Despite the lingering effects of the global economic recession, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) hosted 1,916 attendees and 269 exhibitors from 55 nations at its 2009 "Expo! Expo!" annual meeting, it announced yesterday, citing an independent audit by Exhibit Surveys Inc. of New Jersey.

The event, which took place Dec. 8-10 in Atlanta, surpassed expectations, according to the association, which last month estimated that the meeting had attracted fewer than 1,800 attendees.

"Despite the worst year in the modern history of the exhibitions and events industry, the fact that our attendance was just 56 fewer than attended the prior year in Miami Beach is a testament to the resiliency of our industry and to the enormous importance our members place on attending the annual meeting each year," IAEE Chairman Chris Meyer, CEM, CMP, said in a statement.

Added IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE, "On-site activity can easily distort pre-registration numbers. This is a prime example of how independently audited data can add value to events like Expo! Expo!"

IAEE attributed its show's success to its all-business atmosphere. According to final post-show numbers, 19.9 percent of attendees at IAEE's Expo! Expo! described themselves as "senior executives" while 9.6 percent said they were vice presidents, 18.8 percent directors and 22.1 percent managers.

"The high quality of IAEE's attendees expressed in their unique buying authority is one of the reasons why our trade show has been as successful as it has been," said IAEE Director of Exhibitions Julie Anderson, CEM, CAE. "It's all about the buyers." This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy