Center for Exhibition Industry Research Report Indicates Trade Show Industry Activity Increased 2.7 Percent in 2011; 3.8 Percent in Q4 2011
February 20, 2012
In the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s CEIR Index Report not only did the fourth quarter end with a 3.8-percent increase in overall trade show industry activity, compared with the same time period last year, but the industry also saw an overall 2.7-percent increase in 2011, compared with 2010.
The trade show industry also continues to score better numbers than the GDP, which only grew 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter.
In all, the trade show industry outperformed GDP for three of the four quarters during 2011 and by 1 percent for the year, with the GDP growing 1.7 percent.
"The positive momentum of the exhibition industry, which has experienced six consecutive quarters of growth, gives strong reassurance that the industry has emerged from the economic downturn and is making progress toward recovery,” said CEIR’s economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., Chief Economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates.
In the past, the trade show industry typically has been a lagging indicator to the rest of the economy, but current numbers seem to be bucking that trend for now.
In fact, 2011 closed out with several shows reporting double-digit increases in attendance growth, as well as other metrics.
For example, the SEMA Show, held Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, attracted approximately 135,000 attendees and 2,100 exhibitors spanning 950,000 square feet of exhibit space.
The 35th annual event boasted an 11-percent increase in exhibitors and a 10-percent increase in size, compared with 2010, when the event drew 114,000 attendees.
Other events, such as the International Association of Exhibitions and Events' annual meeting and Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo also saw upticks.
CEIR Index data for the fourth quarter of 2011 shows increases in all four metrics of measurement: net square feet grew 4.2 percent; revenue grew 5 percent; attendance grew 3.6 percent; and exhibiting companies grew 2.4 percent.
"We are very pleased with the results we are seeing,” said CEIR President and CEO Doug Ducate. “The data continues to show a positive upswing and confirms the prediction of moderate growth made in last year’s Index. This is very positive for the industry and the individual sectors."
The 2011 CEIR Index will be published this spring and will detail the exhibition industry’s progress, long-term comparisons and predictions for the next three years, according to CEIR officials.
This year also is off to a strong start with several shows, including International CES, The Show Show, NAMM Show, the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting, the National Retail Federation’s show and many more all seeing big increases, with some even breaking records.
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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