World Expo 2005: New Location, New Dates, Same SuccessRecharger Magazine's World Expo 2005 was a success for exhibitors and attendees. The event, which took place Aug. 24-26, was held for the first time at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and for the first time in its 10-year history the event was scheduled in August. The numbers are still rolling in, and while it will be several weeks before the books are completely closed on the event, here are some World Expo 2005 facts and figures, with 2004 numbers in parentheses:
A slight decline in overall attendance has proved a challenge for many events across the industry. While many events have seen a decline in attendance, in some cases by as much as 40 percent, the overall change in attendance and exhibitors for World Expo was negligible. This was combined with the larger facility, which made for much larger aisles and a more even flow of attendees. "By far the most common comment I heard was that visitors to the booths were spaced out far more evenly; there was less of the ebb and flow that was experienced in the past. This meant more quality time with top prospects, and more business," said Phyllis Gurgevich, publisher of Recharger Magazine. "We appreciate all the valuable feedback we have received from attendees and exhibitors, and plan to use it going forward to make next year's show even better." World Expo continues to live up to its name as international attendance from many regions of the world increased in 2005. International attendees made up 31 percent of all attendees (up from 28 percent in 2004). Attendees from the Pacific Rim, South America and Canada increased 1 percent each, and European attendees decreased by 1 percent from the previous year. "We understood that by moving the show three weeks earlier into August that it might interfere with European holidays, and because it is harder in today's world to receive a travel visa, there would be a challenge. We are pleased that World Expo continues to draw growing international attention," Gurgevich said. "Personally, I can't think of a better place to go on vacation than Las Vegas." Seventy-seven percent of exhibitors at this year's World Expo re-signed on-site for the 2006 show (an increase from the 75 percent who re-signed at the 2004 World Expo). "Before they arrived some attendees worried about the heat," Gurgevich said, "but the more common comment once they got there was the cold AC. No one really makes it outside during the three day event, although the pool is a very enticing draw and many delegates stayed over just to enjoy the 11-acre, beach-style pool." World Expo 2006 is scheduled for August 23-25 at the Mandalay Bay Convention
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