Current State of the Convention and Exhibition Market and Event Services: Problems and Development Trends in a Metropolis

Abstract

Aim. The presented study aims to examine the market for convention, exhibition, and event services in large cities (through the example of St. Petersburg).Tasks. The authors analyze the current state of the market for convention, exhibition, and event services with allowance for the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, describe the role of convention, exhibition, and event activities as a driving force for the development of large cities, and propose ways to restore the convention, exhibition, and event industry in the post-pandemic period.Methods. This study uses the methods of systematization, logical, content, and statistical analysis to examine the structural elements of the system “convention and exhibition activities — metropolis”.Results. The essential characteristics of convention and exhibition activities and specific features of functioning of the market for convention, exhibition and event services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic are determined. Development trends and directions of market transformations in the post pandemic period are identified, and proposals for expanding the effects of online formats in the event industry are formulated.Conclusions. The study shows the importance of the convention, exhibition, and event industry as a factor in generating business tourist flows to a destination, as a driving force for the development of a metropolis, as a factor in differentiating tourism and related services, and as a basis for attracting investment and implementing major infrastructure projects in a region hosting major business events. Regarding the development of online formats, the advisability of creating specialized marketplaces in the field of convention, exhibition, and event services is shown.