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SPONSORED BY Continued from page 22 Pat Fallon VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CompuSystems, Inc. Good Growth Expected for 3rd Quarter "Currently, exhibiting company counts are up 3%, exhibitor revenue is up 7% and attendance is up 5%. We anticipate the above growth trend will continue in Q3 2012. Keep- ing interest rates down will be a key factor in increasing consumer spending that generates the necessary business output to lower the unemployment rate. "Corporate profitability remains sufficiently strong to help stimulate and support future trade show investment. New technologies are extending the life of a trade show for exhibitors and attendees which will deliver better ROI. Technology tools that help foster the buyer/seller relationship will also play a very important role in the growth of our market. "It has been my observation over the last year that show organizers are becoming more open to deploying new technologies that bring value to events. Te enthusiasm to experiment and embrace change will be critical to attracting the next generation of attendees to sustain trade show participation." to offset a decline in coal shipments aſter a mild Winter. "Te railroad is a good leading indicator of how the economy will do," said Sung Won Sohn, economics professor at California State University Channel Islands. Shipments of economi- cally sensitive items such as cars, lumber, industrial products and crude oil all increased in the quarter. Since we live in a globally connected economy, much of the world is experienc- ing a slowdown too, he pointed out. But some euro zone countries are in recession and many others are tottering close to it. Tis implies the rising demand for oil is moderating. Costs Remain a Concern but Growth Prevails "Several of our shows are seeing slight increases in net square feet and at- tendance, and although clients are still very cost conscious, these factors will positively impact the revenues overall. We continue to see slight improvements in the trade show industry and antici- pate 3% to 5% growth over prior year." It has been estimated that the Iran standoff comprises about 20% of the current oil price. Lindgren-Garnett REGIONAL VP Shura Global Spectrum Steve Carey DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR National Truck Equipment Association Any improvement in Iran's nuclear situation will dramatically bring down crude prices. "As for energy prices, I believe they Recent Growth Leads to Future Steve Moster PRESIDENT Aaron Bludworth COO Fern Exposition Event Services Chris Meyer VP OF SALES Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority Global Experience Specialists (GES) Optimism "Our clients have experienced strong growth in Q1 of 2012 and are optimistic about the balance of the year." T&S; Forecasting Board on the Road Again Meet the members as they bring you up-to-date forecasts and trends at TSE's 5th Annual Gold 100 Awards & Summit, October 3-5, The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC could be headed downward soon unless a war breaks out in Te Middle East," said Chow. It has been estimated that the Iran standoff comprises about 20% of the current oil price. Any improve- ment in Iran's nuclear situation will dramatically bring down crude prices, he said. Te U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts gas prices may peak in May and forecasts slightly lower gas prices next year. "Overall, I expect the U.S. economy to pick up again in the second half of the year, if not sooner," said Chow. Te nation is still going through thedeleveraging pro- cess. Meanwhile, trade show organizers can use this "pause" to strengthen their balance sheets and plan for a future of slow but steady growth, said Chow. As for governments, well, they will have to wait until November. TSE www.TradeShowExecutive.com | May 2012 25