CEIR Data Shows Increase in Exhibition Industry for Fifth Consecutive Quarter
November 30, 2011
The Center for Exhibition Industry’s CEIR Index showed that trade shows continued to buck overall negative economic trends in the third quarter, with 2.6-percent growth in all four key metrics tracked in the report, compared with the same quarter in 2010.
Trade show growth in the third quarter of this year also beat out the GDP during the same period, which only grew 1.5 percent.
In addition, all four key metrics tracked by the CEIR Index – attendance, number of exhibitors, revenues and net square footage - showed positive results on a year-on-year basis and the growth of all key metrics except one, net square footage, accelerated.
"The results show that the exhibition industry is healthy, vibrant and growing despite a relatively sluggish economy," said CEIR President and CEO Doug Ducate.
He added, "With five consecutive quarters of growth, we are hopeful that the growth trend continues through 2011 and well into next year."
Third-quarter trade show growth followed the positive numbers from the first half of 2011, which saw the exhibition industry gaining 2.4, outperforming the U.S. economy, which only gained 1.9 percent during the same time period.
Attendance in the third quarter, which is a healthy indication of recovery in the industry, jumped an impressive 3.7 percent, compared with 1 percent during the same period last year.
Growth in the number of exhibitors was slightly lower, 3.6 percent, compared to 0.5 percent-growth during the same period last year.
The growth of Inflation adjusted revenues also accelerated to 1.4 percent for a total $2.56 billion, compared with a year-on-year decline of 0.1 percent.
Net square footage, however, didn’t experience the same level of growth as the other three metrics, expanding just 1.9 percent, compared with the 2.8 percent-growth it had experienced during the first half of 2011.
“The Total Index results were stronger than anticipated and are also stronger than the year-on-year real GDP growth,” said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates.
He added, “With the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, we believe the exhibition industry has successfully emerged from the Great Recession and is reporting consistent, positive gains."
The CEIR Index provides exhibition industry performance across 14 key industry sectors: business services; consumer goods; discretionary consumer services; education; food; financial, legal and real estate; government; building, construction, home and repair; industrial/heavy machinery and finished business inputs; communications and information technology; medical and health care; raw materials and science; sporting goods, travel and entertainment; and transportation.
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
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