CEIR Releases Second and Third Fact Sheet in Attendee ROI Playbook Series

August 9, 2018

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its second and third fact sheets in its 2018 Attendee ROI Playbook series, a multiple fact sheet series that identifies general attendee practices and insights on differences by specific attendee categories.

Released late last month, “Fact Sheet Two: B2B Exhibitions Top-Ranked for Value in Meeting Business Information & Purchasing Decision Needs” explores the range of sources that business professionals who attend B2B exhibitions relied upon to meet their business information and purchasing decision needs in comparison to other primary sources relied upon.

CEIR

“This research documents the power of face-to-face marketing,” explained Nancy Drapeau, CEIR senior research director. 

She continued, “When asked to rank the order of information sources used primarily to meet their business information and purchasing decision needs, B2B exhibitions and communications with vendors and suppliers are tied for number one ranking.”

Drapeau added that when looking at the percentage of professionals that rate B2B exhibitions as number one or number two, B2B exhibitions break away and prevail as the most valued information source – 57 percent versus 41 percent for communications with vendors and suppliers. 

“Today we live in trust-challenged times where digital media gives professionals access to more information than ever,” said Cathy Breden CEO of CEIR. 

She continued, “This research reveals that business professionals look to resources they trust to determine what is real and what is fake. B2B exhibitions rise to the top in helping them achieve this.” 

In addition to B2B exhibitions, the report identifies five additional information sources B2B exhibition attendees primarily relied upon to meet their business information and purchasing decision needs, and reports the ranking and results of these sources in order of value. 

Released earlier this week, “Fact Sheet Three: Pre-Planning and Tracking Activities – Impact on Perceived ROI/Value of Attending,” documents the positive effects pre-event planning and tracking activities have on an attendee’s opinion of a B2B exhibition they attend. 

“This study evaluates the impact these activities have on attendee Net Promoter Scores (NPS), which measure customer loyalty and indicate a brand’s growth potential,” Drapeau explained. 

She continued, “Findings reveal that those who engage in pre-planning have a higher NPS (55 percent) compared to those who do not (29 percent). The same pattern is evidenced for attendees who engage in tracking activities while visiting an exhibition.”

This five-page report provides the following:

  • Overall rate of pre-planning among attendees as well as for six specific activities
  • Which pre-planning activities have the most impact on driving higher NPS scores
  • Overall rate of tracking activities while visiting an exhibition among attendees as well as for nine specific activities
  • Which tracking activities have the most impact on driving higher NPS scores
  • Who decides which activities will be tracked (individual or whether boss is involved)

“Giving registrants the tools via an event’s website to pre-plan and focus their objectives for attending are worthwhile,” Breden said. “Providing user-friendly ways to track their activities through an event website, mobile app and other relevant tools preferred by attendees also maximize attendee value – and ultimate satisfaction – with an event.”

She added, “Thanks to support provided by the PCMA Education Foundation, CEIR is able to explore various ways in doing so through this study. CEIR thanks the Foundation for supporting our efforts in providing this vital research to our industry.”

Along with the PCMA Education Foundation, IAEE was also a sponsor of the 2018 Attendee ROI Playbook. As a result, all reports released in this series, including “Fact Sheet One: Decision to Attend and Factors Driving Attendee ROI/Value” can be obtained free of charge HERE.

 

Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn & Instagram!

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact