The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the release of the CEIR Index Report, an Analysis of the 2011 Exhibition Industry and Future Outlook, and the outlook is positive. Despite a sluggish macro economy, the overall exhibition industry posted a relatively strong rebound of 2.7 percent, outpacing real GDP growth by 1 percentage point in 2011. The gain in the exhibition industry was reflected in all four metrics of measurement. This marks an end of three consecutive years of declines. The relatively strong rebound was better than expectations, finishing 15 percent higher than forecast.
CEIR Chairman of the Board, Chris Brown, Executive Vice President of Conventions and Business Operations, National Association of Broadcasters, said, “Knowing that the CEIR Index serves as the barometer for the exhibition industry, I am excited by the 2011 overall results and even more so by the future outlook. The definitive results from our economists confirm their predictions from last year, and the three-year forecast is very encouraging.”
Each metric measured by The Index saw positive growth. Net square feet grew 2.7 percent, the number of exhibitors increased 2.3 percent, the number of attendees increased 3.4 percent, and real revenues grew 2.3 percent. Since the number of attendees tends to be a leading indicator, strong growth in that area bodes well for the industry going forward, according to CEIR.
