Fancy Food Show, NAMM Show, SHOT Show All Post Strong Attendee, Exhibitor Numbers
February 1, 2016
The trade show industry had a strong kick off for 2016, with shows posting big exhibitor and attendee numbers that focused on not only what the newest gourmet food trends might be, but also the latest in musical instruments and everything that someone interested in shooting and hunting might need.
The 2016 Winter Fancy Food Show, owned by the Specialty Food Association and held Jan. 17-19 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, drew 1,500 exhibitors from across the U.S. and 28 countries to exhibit space that covered 215,000 square feet, enough to fill more than four football fields with food.
Amid record sales in the $109 billion specialty food industry, the show drew close to 20,000 attendees, a 16-percent increase above 2015 numbers.
Buyers represented top names in retailing, restaurants and foodservice including Whole Foods, Kroger, Starbucks, Trader Joe's, Williams-Sonoma, Alaska Airlines, and hundreds of local specialty and natural food markets.
"The appetite for specialty food is stronger than ever across all sales channels. The success of our show is a clear indication," says Laura Santella-Saccone, chief marketing officer of the Specialty Food Association.
The Summer Fancy Food Show is up next – June 26-28 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
Held January 21-24, the 115th National Association of Music Merchants’ Show welcomed a record number of exhibitors and registrants to the Anaheim Convention Center.
“As we look at the record number of exhibiting brands, influx of new entrepreneurial spirit and attendance from 125 countries, the industry seems poised for vital growth and breakthroughs,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond.
He added, “The NAMM Show is a reflection of our industry, not only where it is now, but even more importantly where it is heading next. NAMM members brought their A-game to Anaheim this week with creative, innovative, beautiful products.”
A record 1,726 exhibiting companies, representing more than 6,000 brands were on the showfloor, which was a 7-percent increase in exhibiting companies, compared with 2015’s event.
A mix of NAMM member buyers and retail employees, exhibitors, media, artists, NAMM members’ invited guests, NAMM’s Generation Next (college music students) and Music Education Day participants (school music teachers) resulted in a record 101,736 attendees, a 2-percent increase, compared with last year’s record-setting event.
Next up is Summer NAMM, on tap June 23-25 in Nashville, Tenn.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation's Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) rang up its second highest attendance total ever, attracting more than 64,000 industry professionals during a four-day run.
Held Jan. 19-22 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, the SHOT Show also attracted a record number of buyers, sending a strong signal about the health of the firearms industry.
"We are ecstatic at the response to this year's show," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
He added, "And we're optimistic for a year of strong sales, shooter participation, business-to-consumer outreach efforts, safety education and technological innovation."
This year's SHOT Show offered several new features, including SHOT Show TV, which aired in more than 70,000 hotel rooms across the city, a new NSSF Members Reception and the SHOT Show NEXT Pavilion.
Click HERE for SHOT Show highlights from CNTV.
"It takes an in-depth knowledge of what our industry wants and where it wants to go to pull off a show of this size and have the vast majority of those attending state, unequivocally, that this is the best show they've attended in years," said Dolnack. "That kind of positive response is the result of working hard to add value to the customer experience through new, innovative features."
The 2017 SHOT Show is scheduled for Jan. 17-20 at the Sands Expo.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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