TIM LESMEISTER - Trade Show Executive

Trade Show Executive’s Exposition Forecasting Board
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Continued from page 15
Darlene Gudea,
Publisher & Editor,
Trade Show Executive
Frank Chow,
Chief Economist,
Trade Show Executive
Nancy Walsh,
Executive Vice President,
Reed Exhibitions
Tom Caridi,
CFO,
Questex Media Group
Margaret
Pederson,
President, Amerix
& 2009 IAEE Chair
“Reading the latest economic data, or even
the morning news, takes courage these days. The
economic outlook remains gloomy as global
metrics continue to fall; virtually every industry has
been impacted. Exacerbating that decline is that
exhibitions lag the economy so some organizers are
facing falling results following record performance
in 2008. A turnaround is going to take longer, with
2010 more likely than the second half of 2009; that
could translate to 2011 for some trade events.
“It is not just that each day brings new dire
statistics; now exhibition, conference and event
organizers also need to deal with the potential
impact of legislation on companies that have
received TARP funding. It is widely assumed that
a few formerly high-flying Wall Street firms and
struggling auto manufacturers are the beneficiaries
of these funds. In fact, there are 450 companies
that have received TARP funding and the impact
is far more extensive given that it also applies
to the parent or all subsidiary companies: GE’s
acceptance of TARP funding would impact NBC’s
participation in exhibitions if some proposed
legislation is accepted.
“We must remember to keep a balanced
oulook as all is not doom and gloom. Face-toface
meetings drive sales, which is key to reviving
the economy. Medical Design & Manufacturing West,
MRket, Moda Las Vegas and Accessories, and Fabtech
all had increased attendance. Even events with
lower attendance provided remarkable results:
International CES still attracted 110,000. Our
priority needs to be helping participants maximize
that value. We also need to quantify the value of
face-to-face meetings to government officials to
prevent inappropriate legislative restrictions on
companies receiving TARP funding.
“These challenging times are trying. Discipline,
commitment and innovation are key to surviving 2009
so that we can start rebuilding in 2010 and beyond.”
Margaret Pederson
pederson@optonline.com
Colette O’Donnell
Group Controller,
Advanstar, Inc.
Dan Greene,
COO of
Matrex Exhibits
Harris Schanhaut, CME
Senior Tradeshow Manager, C2 creative
Board of Directors, TSEA
Board of Advisors, BPA WorldWide
Aaron Bludworth,
Chief Operating Officer,
George Fern Company
16 March 2009 Trade Show Executive www.TradeShowExecutive.com