BolognaFiere, record revenues above 300 million in 2025

It is a 'hard-headed' job, that of those who organise and host exhibitions. "It takes at least two to three years to get a project on the ground and then just as many for it to consolidate and bring results," observes Antonio Bruzzone, CEO of BolognaFiere, whose 2025 balance sheet, just approved by the board of directors, puts these results in black and white and confirms the validity of the growth path undertaken in recent years.

In fact, the Emilia-based group closed the year with record revenues of Euro 306.7 million, an increase of 12% compared to the previous year, which was accompanied by a 19% increase (Euro 8.5 million more) in the gross operating margin, which rose to Euro 52.5 million. Profitability also improved, with 17% as a percentage of revenue compared to 16% in the previous year, while operating profit jumped to EUR 13.4 million, up from EUR 3.9 million in 2024.

"We are reaping the benefits of a development strategy based on diversification and supported by growth both organically and through acquisitions," adds Bruzzone, "as well as on activities abroad. In 2025, the group's companies organised almost 80 events, more than 40% of which outside Italia, from the United States to China, from Thailand to India and Poland. Among the operations consolidating its international presence was the acquisition, last September, of 30% of the US company United Experience which, with its new corporate structure, will present three events dedicated to wine this year in London, Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City, under the Wine Experience brand. Last week also saw the announcement of a new collaboration with the English group Informa to create (within the Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago, one of the main events in the foodservice sector) a space dedicated to the promotion of Italian excellence in the beverage and gourmet condiments segment.

The growth of the staging & architecture business also contributed significantly to exceeding the 300 million euro ceiling: Henoto alone set up over 550 thousand square metres last year, for over 200 events in Italia and abroad, generating a turnover of over 85 million euro. Fontemaggi and Tecnolegno Allestimenti (the other two group companies operating in this sector) set up over 31 thousand and over 46 thousand square metres respectively.

Today, the group's three divisions (exhibition centre, events organisation, and stand fittings) have a balanced weight within the overall budget and, above all, each have their own identity, potential, and growth strategies, with the parent company BolognaFiere reaching EUR 99.2 million in revenues (+7%). As far as the trade fair district is concerned (affected by major investments and construction sites for expansion and modernisation), in 2025 it hosted not only trade fair events, but also important sporting events (including national and Euroleague basketball championship matches and the Davis Cup finals), cultural and entertainment events.