First-Quarter CEIR Index Results Show Growth in Exhibition Industry

A combination of metrics measuring the overall health of the exhibition industry, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s index for the first quarter of 2012 shows continued recovery at a rate of 2.7% compared to the same period in 2011. It is the seventh consecutive quarter of growth the index has registered. All four metrics—net square footage, revenue, exhibitors and attendees—increased year-over-year, but the final category proved the key factor driving the index this quarter; attendance is 4.6% higher than the first quarter of 2011. The center’s chief economist said the results show the industry is weathering the sluggish economic recovery well and demonstrate reasons for optimism about the prospect of continued growth. ceir.org