World of Concrete Sees Jump in Exhibit Space, Attendees
February 1, 2012
After a tough couple of years grappling with the downturn in the economy, Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ World of Concrete had a stellar show when it ran Jan. 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with upticks in exhibit space and attendees, compared with the 2011 event.
The show drew 52,088 total professional registrants, an increase from 48,554 last year, and showcased just more than 1,200 indoor/outdoor exhibitors on a 552,500-plus net square foot showfloor, an increase of 40,000 net sq. ft., compared with the 2011 show.
“There was a very positive and optimistic buzz on the showfloor,” said Jackie James, WOC show director.
She added, “WOC 2012 has been a huge success, and based on the feedback we have received from both exhibitors and attendees, we have no doubt the economy is recovering and the commercial construction industry is well on its way to a great 2012!”
Exhibitors at the show also gave it high marks: “Our first year at World of Concrete was beyond anything we imagined,” said Stuart Johnson, president of Phoenix Curb Machines.
He added, “We left the show with sales, distributors, solid leads, multiple media interviews and valuable connections.”
What helped bolster the show’s international attendance was the fact its participated in the U.S. Commercial Service’s International Buyer Program for the seventh year.
World of Concrete and the U.S. Commercial Service cooperated in the global promotion of the show to bring international buyers and U.S. exhibitors together to expand business both domestically and overseas, according to show officials.
The show featured several events for attendees to choose from, including the Concrete Construction Challenge and the Concrete Producer’s Challenge, in addition to SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National bricklaying championship.
The show also had a robust education program, including sessions hosted by the Masonry Contractors Association of America, which held its annual convention at WOC.
This year’s show also marked the debut of its mobile appthat allowed attendees to find exhibitors, seminars and events, speaker information, and more from iPhones, iPads, Androids and BlackBerry devices.
Users also were able to connect to World of Concrete Facebook and Twitter feeds, hotel/transportation options, local restaurants/venues and more.
Partner Voices
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