Growth slowing down for exhibition industry
Growth in the exhibition industry slowed over 2012, new data from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research shows.
The 3Q CEIR Index reveals that the Total Index increased by only .9 percent. While the exhibition industry in the 1Q 2012 outperformed the real Gross Domestic Product, survey data for 2Q and 3Q shows that growth has decelerated. Also, all four key metrics showed slower year-on-year growth in the 3Q, compared to first and second quarters of this year.
After 4.8 percent and 3.3 percent growth in attendance, the leading indicator, in 1Q and 2Q, respectively, growth slowed to 1.1 percent in 3Q. Slowing growth was reflected also in net square feet, which was down slightly to 1.3 percent from 1.4 percent in the previous quarter; exhibitors, which showed only a modest gain of .9 percent from a year ago, compared to 1.1 percent in the 2Q; and the growth in revenues, which were adjusted for inflation grew to total $2.62 billion, a year-on-year gain of .4 percent.
The CEIR Index measures year-over-year changes in four key metrics to determine overall performance: Net Square Feet of Exhibit Space Sold; Professional Attendance; Number of Exhibiting Companies; and Gross Revenue.
CEIR economist Allen Shaw, PhD, attributed the slowing down to concern about the fiscal cliff and the global economy. Details: www.ceir.org.
