Informa reports five-month 7.6% revenue uplift in B2B Live Events

International event organiser and information publisher Informa published a trading update, 18 June, to coincide with its AGM, reporting five-month underlying revenue growth of 6.4% to 31 May 2026. The B2B Live Events business (Informa Markets/Connect/Festivals) performed even better than the overall figure, delivering underlying revenue growth of 7.6% over the period. There was strong B2B growth in the Americas, Greater China, ASEAN, Europe and IMEA pre-conflict. The company reported full year underlying revenue growth guidance is 7%+ with more than $1.5bn traded to date.

Informa flags strong performances in Healthcare (HIMSS, WHX Dubai, WHX Labs), Food (Gulfood, Vitafoods Europe, Natural Products Expo West, National Restaurant Show), Beauty & Aesthetics (Anti-Aging World Congress, Cosmoprof Miami) and Finance (SuperReturn International, Money 20/20 Europe, Finovate), alongside targeted investment in Gaming to reposition the leading brand GDC and launch the KSA brand Kingdom of Gaming. The group was upbeat about returning B2B growth in markets directly impacted by conflict, saying: "We will update the market further on 30 July (Interim Results), which will be five weeks ahead of the first major 2026 re-scheduled Brands, LEAP in Riyadh and Middle East Energy in Dubai. 15+ Brands have been rescheduled within 2026 and we have actively deferred to 2027 a number of new event launches, including Food (Vitafoods Dubai), Interior Security (Fortis), and some smaller pre-existing Brands, Health Tech (WHX Tech) and Manufacturing (Gulf Print & Paper)." Informa noted Group revenues of $4bn+ traded, booked or visible for the full year via subscriptions, recurring revenues and forward booked contracts, with a full brand schedule in 2027, including the restaging of deferred launches and brands. Forward bookings revenue for H1 was reported at $600m, with annual and biennial B2B brands pacing to deliver strong growth.

Stephen A. Carter (pictured), group chief executive, Informa, said: "The depth and breadth of Informa's portfolio, both geographically and by market category, continues to deliver growth, international expansion and product and brand innovation." He added: "We have momentum in both our businesses, B2B Live Events and Academic Services, and are reconfirming full year earnings guidance." The four-year (2025-2028) One Informa programme designed to maximise growth is building momentum, the report said, and is focused on data-led marketing and the group-wide deployment of AI technology, while driving efficiency, productivity and product innovation. Informa reported a £250m share buyback programme was ongoing. Informa shares were up 2.4% to 860.2p each in London on Thursday (18 June) morning.