World Expo 2004 Breaks All Previous Attendance Records

Recharger Magazine's World Expo once again posted record attendance. The annual industry trade event was held at the Sands Convention Center and Venetian Hotel, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2004. Thanks to all who participated!

The official count indicates 5,746 industry members participated in the event, which hosted 300 exhibitors and more than 160 education offerings. Checking in as a global event, registration included 28 percent of attendees from outside the United States.

The 300 exhibitors represented the largest number of exhibitors ever at a World Expo, as well as the largest number present at any remanufactured and compatible imaging supplies event in the world. "We’re pleased with the results. The team worked hard to produce a truly world-class event, and the industry attended in masses," said Phyllis Gurgevich, Recharger Magazine publisher.

The apparent theme on the show floor was all about technology. There appeared a large constituency of technology solutions providers and equipment vendors.

Next year’s event, World Expo 2005, will be the 10th anniversary event. Recharger Magazine announced Mandalay Bay as the new host hotel and World Expo venue for 2005 through 2007. This move will help alleviate some of the growing pains inherent in the move from a ballroom environment to a convention facility.

"We’re a growth industry, and one of the side effects of that growth is that our show no longer fits into a smaller facility like the Riviera," said Gurgevich. "While growth is a positive thing, there are adjustments that come along with it; the differences in dealing with a large convention facility can be logistically challenging, and we’re doing all we can to continually improve upon our performance."

Mandalay Bay, with rooms at just $139 a night, is one change that will work toward improvement. The convention center facility and environment will be more conducive to a week-long community feel; allowing industry members the experience of bumping into friends and business associates in the hotel restaurants and venues.

World Expo 2005 is from Aug. 24-26. The change in dates is also an effort to improve the Expo experience. Many companies stated that September is a peak selling month for remanufacturers, which makes it difficult to be away from the business. August dates allow people to remain close to their businesses at a critical sales time, yet enter that time armed with the information and inspiration from attending World Expo.

For further information contact info@rechargermag.com or call 702-438-5557.