CEIR Releases New Version of "How the Exhibit Dollar Is Spent" Report
August 6, 2012
Have you ever wondered as an exhibitor where the money goes? The Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released an updated version of its 2007 report “How the Exhibit Dollar Is Spent.”
Among the report's findings were that 99 percent of exhibitors find unique value delivered by business-to-business exhibitions, which is not provided by other marketing channels, as well as 36 percent of the exhibitors’ dollars, the biggest piece of the pie, are spent on exhibit space.
"The data in this report is a much needed resource for exhibiting companies to plan and budget the cost of their participation in events,” said CEIR President and CEO Doug Ducate.
He added, “It also provides a guide for organizers and service providers on the many different cost centers that comprise the overall cost of exhibiting."
The report takes a look at a breakdown of how exhibitors allocate spending by the following categories: exhibit space, exhibit design, show services, shipping, exhibit staff training, travel and entertainment, promotion, lead management and measurement and other expenses.
According to CEIR, $24 billion annually is spent on exhibiting, with the second biggest portion of those monies, 17 percent, being spent on show services, including material handling, installation and dismantling, electrical, furnishings, Internet, A/V, etc.
The third highest dollar spend, 14 percent, was on travel and entertainment, followed by exhibit design, 11 percent; shipping, 10 percent; promotion, 6 percent; lead management and measurement services, 4 percent; and exhibit staff training and ‘other’ both at 1 percent.
Other survey results included the following findings:
• Exhibitors assign top ranking to the value of face-to-face interactions at exhibitions.
• Exhibitors assign high value to exhibitions in helping them achieve their high priority marketing and sales objectives.
• Business-to-business exhibitions capture the largest share of marketing dollars among companies that exhibit.
Survey results are based on a study conducted by CEIR this summer, polling a sampling of exhibitors from The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing, as well as Exhibtrac’s Top 250 exhibitions’ list. A total of 233 exhibitors participated.
The direct spend estimate of $24 billion annually on exhibiting was updated using CEIR’s Predict Model. In addition, data provided by the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) also was a source of information, according to CEIR.
Please click HERE to order a copy of the “How the Exhibit Dollar Is Spent” report.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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