PGA Merchandise Show, NAMM Show Both See Upticks in Professional Attendance
January 28, 2014
Two wintertime shows heated up the trade show industry, with both the PGA Merchandise Show and the NAMM Show seeing an increase in professional attendance, compared with their events held last year.
The PGA Merchandise Show, produced by Reed Exhibitions, was held Jan. 22-24 and covered 1 million square feet of the Orange County Convention Center, including some 483,000 square feet of interactive exhibit and demonstration areas.
PGA Professional attendance grew by five percent, while overall industry attendance dipped slightly (by 5 percent) to total more than 41,000 PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders.
The top five countries (outside of U.S.) represented in attendance were Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and Korea. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were Florida, California, New York, Georgia and Massachusetts.
“We are very pleased with the rise in PGA Professional attendance, as they are important influencers to the business of our exhibiting companies,” said PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions Senior Vice President and General Manager Ed Several.
Next year’s show is on tap Jan. 20-23 at the Orange County Convention Center.
The National Association of Music Merchants' NAMM Show, held Jan 23-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center, saw a slight 2-percent uptick in overall buyer attendance, with 91,629 people flocking to the showfloor.
In addition, there were 1,533 exhibiting companies, marketing the second-highest exhibiting number ever, which represented 5,010 brands.
“As the global platform for the music products industry, the NAMM Show is an annual checkup for what is happening in the music marketplace worldwide,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM.
He added, “A focus on doing business reflected confidence among buyers and manufacturers alike. Fortified with NAMM U education, networking and fun opportunities that only occur at the NAMM Show, NAMM Members expressed to me a renewed spirit for the year ahead. I believe that the stage is set for growth in 2014.”
Of the total attendance, there was a 6-percent increase in international attendees. Also this year, 636 exhibitors from 49 countries outside of the United States made up more than one-third of the total exhibiting companies.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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