Dallas -- The exhibition industry grew for the fourth consecutive year in 2006 as measured by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Index of nearly 300 events.
The index growth rate of 4.8 percent outpaced U.S. economic growth by nearly 30 percent, according to the fourth annual CEIR Index report, which was released yesterday.
Last year's growth rate represents slower growth than 2005 over 2004, according to the report. In 2005, the index posted a 5.8-percent gain over the previous year.
Still, CEIR characterized last year's performance as positive: "The results show that the exhibition industry is healthy, vibrant, and growing."
In 2006, revenue increased 9.7 percent over 2005; attendance, 4.6 percent; net square footage, 3.8 percent; and exhibitors, 1.3 percent.
The full report, which provides exhibition performance data across 11 key industry sectors, is available through the CEIR website, at www.ceir.org. The cost is $295 per copy, or $195 per copy for members of CEIR or the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
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