Economy Hampers Most 2008 NIFS/West Numbers
Economy Hampers Most 2008 NIFS/West Numbers
John Wolz
After a record-setting year in 2007, statistics for the 12th annual National Industrial Fastener Show/West slipped, but most numbers remained above the previous 11 West shows.
Most participants attributed the drop to negative economic news during September and October.
* Last year’s record 829 booths edged down to 819. There were 633 exhibiting companies compared with 688 last year.
* There were 150 new exhibiting companies for 2008. There were 176 new companies in 2007.
This was the second year at the larger Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas after 10 years at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
* Distributor registration dropped 12.9%, from 1,577 to 1,373. The NIFS record is 1,733 set in 1995 in Columbus, OH.
* Overall registration fell 12.6% from the record 5,620 set last year to 4,913 for 2008.
Actual attendance is not known as NIFS figures include advance and onsite registration. NIFS management does not use a verified attendance system and the show is not audited by an independent trade show quality assurance system. Show management does provide full registration information to exhibitors.
* Some numbers held their own. Show attendees came from 38 countries — up from 36 last year and 37 in 2006.
* Booth prices rose to a new high of $1,795, and $1,895 for premium corner locations. Both were up $100 from 2007.
NIFS management announced 47.9% of exhibitors responding to a survey favored an October/November West show, while 31.4% preferred a May show and 20.7% responded that date doesn’t matter to them. Show manager Susan Hurley said NIFS is looking for autumn dates for 2011 at Mandalay Bay, Sands Expo or the Las Vegas Convention Center.
NIFS/West is scheduled for November 16-18, 2009, and November 8-10, 2010. For information contact show manager Susan Hurley. Tel: 614 895-1279. E-mail: info@fastenershows.com Web: fastenershows.com
Editor’s Note: Comments from exhibitors and other industry participants will appear in the next issue of FIN.
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