The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced that data collected for the annual CEIR Index report for the third quarter of 2010 indicates positive growth in all metrics, including trade show attendance and exhibition revenue, for the first time since the first quarter of 2008.
Professional attendance began showing improvement in the second quarter and continues to lead improvement with 6.6 percent growth over the same period in 2009. Both net square feet of exhibit space sold and number of exhibiting companies show 5.2 percent growth over the same period in 2009. Projected revenue also showed positive growth of 5.6 percent over the same period in 2009.
“This is most welcome news and tends to confirm some of the anecdotal reports we have reviewed. It should be noted that the third quarter is historically the weakest of the four quarters and has had the greatest decline,” said CEIR President and CEO Doug Ducate. “The test will be to see if this positive trend continues into the fourth quarter of 2010 and then the all-important first quarter of 2011."
