CEIR Releases Two New Reports in 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions Study

September 12, 2016

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released two more reports from its newest series - 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions.

This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry and Exhibitions Foster Business Relationships.

A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry affirms the longstanding trend documented in the CEIR Index that performance of the exhibition industry rises and falls with the health of the U.S. economy.

Findings suggest that the perceived positive outlook of an exhibiting company’s industry or company are strong predictors of the volume of exhibitions a company has in its exhibit program.

“This fact sheet clearly shows the relationship between a sector or exhibiting company’s health and the extent of use of the business-to-business exhibition channel,” said CEIR President and CEO Brian Casey, CEM.

He added, “It demonstrates that the exhibition channel is an engine for growth, bringing significant value to the industries they serve.”

Exhibitions Foster Business Relationships documents changes in business relationships with customers in the past several years. Pricing pressures are a challenge for exhibitors who find their customers are more price-driven today than in the past several years. Perhaps in reaction to the information tsunami from the digital age, exhibitors are finding that the ability to convey information to customers in person is a powerful advantage of marketing at exhibitions.

“This fact sheet suggests the importance of interpersonal marketing in a world drowning in information,” said EDPA Executive Director Jeff Provost. “Connecting with a target audience face-to-face helps penetrate the noise and deliver memorable, impactful experiences that drive business.”

The 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions study dives into the minds of executives who are involved in the decision to exhibit at business-to-business exhibitions, as well as other promotional and advertising decisions for their company.

It documents the use of business-to-business exhibitions today, the level of participation now compared to several years ago as well as executives’ plans to exhibit looking out to the next several years.

A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry and Exhibitions Foster Business Relationships are available for download from the CEIR website.

Non-members may purchase each report for $49.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact