Several tradeshows that took place in February recently reported increased numbers over the 2012 versions for attendees, exhibitors and net square feet of exhibit space. From Las Vegas to New York, these shows delivered positive results for exhibitors and the industries they serve.
World of Concrete (WOC) 2013, which took place Feb. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, surpassed all expectations in square footage and attendance. WOC is the only annual, international commercial-construction tradeshow for the concrete and masonry industries. The 2013 version attracted 54,869 professional registrants and showcased more than 1,300 indoor and outdoor exhibits in more than 605,000 net square feet of exhibit space, an increase of more than 53,000 net square feet over the 2012 show.
“Optimism was evident throughout World of Concrete 2013 with positive results from exhibitors as well as attendees,” said Jackie James, show director, WOC. “Exhibitors were so pleased with WOC 2013 that we have already booked more than 60 percent of the 2013 exhibit space for the 2014 show.”
Many exhibitors, including a significant number of new exhibitors, at WOC 2013 reported positive results from the show in 2014.
“We used to do other shows, but for the last 10 years this has been the only show that we do, and this year’s show is probably the best one I’ve been at in the last six years,” said Ron Turley of Ron Turley Associates Inc.
Professionals in the roofing industry also came out in full force at San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center for the 2013 International Roofing Expo (IRE).
Held Feb. 5-7, total attendance for the 2013 IRE expo and conference was 8,491 – a 1.3 percent increase over the 2012 show, marking the third year in a row the show has seen an increase in attendance.
“There was a noticeable energy on the show floor among the attendees and exhibitors,” said Lindsay Roberts, group director, IRE. “The energy was evident throughout the show.”
In attendance were representatives from the industry’s leading roofing and construction companies, including commercial and residential contractors, builders, remodelers, architects and engineers.
“I attended the show for the great sessions as well as gaining better insight into new and existing products,” said Christopher Knott, sales manager, Cherry and Clark Roofing in Mississauga, Ontario.
Attendees represented all 50 states. The largest number of international attendees came from Canada, Mexico, China, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Australia and Brazil.
Switching from the construction industry, the 110th American International Toy Fair welcomed a surge in international attendees as visitors from 92 countries descended upon New York City to preview 150,000 innovative toys, games and youth entertainment products.
Owned and operated by the Toy Industry Association (TIA), Toy Fair 2013 was held from Feb. 10-13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The fair saw a 4 percent increase in international attendees, a 9 percent rise in licensors, a 6 percent increase in international manufacturer’s reps, and an 18 percent surge in foreign press. Total attendance during the four-day show was more than 24,000.
A blizzard that hit the New York City-area on the Friday before Toy Fair 2013 resulted in just six cancellations from the 1,066 pre-registered exhibitors, who filled a record-breaking 375,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The Toy Fair also welcomed 239 first-time exhibitors.
“Despite airport closures, flight cancellations, train disruptions and the closing of major roads due to the snowstorm, Toy Fair 2013 had a terrific turn-out, and the atmosphere on the floor was upbeat and energetic right up until the very end,” said Carter Keithley, president, TIA.
Toy Fair 2013 welcomed nearly 9,500 buyers from 5,000 retail outlets, including buyer delegations from 22 of the nation’s top 25 toy sellers.
“Our initial concerns that the show would be off due to the snow storm were quickly allayed by Sunday afternoon when our booth was filled to near-capacity with both familiar and new faces,” said Jason Schneider, director of product development and marketing, Ceaco/Gamewright. “Overall traffic was up and sales were stronger than ever.”
The Rental Show 2013, held from Feb. 10-13 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, also reported an extremely active show floor with its fourth straight year of increased attendance. The number of rental businesses represented also increased this year and reached the highest total since 2006, which was the 50th anniversary of The Rental Show.
Attendees came from throughout the U.S., Canada and more than 40 other countries.
“Overall, The Rental Show reflects where this industry is headed,” said Christine Wehrman, CEO, American Rental Association, organizer of The Rental Show. “Everyone anticipated a great show because of the attitude, tone and urgency we’ve seen from attendees on buying equipment. Everything about the show was positive this year.”
The show also saw an increase in buyers versus browsers.
“Subaru had a very good show. We were really happy with the increased attendance and the overall energy and excitement level of the attendees,” said Pam Meyer, equipment sales manager, Subaru Industrial Power Products. “Many attendees were armed with purchase orders in hand or a long list of items they needed to purchase when they came to the booth. That has not happened for several years.”
If February is any indication, the tradeshow industry is off to another good start in 2013.
