880.4 million in losses in 2020
Informa, a specialist in events and the organization of BtoB and consumer trade shows, has been heavily impacted by the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent event cancellations. The FY2020 results show some telling figures. 2020 revenue declined sharply to just £1,660m from £2,890m in 2019. Adjusted operating profit is £267.8m. After taking into account exceptional Covid-19 costs and impairment charges, Informa posted an operating loss of £880.4m, while FY 2019 showed a gain of £538.1m.
Return of the boat shows by the United States
The company has partly resisted thanks to its market research activities for professionals and the development of online content. The events specialist is counting on 2021 to mark the transition to a return of physical events, mainly BtoB, with varying dynamics depending on the region. Europe could, according to Informa, be late to this movement, while China and the United States have already begun the return of trade shows. Since June 2020, Informa says it has welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors to its 45-plus events in China. The company was able to hold two of its U.S. boat shows in 2020, the Palm BeachInternational Boat Show and the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show. Holding its two largest yachting events, the Monaco Yacht Show and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, would be an important symbol of recovery for the operator and the entire yachting industry.
