Trade Show Industry Marks 7th Straight Quarter of Positive Growth

June 11, 2012

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s first quarter 2012 CEIR Index Report indicated yet another quarter of positive growth in the trade show industry, with a 2.7-percent increase, compared with the same period last year.

The growth streak is in its seventh quarter straight and also continues to outperform the GDP’s rate of increase by 2 percent in the first quarter of 2012, compared with the same period in 2011.

Attendance led the four key metrics that CEIR tracks for the report, and all the metrics, including net square feet, number of exhibitors and real revenues, showed positive trends.

"The CEIR Index, released in March, reported that the leading indicator to look for in the exhibition industry recovery is an increase in professional attendance and attendance in the first quarter continues to lead improvement with 4.6 percent growth in the first quarter, compared to 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter in 2011,” said CEIR President and CEO Doug Ducate.

He added, “This is a very good indicator that the exhibition industry is clearly emerging from the recession and may begin to see consistent growth for the foreseeable future.”

The Consumer Electronics Association’s International CES helped add to the year-over-year increase in attendance numbers when it ran in January in Las Vegas.

The show not only drew a record number of attendees, but it also had a record number of exhibitors.

Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences for CEA, said at the time, “The 2012 International CES was the largest in show history and was bursting with innovation as the world’s most important technology event.”

Several other shows saw upticks in attendance numbers and other metrics in the first quarter of this year, including the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ World of Asphalt and AGG1 2012 shows, the Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association’s Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo (HPBExpo) 2012 and the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show, owned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and produced by Reed Exhibitions, to name just a few.

"The first quarter results are very promising. They show that the exhibition industry is on the upswing despite a sluggish economy," said CEIR's economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates.

He added, "With seven consecutive quarters of growth now, we are even more confident of our predictions for the exhibition industry."



The CEIR Index showed that the year-on-year growth of attendees accelerated to 4.6 percent, compared with 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.

Net square feet followed with an increase of 3.4 percent, but was less than the growth of the 2011 fourth quarter, which reported 4.8 percent.

Both exhibitors and real revenues each increased slightly by 1.5 percent during the first quarter, following a 2.1 percent and 5.2 percent growth, respectively, in the preceding quarter.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.