IAEE Expo! Expo! Audit Reveals 15 Percent Attendance Increase

February 17, 2015

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events reported that Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held Dec. 9-11 in Los Angeles, yielded higher attendance than in 2013, according to an independent attendance verification audit conducted by Exhibit Surveys.

The audit was conducted in compliance with the requirements of attendance audits promulgated by the Exhibition and Event Industry Audit Commission (EEIAC).

Here are some of the key statistics comparing Expo! Expo! 2014 to the 2013 event:

·  Overall attendance increased by 15 percent in 2014 from 1,934 to 2,225

·  Attendees from outside of North America more than doubled from 39 to 85

·  First-time attendees increased 51.7 percent from 348 to 528

·  The total number of attendees (those not exhibiting) increased 15 percent from 1,217 to 1,400

·  Net square footage of largest event of exhibition organizers:

1.     10,000 to 50,000 NSF = 138

2.     50,000 to 100,000 NSF = 142

3.     100,001 to 250,000 NSF = 147

4.     More than 250,000 NSF = 384

·  The total number of attendees representing high level executives within their organization increased 10.6 percent from 273 to 302 (position titles include Owner, President/CEO/Executive and Senior Executive – CFO/COO/CMO/EVP)

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2014 in Los Angeles, especially with the increases to our international and first-time attendance," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.

He added, "As part of our ongoing strategic plan, we have focused on advocacy and education on an international level and these numbers reflect that. An increase in first-time attendees is a sign of a strong organization and a robust overall industry."

An exhibition and event audit provides an objective review by an independent (and certified) auditor of registration data (including interviews) to objectively confirm actual total attendance, according to IAEE officials.  

IAEE highly encourages its members to participate in independent audits and implement them into their ongoing business practices.

For more information about independent exhibition and event audits visit www.exhibitionaudits.org.

Click here to download the complete audit for Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2014.

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