Measuring the efficiency of trade shows: A Spanish case study

•The study examines trade shows efficiency for the exhibiting firm.•The study uses a multi-stage DEA methodology and nonparametric test.•The study introduces specific variables to investigate differences in efficiency.•The results show that IFEMA could improve efficiency levels.•The nonparametric tests reveal significant differences in efficiency.

Trade shows are an important industry in the Spanish economy which contribute positively to regional development. However, the cost of attending a trade show is very high for exhibiting firms and so knowledge of trade shows' efficiency is necessary in order to define the decision making process for the exhibiting firm. With the aim of evaluating the efficiency indexes of operating trade shows, this study applies a multi-stage methodology for oriented DEA models and a nonparametric test to analyze the differences in efficiency levels driven by specific variables and organizational forms. The sample is made up of 45 trade shows at IFEMA (Madrid's Fair Institution). The results show significant differences in efficiency across IFEMA. The nonparametric tests reveal differences in efficiency levels driven by the sector and the type of trade show. Moreover, the evidence allows provide managerial implications and future developments.