Trade Show InsightsNews, tips & tools to expand your knowledge of exhibiting

The 2012 convention and trade show season is off to a flying start, with positive reviews coming in from both the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Convening Leaders.

News from CES:

While final attendance numbers haven’t been released yet, this year’s CES was announced as record-setting with more than 3,100 companies covering 1.861 million net square feet of exhibit space. That’s slightly larger than the 2008 show (1.857 million net square feet), which indicates that the industry is returning to pre-recession numbers. For more details from CES, visit their news feed.

After two years of dismal news from the world of trade shows and events, it seems we’ve turned a corner. Reports out for several major shows show that numbers in 2011 are up for both exhibitors and attendees.

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) reported record attendance this year, according to PCMA President & CEO Deborah Sexton. You can watch an interview with her here. In the interview, she also addresses the importance of incorporating virtual/hybrid meetings.

The news is also good coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is often considered a barometer of the trade show industry. Preliminary figures indicate that attendance was back in the range of what was seen in 2008.

Duration: 13 min. 12 sec.
Size: 12.2 MB

This year’s EXHIBITOR Show in Las Vegas was a time to come together as an industry to demonstrate that we will not only survive, but can also thrive. Companies debuted new and innovative products and services for exhibitors, and once again showcased some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.

(Be sure to click “Read More” to view the photos & links!)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 14.6 MB

It’s time for our annual review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2008. We’ll discover some new and innovative products and services for exhibitors, along with some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.

(Be sure to click “Read More” to view the photos & links!)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 7.1 MB

Today we’re finishing up a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2007. This time, we’ll continue the review, showcasing some clever exhibit displays, booth attractions, and giveaway ideas.

(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you’re watching in iTunes, you’ll see photos and Web links included. You’ll also see the photos if you’re watching on your iPod or in QuickTime. Or you can click the “Read More” link below to view photos on the site.)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download