CEIR Releases Updated Report Examining Exhibit Spending
November 30, 2017
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released an updated version of its popular report, How the Exhibit Dollar is Spent.
Originally published in 2014, the 2017 report relays how exhibiting expenditures break down and identifies where spending has remained constant – versus increasing – compared to 2016 levels.
“CEIR is pleased to update these metrics,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CIER. “Exhibitors, organizers and suppliers alike will benefit from understanding where exhibitors spend their marketing dollars on trade shows.”
She continued, “It is a resource that helps exhibitors benchmark their spending allocations to industry norms and helps organizers and suppliers understand how much of exhibitor spending they are capturing.”
The report estimates that in 2017, exhibitor direct spending rose to $25.3 billion in nominal dollars, while the outlook for 2018 exhibitor property plans is also disclosed, reporting the percentage of exhibitors planning to use their exhibits as is; invest in refurbishments or new exhibit purchases, or contract to rent exhibits.
The results point to a healthy market for refurbishing services and that a notable percentage of exhibitors are planning to make new exhibit purchases.
Expenditure categories in this report include:
- Exhibit space
- Exhibit design
- Show services
- Shipping
- Exhibit staff training
- Travel and entertainment
- Pre-show promotions
- Onsite promotional materials
- Off-show floor promotions
- Onsite sponsorship and advertising
- Lead management and measurement
Along with total results, the report provides differences in spending allocation by annual revenues, annual marketing budgets and by specific CEIR sectors.
The online survey results depicted in the report are based on a study conducted by CEIR last summer that polled a sampling of exhibitors from lists provided by Fern, Freeman, GES, Hargrove and Shepard Exposition Services. A total of 424 exhibitors responded to the survey.
The projected exhibitor direct spend for 2017 is an update of CEIR’s exhibitor direct spending estimate for 2014 and uses data from the CEIR Index for the first two quarters of 2017.
Download your copy of 2017 How the Exhibit Dollar is Spent HERE.
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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