AMR Releases New Report on the U.S. Exhibitions Industry
July 22, 2019
AMR International, a global strategy consultancy specializing in events, has released a new white paper entitled, “The U.S. Exhibitions Industry: Developments and Opportunities for Organizers.”
The five-page report explores the industry’s performance, as well as the evolving needs of attendees and exhibitors.
Among the notable topics discussed in the white paper:
- The U.S. exhibitions market remains attractive, with forecast growth continuing at 3.5 percent CAGR through 2022*
- A 3-percent decline in attendee numbers across the sector in 2017* signals a timely warning to the market that events must serve the ever-evolving needs of attendees and deliver return on time (RoT)
- Embracing change is now the norm; organizers can no longer “copy and paste” last year’s event and bank a profit
*Source: AMR’s Globex 2018 report
Most importantly, the report details AMR’s Exhibitions 2.0 model, which presents an opportunity for all organizers to achieve sustainable growth. According to AMR, organizers who have implemented Exhibition 2.0 initiatives have seen a bottom-line improvement of 10-15 percentage points.
The white paper compares historic and current/emerging attributes of U.S. trade shows in general, and shows the progression toward Exhibitions 2.0 values. For example, while historic and current/emerging tactics may include a sole focus on SQM (systems of quality management) as well as some sponsorship/ticketing, Exhibitions 2.0 trade shows are focusing on multiple, value-based revenue sources.
Other examples include focusing on an attendee-led organization, rather than a sales-driven model; and continuous innovation, rather than adaptation to trends.
The report emphasizes that no organizer — even associations or non-profits — is too small to embrace at least some elements of Exhibitions 2.0 and deliver enhanced results for their meeting participants. While this model is still a work in progress in the U.S., according to AMR, organizations such as The Toy Association and Association of Equipment Manufacturers are beginning to take new approaches and seeing results.
Learn more and download the full white paper here.
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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