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

Ever since I wrote my book, Build a Better Trade Show Image — ten years ago — I’ve been trying to convince both show managers and exhibitors that doing shows the same way won’t cut it anymore. If you look at the statistics for many expos (especially association shows), you’ll see the primary demographic is age 40-plus, with many averaging even age 50-plus. But if you want your show to stay alive, you better figure out how to reach the 20- and 30-somethings, and you better do it quick!

Although it was a short work week, here are some tidbits from the first few days of 2012:

How Many Exhibitions, Venues Are There?
According to a recent study by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, there are 1,197 exhibition venues worldwide with a total gross indoor exhibition space of 106.9 million square feet. Only one U.S. venue makes the top 15 list … and it’s not the one you probably expect! (Do these numbers seem a bit off, or is it just me?)