LAS VEGAS — The nearly week-long World Expo 2007 wrapped up Aug. 24, and show organizers, still tallying the final numbers, say they are pleased with the show this year.
“Initial attendee count for this year is over 4,000,” said Amy Turner, managing editor. “There are so many positives about this show to get excited about; booth resigns for 2008 are already 22 percent ahead of where they were last year. We’ve already resigned more than 85 percent of the total space for next year; last year at this time our resign percentage was 65. That indicates to us that this year’s show was extremely worthwhile for all involved. Exhibitors are reporting that the quality of business done on the show floor was excellent, proving that our attendees are still the most qualified in the industry. We’ve had many reports that the quality of education was the best ever. So there’s a lot to be happy about this year – and there’s even more to look forward to next year. We do attribute the slight decline in attendance to two primary factors: industry consolidation and some temporary visa and travel issues. Given that approximately one-quarter of our attendees are from outside the U.S., that can take a slight toll.”
International presence, historically strong at World Expo, remains so. “We’ve added several international shows to our lineup, which serve to enhance our signature event. World Expo remains truly that – a global event,” said Patricia Ames, global business manager.
Pre-show events have quickly become a big draw at World Expo. The Lyra/Recharger joint frontrunner conference, expanded to a full-day event in only its second year, attracted more than 100 attendees and was deemed a huge success by organizers and attendees alike. PrintFleet’s Cost-Per-Page road show also took place Tuesday and attracted a large crowd eager for information on the hot topic of print management.
Publisher Adam Schaffer, fresh from his tenure as publisher of Tradeshow Week, attended World Expo for the first time, allowing him to view the show from the perspective of a leading tradeshow authority. “I’m impressed by what I saw of World Expo and the aftermarket industry in general,” he said. “This is an active, dynamic industry, and just walking the floor for a couple of days I saw a high-energy environment with business conducted everywhere you looked. I’m incredibly pleased to be part of this industry, and can’t wait to really dive in.”
World Expo 2008 will be held Aug. 20-22 at Mandalay Bay.
