dmg world media recorded some of its largest events ever this year. These included Index and the Big 5 in Dubai, Surfexpo in Orlando and the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show in London. Indeed, dmg world media was recognised by its industry: in the US, Surfexpo, the California Gift Show and George Little Management’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair were all named among Trade Show Week magazine’s 50 fastest growing shows; in the UK, the Antiques Trade Gazette was named Special Interest Newspaper of the Year at the Newspaper Society Awards.
dmg world media has also continued to invest in its core sectors and in 2003, successfully launched eleven new products. These included three new home shows in West Palm Beach (Florida), Orlando (Florida) and Auckland (New Zealand); Art Form, a sculpture show in Palm Beach (Florida); a Farm Show in Indiana; a monthly colour supplement to its weekly FarmWorld newspaper; four new shows at its business media division; and a resort wear show in California. For 2004, dmg world media has six new shows planned and a further four are already planned for 2005.
dmg world media is looking for strong growth in its underlying annual business and the inclusion of a number of profitable high margin non-annual shows in 2004 should boost profits. The new financial year has already started well with another record Index show in Dubai and the successful new launch of an Autumn Ideal Home Show at Earl’s Court in London, which exceeded all expectations in terms of both exhibitor space sales and visitor attendance.