Issue link: https://tradeshowexecutive.epubxp.com/i/78074
TRENDING & SPENDING An Insider's Perspective How is the economy impacting the exposition industry? Tis month, eight industry experts give you projections and early warning signs based on registration patterns, exhibit space commitments, long- and short-term bookings, and discussions with peers and customers. Together with the rest of TSE's Exposi- tion Forecasting Board, they have insider knowledge about the true performance of the majority of U.S. trade shows. And just like economists, they don't always agree. Teir diverse opinions, however, provide valuable insights to help you formulate your plans. Darlene Gudea, PRESIDENT Trade Show Executive Media Group Change is in the Air "Other than a few blips on the charts [see the TSE Dashboard, page 25], trade shows have enjoyed a pretty good run since 2010. How- ever, there are some early alerts that suggest change is a-coming. Corpo- rate profits are disappointing. GDP is sluggish. Consumer confidence continues to plummet. "While future economic and exposition growth is riddled with uncertainty due to inputs and outputs that interact in complex ways, what we do know is that cor- porations tend to loosen their marketing purse strings when corporate profits are strong. With corporate profits now skidding downward, we all have to fight harder to claim scarce marketing dollars. It's back-to-basics time, calling for you to place a renewed and direct emphasis on the power of trade shows." New Regulations Will Have a Dampening Effect on Trade Shows "Trade shows have been astute in being an early adopter of emerging technologies which contribute to their relevance in this new economy. But I am very concerned about ever-increasing new regulations that companies, including those involved in trade shows, are facing." Frank Chow, CHIEF ECONOMIST Trade Show Executive Media Group SPONSORED BY A Tale of Two Cities "It currently seems to be a tale of two cities: although not as signifi- cant or pronounced as in the past, economic weakness and low con- sumer confidence remains a drag on markets and subsequently on shows that continue to have a slow recov- ery. Conversely, 'What recession?' is heard in other industries we serve. "In addition, now we are seeing hesitancy by certain Nancy Walsh EXECUTIVE VP Reed Exhibitions Skip Cox PRESIDENT & CEO Exhibit Surveys Joseph V. Popolo, Jr. CEO Freeman David Loechner PRESIDENT Nielsen Expositions industry customers to commit to First and Second Quarter 2013 shows in the same time frame they have in the past based on the uncertainty of the presidential election outcome." Aaron Bludworth COO Fern Exposition Event Services Chris Brown EXECUTIVE VP National Association of Broadcasters Steve Carey DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR National Truck Equipment Association 22 August 2012 | Trade Show Executive