Industry Update

 I am just back from the ESCA 2014 Summer Educational Conference that was held in Miami Beach. Great networking and educational opportunities, some of which I thought I might share. Of particular interest was a presentation by Brian Casey with CEIR (Center for Exhibition Industry Research) as to the industry and current observations.

There were many factoids presented and I thought some bore repeating and bringing to light:

• Approximately 2/3 of the shows held are owned or run by Associations with the remaining third being privately held.
• Associations rely heavily on their shows to help generate revenues to administer their associations – it was estimated that some Associations rely on their show to generate 40-70% of their operational budget revenues.
• Tradeshow industry saw modest growth of 1.5% in Q2 of 2013 and 3.0% in Q4 for the same year
• As of Q1 2014 there have been 14 positive quarters of growth for the industry (although some of that has been sluggish) and it was reported that the industry is almost on a par with year 2000.
• Exhibitors are increasingly concerned with their budgets – the two largest areas being weight (shipping / drayage) and exhibit build costs (could be a reason for so many Exhibitor’s considering more modular products).
• It was reported that exhibiting space in the U.S exceeds the current demand – yet many facilities are being remodeled,  enlarged or built new in anticipation of new shows or opportunities. Many older facilities are aging and trying to catch-up.

These were but a few of the informational snippets available and reported on during the conference. CEIR offers their research and reports to their members, non-members can purchase various reports. CEIR does partner with other Associations (like EDPA) and often shares some research with other association’s members.

Jay Burkette, a 30 year tradeshow industry veteran is the Vice President at  ExpoDisplays and the current President of the EDPA.