Optimism on the showfloors from wide-ranging industries continues to abound with two more shows – the Offshore Technology Conference and Coverings – both posting substantial increases in attendance and other metrics.

The Offshore Technology Conference, held April 30-May 3 at Reliant Park in Houston drew a 30-year high attendance of 89,400, the third highest in show history and up 14 percent from last year.

Attendance surpassed the 2011 total of 78,645, and the sold-out exhibition was the largest in event history at 641,350 square feet with the addition of the outdoor pavilion, up from 603,000 sq. ft. last year.

The show also had 2,500 companies representing 46 countries, including 200 new exhibitors from places such as Bahrain, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand and Taiwan.

“OTC 2012 was the most successful event we have had since the early 80s,” said Steve Balint, chairman of OTC.

He added, “In terms of strength of the technical sessions and technology on display, OTC reached a record-breaking number of people and offered the most ways to connect, educate and conduct business.The industry is on the rise and challenges are ahead, making it more important than ever to collaborate and share best practices with colleagues all over the world. OTC is the place to do that.”

This year’s event featured eight panel sessions, 29 executive keynote presentations at luncheons and breakfasts and 300 technical papers.

Speakers from major, independent and national operators, global government officials and academia presented their views on the current challenges and future directions of the industry.

Next year’s OTC takes place May 6-9 at Reliant Park.

National Trade Production’s Coverings show also scored high numbers, held April 17-20 at Orlando’s Orange Country Convention Center, with 22,000 attendees, 19 percent more than last year.

While all attendee segments showed double-digit increases, the fastest-growing category came from architects and designers, increasing 84 percent, compared with 2011.

The number of exhibitingcompanies also increased by 24 percentand the number of square feet of exhibits was up 14 percentcompared to Coverings 2011.

“The increases are the result of a very strategic and aggressive marketing program,” said Karin Fendrich, COO of NTP. 

She added, “We left no stone - or tile - unturned to make Coverings 2012 a success, including several new initiatives to attract attendees.” 

Some of those initiatives included Coverings Central, a 1,500 sq. ft. area where attendees gathered to interact and network; Contractor Days, created in collaboration with the National Tile Contractors and included tours of showfloor; and the new awards program - Coverings Installation and Design Awards - honoring projects submitted by contractors and designers.

Next year’s Coverings show will be April 29-May 2 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.