2006 TSW Fastest 50 Winners Are Announced

Question: Where can you find the manager of a show in the top 10 of the Tradeshow Week 200 in the same room with the manager of a small consumer show in Kansas?

Answer: The 2006 TSW Fastest 50, Nov. 10–12 in Boston.

TSW has announced the winners of this year's TSW Fastest 50 and, just as over the last three years, the list of the 50 fastest-growing shows in the United States and Canada reflects the wide diversity of a healthy industry.

This year's list is almost evenly split between those making their very first appearance and those that continue to demonstrate impressive growth year after year.

Among the events qualifying for the TSW Fastest 50 for the first time are such top-200 stalwarts as Global Pet Expo and NATPE. Also among the newcomers are shows that achieved great success by cultivating very closely defined regional audiences; for instance, the Topeka Boat & Outdoor Show.

The annual TSW Fastest 50 honors those shows that experienced the greatest growth in terms of net square footage over the preceding three years. All 50 winners will be honored during a weekend celebration in Boston. The event will include an executive-level conference at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, an opening night reception at the Harvard Club and a Sunday brunch at the Institute of Contemporary Art.

The highlight of the weekend, though, is a black-tie gala Saturday, Nov. 11, when TSW will announce the top prizes for the fastest-growing shows in four categories (trade, association, consumer and overall).

TSW Publisher Adam Schaffer said, "All of the shows on this year's list are quality shows. The TSW Fastest 50 continues to represent the vitality and innovation in our industry. I am very proud to have the opportunity to meet and celebrate with all of the winning show organizers."

Among the mix, 24 shows are appearing for the first time, joining 26 shows that are making at least their second appearance.

"It's only natural there should be plenty of new shows on the list, but the fact that some of the shows that have been on the TSW Fastest 50 in previous years indicates they are on the right track," said TSW Editor in Chief Michael Hart.

While there is a large number of shows that have grown from almost nothing to perhaps more than their show managers ever dreamed of, there are also 23 TSW 200 shows, eight of them making their very first appearances at the TSW Fastest 50.

For more information on the event and how to register, go to www.TSWFastest50.com or call (323) 965-5326.