Exhibition Industry Continues to Grow, According to CEIR 2019 Second Quarter Results 

September 9, 2019

In line with the macroeconomy, exhibition industry growth continued during the second quarter of 2019 but at a slower pace, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research. The CEIR Total Index, which is a measure of exhibition industry performance, posted a year-over-year gain of 1.6 percent even though it underperformed against the overall economy as reflected in the inflation-adjusted GDP.

“The growth during the second quarter indicates that the exhibition industry is on track to register a ninth consecutive year of growth, albeit slowing growth as was forecasted by our economist in the 2019 CEIR Index Report,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CEIR.

While discretionary consumer goods and services; industrial/heavy machinery and finished business inputs; and communications and information technology all registered robust year-over-year gains, financial, legal and real estate; consumer goods and retail trade and sporting goods; travel and amusement posted year-over-year declines.

This upward trend for some industries was reflected in TSNN’s recent coverage of a few shows, including the 2019 National Restaurant Association Show, which experienced a 3-percent increase in attendance compared to 2018 as well as record exhibit space sales for the fifth year in a row.

Coverings, the largest international tile and stone conference in North America, also experienced a significant uptick in attendance at its 30th annual show, which drew in approximately 27,000 industry professionals from more than 90 countries, marking an 8.6 percent increase over the year before. 

According to the CEIR Index, all exhibition metrics in the second quarter posted positive year-over-year gains except for exhibitors. Real revenues (nominal revenues adjusted for inflation) and attendees posted the largest increase of 3.8 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively, while net square feet rose 0.2 percent and exhibitors dropped by 1.3 percent.

Predict, CEIR’s annual conference that will take place Sept. 16-17 at the MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C., will address the most current forecast and how it is affecting the 14 industry sectors. The session will feature Dr. Lindsey Piegza, chief economist of Stifel Fixed Income; Dennis Slater, president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM); and Jerry Howard, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, and will be moderated by mdg Principal Vincent Polito.

The CEIR Index Report provides an economic overview of the exhibition industry, including key indicators for growth. The 2019 CEIR Index Report includes a three-year forecast for the business-to-business exhibitions and events industry.

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.