The Impact of Congress and Exhibition Activities on the Modern Economic Development of Russia

Aim and tasks. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of congress and exhibition activities on the economic development of Russian regions in 2019–2024, with a focus on spatial disparities and the identification of factors stimulating non-resource-based economic growth. To achieve this goal, the study analyzes the dynamics and structure of quantitative indicators of the congress and exhibition sector in the Russian Federation from 2019 to 2024, including revenue, number of events, employment, and the industry’s share in the regional economy. A comparative analysis is conducted between the Central Federal District and the eastern regions of Russia — the Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern federal districts. The study also evaluates both the direct and cumulative (multiplicative) economic effects, including the impact on related industries and contributions to gross regional product (GRP). Institutional and infrastructural constraints hindering the development of the sector in the regions are examined, and measures to overcome them are proposed. Methods. The study applies statistical and comparative analysis methods to assess quantitative indicators of the sector in the Central Federal District and eastern regions (Ural, Siberia, Far East). Official data on revenue, number of events, employment, and the sector’s share in GRP are used. The study also evaluates institutional and infrastructural barriers. Methodologically, the work is based on trend analysis using industry statistics and expert data reflecting the post-pandemic recovery of the sector. Results. The findings indicate that the congress and exhibition industry has demonstrated steady positive dynamics: by 2024, total revenue in the sector surpassed pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, a high degree of geographic concentration persists: around 75% of the industry is concentrated in Moscow and adjacent territories. The eastern regions show higher growth rates in revenue and the number of events, indicating the emergence of new centers of business activity. Despite this growth, the overall contribution of eastern regions to the national structure of the industry in terms of revenue and event count remains minor. Institutional and infrastructural barriers limiting sectoral development outside the central regions have been identified. Conclusion. The study concludes that congress and exhibition activities have significant potential for economic diversification, investment stimulation, the development of regional business activity, territorial branding, and increasing the investment attractiveness and visibility of regions. Unlocking this potential requires decentralization of the sector, increased state support, development of event infrastructure, and the creation of a sustainable network of regional congress initiatives.