Rachel Wimberly
Rachel Wimberly is EVP of business development and M&A for Tarsus U.S. She also oversees TSNN and Corporate Event News.
Please Stop Asking If Attendance ‘Was Down’ at Shows Running Right Now
August 20, 2021
Since the beginning of July, I have been to several trade shows and events all over the U.S. and inevitably when I talk to people afterward, one of the very first few questions they ask is "how many attendees and/or exhibitors were at the show?"
Jennifer Hoff, president of Taffy Event Strategies and Trifecta Events, said that after she and her team recently ran the Coverings trade show in Orlando, she was asked the same thing about attendance at the event.
“I told them ‘You are asking the wrong question!’” Hoff said.
In the middle of a pandemic, with a show that has a heavy international presence, of course there were not the same number of buyers and sellers as a normal year, but Hoff added, it was an incredibly vibrant and very engaged showfloor.
For any buyer who decides to go to a show right now you can pretty much bet they are motivated ones who are there to place orders and get business done.
I have been to two Tarsus Group shows recently – Foam Expo in Novi, Mich., and the OFFPRICE Show in Las Vegas – and before both shows, the teams were crossing fingers and hoping the buyers who registered showed up on the exhibit floor.
Both shows did not have the same showfloors as normal, but the buyers still came and beat expectations. And, they not only came, but they also were very engaged and order writing was busy.
As a result, the exhibitors were happy that they had taken a chance and made the investment to be at the show.
If anything, I have heard from other shows that the main complaint they actually are receiving right now from the attendees is they wished MORE exhibitors would have been on the showfloor.
So, please stop asking show organizers how many attendees and exhibitors there are right now, but ask them instead: what was the energy on the showfloor? Was business getting done?
I will absolutely guarantee you – the exhibitors and attendees who ARE coming to shows are very grateful for the opportunity to finally meet face-to-face again.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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