Issue link: https://tradeshowexecutive.epubxp.com/i/84572
SPECIAL REPORT Trade Show Executive's Uncertain Times Mean Uncertain Plans Facilities Approach Expansion and New Builds Cautiously BY RENEE DIIULIO, senior editor Oceanside, CA – Economic uncertainty is near an all-time high. If the economic tide rises and liſts the trade show industry, some convention and exhibition facili- ties will need more space. If the economy continues to sputter, the echo in some convention centers might get louder. Six Months Ago When the last edition of Trade Show Executive's Pardon Our Dust report ran in April, economic indicators at that time still looked good. TSE's Trending and Spending column reported the U.S. gross domestic product had risen, the country's retail sales had jumped, various domes- tic housing indices were positive and 42 October 2012 | Trade Show Executive job growth was still occurring, marking three consecutive months. Looking forward, Te Conference Board's gauge of future economic activity in February had been at its highest level since 2008. TSE's Forecast for the year predicted 3.2% growth in net square feet of exhibit space, 2.8% growth in number of exhibiting companies, 3.2% growth in professional attendance and 6.0% growth in revenue. However, TSE's Chief Economist Frank Chow urged caution, as did many of TSE's 15-member Exposition Forecast- ing Board who are experts in the fields of economics and trade shows. Tey cited the many factors to watch: escalat- ing energy prices, unexpected disasters, a potentially still-volatile housing market and political uncertainty. Te year 2011 had started out strong but recovery slowed with Japan's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters as well as shiſting political and economic conditions. The Present As it turns out, 2012 may end similarly. Tough the year started strong, the same factors slowing 2011's progress have been present this year. Gas and oil prices have continued to fluctuate, and jumped once again due to a natural disaster (Hurricane Isaac). Politics, particularly domestic, have been equally unforesee-