No doubt the big story of this week revolved around the new CEIR Report which indicates that trade show industry activity increased by 2.7 percent in 2011, outperforming the GDP (gross domestic product). Check out this article from TSNN for more details.
Record-breaking show statistics are not exclusive to U.S. shows. Earlier this month, representatives from more than 80 countries gathered in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre for Gulfood 2012. More than 3,800 companies showcased food and beverage products and services to an anticipated record turnout.
To help accommodate more expos, Miami announced the opening of a newly-renovated Miami Airport Convention Center, a 172,000-square-foot facility.
Meanwhile, the Javits Center controversy has now gained the attention of the New York Times. When you look at the logistics of holding shows at the proposed new facility, it does cause some head-scratching: the commute into Manhattan – the epicenter of restaurants, shopping and entertainment – would be about an hour. And then there’s the question of hotels near the new facility. What’s your viewpoint: Should the Javits be replaced? If so, where?
And finally, be careful what you say about the competition! One sales manager in Canada was recently arrested as a suspected terrorist because he sent a text message telling his colleagues to “blow away the competition” at a New York trade show.
