Economy Isn't Hurting Shows

Dear Editor:

Re: “Builders' Show Attendance Drops” (March 3, 2008)

I wanted to comment on a couple of editorials that have recently run in Tradeshow Week. All have focused on the economic downturn in the residential (construction) industry and have referenced that downturn as the reason for World of Concrete's decline in attendance. I would like to point out that that statement is not accurate.

World of Concrete 2008 was the second largest show in its 34-year history. From 2005 to 2007, the World of Concrete has seen a 34-percent growth in exhibit space and 27-percent growth in attendance, and 2008 saw a decline in attendance due to several factors.

To sustain this type of growth would be difficult for any show, regardless of the industry. While my quote in our post-show press release did make reference to the fact that the current economy has affected both the residential and commercial construction communities, I also stated that there were several other industry events taking place the first quarter and that to have the continued support that we had at this year's show speaks volumes to what the show has become to attendees and the industry.

I do feel that my quote is being taken out of context and lumped into editorial conversations with residential construction shows that have seen attendance declines. We are in the midst of our space draw process for our 2009 show and early indications are that we are in for another record-breaking show. This would certainly not make sense for a show (according to your editorials) that experienced attendance declines because of the state of the residential industry.

Tom Cindric

Director

Hanley Wood Exhibitions

World of Concrete/Construct

Irving, Texas

Letters to the editor of Tradeshow Week are always welcome. Please send them to Editor-in-Chief Michael Hart (by mail) Tradeshow Week, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 120, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036-5804; (by e-mail) hartm@reedbusiness.com; or (by fax) (323) 965-5306.