Bright outlook for exhibitions by association event producers
Participation at exhibition events has increased for a majority of respondents in the Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum PULSE Report 2012. Responses show that association and independent show producers are optimistic for the industry in 2012.
When it comes to participant level, 64 percent of respondents say it has increased over last year. This level is consistent with other indicators: number of exhibiting companies, 58 percent; net square feet, 60 percent; and sponsorship sales, 58 percent.
The biggest drop among these indicators was in sponsorship sales, with 16 percent reporting a decrease. Only 8 percent reported a decrease in participation.
Interesting, the greatest change over the past two years was in growth of participation as well. In 2011, 39 percent reported an increase, compared to 64 percent in 2012.
An increase in profitability of largest event over last year was reported by 66 percent of respondents, and 68 percent projected an increase for next year; 44 percent say the increase will be between 5-10 percent, followed by 38 percent who say the increase will be less than 5 percent.
Global economic recession tops the list of what participants see as threats to their events, followed by mergers that reduce participant/exhibtor base, and exhibitor downsizing space.
The report was conducted by Jacobs, Jenner & Kent Market Research. Details: www.eceforum.com.
