CEIR Index Results for Second Quarter Show Continued Industry Growth

The exhibition industry has had eight consecutive quarters of growth, according to the latest index from Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR); however, the rate of growth has slowed to be in line with GDP. During the first half of 2012, the index and GDP both gained 2.3% compared to the first half of 2011. For the previous two six-month periods, year-to-year index growth was about 1% more than GDP growth. The index uses a combination of metrics—net square footage, revenue, exhibitors and attendees—to gauge the overall health of the industry. Results from the second quarter of 2012 were down from the first quarter but slightly better than the second quarter of 2011. The center’s chief economist says, overall, the numbers show the industry has shown resiliency during the economic downturn, and continued growth is expected in the near term.

Results from the index were a focus at Predict: CEIR’s Annual Outlook Conference on Sept. 13 in New York City. More than 120 industry executives and members of the local financial community attended the event. In addition, for the first time, CEIR made the conference’s final two sessions available online, where another 200 individuals registered to participate. The online event is available to anyone for the next three months. ceir.org