With over 800 exhibitions per year, 80 thousand exhibitors and millions of Visitors, Russia’s Exhibition Industry is making Strides!

Russia ranks as the 11th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, with its output projected to reach approximately $2.20 trillion in 2025. Despite being the most heavily sanctioned country globally, Russia’s economy has shown remarkable resilience. In 2024, it posted a growth rate of 4.3%, significantly outpacing the United Kingdom’s 1.1% and the United States’ 2.8%.

One of the key shifts in Russia’s economic strategy has been the redirection of its oil exports. Once a major supplier to European nations, Russia has now pivoted its energy trade toward India and China due to Western sanctions. This realignment has helped cushion the impact of reduced European demand.

Adding to this momentum, the Russian rouble has emerged as the top-performing global currency this year, according to Bank of America.

However, despite these positive indicators, the Russian economy faces significant headwinds. Rising interest rates and persistent inflation have created vulnerabilities, placing the economy at risk of a potential recession. Moving forward, the country’s monetary policy decisions will be critical in determining whether it can maintain stability or slide into an economic downturn.

About the Exhibition Industry of Russia:
The Russian exhibition industry is a significant sector, with numerous international trade fairs and exhibitions held annually across various industries. The Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs (RUEF) is a key organization promoting and developing the industry, representing leading organizers, venue owners, and service companies. Over 800 exhibitions per year are organized in Russia in which over 80 thousand exhibitors participate and 6 million visitors visit.

The biggest exhibition sectors in Russia are the Construction, Defence, Food and Beverage Hospitality, Agriculture, Engineering and Industrial Materials, Textiles, Oil and Gas. These are the sectors for which most of the exhibitions are organized. These sectors roughly contribute around 60% in the Russian exhibition sector according to the report by strategica 2019.

The Exhibition Industry of Russia is represented by the Russian Union of Exhibition and Fairs. The Russian Union of Exhibition and Fairs is the foremost association of leading Russian exhibition organizers, owners of exhibition complexes and centers, service companies operating in the industry of exhibitions, fairs, meetings, incentives, congresses and events, as well as representatives of the exhibition business of the CIS countries.

Moscow is the city in Russia that hosts the most exhibitions. Many of the largest trade fairs and exhibitions in Russia take place in Moscow, with venues like Expocentre Fairgrounds and Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center being prominent locations.