WESTEC 2013's Date Shift Boosts Showfloor Size

November 6, 2013

This year, WESTEC had more than 10,000 attendees for a show that was normally held in March.  Show organizers decided to move the show up to October, in the hopes it would increase the attendance. 

“The decision seemed to be a good one, as WESTEC saw 10,000 more square feet of exhibitor space and 1 million more pounds of machinery on the show floor compared to last year,” said Christine Longroy, events manager for Society of Manufacturing Engineers/WESTEC.

This year’s show, held Oct. 15-17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, showcased the future of manufacturing, with the latest technology and information from the leaders in that sector.

“We saw approximately 27 percent of the attendees being in an engineering job function and a good diversity among technologies the attendees came to learn more about and evaluate for a potential future purchase,” said Lori Dick, public relations manager at SME.

He added, “Technology is changing quickly, and this show provides the opportunity for our attendees to understand how the technological innovations can work for their company.”

First time attendee Brandi Frymer from Blaser was very excited about the show.  “As a first time attendee and new to manufacturing, I knew the show would be a great way to learn more about this industry,” he said. “So far, the show has been fascinating and the exhibits have been great sources of information.”

Marius Mazur, sales specialist for first-time exhibitor EMAG, said, “We were interested in checking out the west coast for our industry, and knew WESTEC would be a great show to test the waters and make contacts.”

He added, “Attendees at the show are looking for different types of manufacturing, including the precision manufacturing EMAG provides.”

Exhibitors came to do business with attendees, with both space in the booth to conduct meetings and machinery in the exhibits that demonstrated new technology.

“We have attended this show for several years, and we are excited to get attendees into our booth,” said Bryan Jacobs, marketing communications manager at CG Tech. “While we were surprised the show was moved up on the calendar, we are optimistic on how that decision impacts our attendee booth traffic.” 

First-time attendee Mike McMullen, U.S. manufacturing manager from Packers Plus, normally attends the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago and was pleasantly surprised by WESTEC. “I have seen a lot of new technology on the show floor, and getting some great ideas from the exhibits,” he said. “I am glad I was able to make it over to this show and check it out.”

The show takes place every other year and will again be at the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2015.

Add new comment

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.