The paint and coatings industries, as well as hospitality design, all are experiencing good times right now, which translated to busy showfloors at two recent events - the American Coatings Show and HD Expo.

The American Coatings Show found success with its move to Atlanta this year, with the show breaking attendee and exhibitor records when it was held April 7-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The fourth edition of the American Coatings Show attracted more than 8,700 attendees and 480 exhibitors from 70 countries.

The 2014 event generated an increase of 16 percent in attendance, compared with last year’s show that was held in Indianapolis, and a 20 percent uptick in exhibit space to 110,000 net square feet.

“Nearly 25 percent of ACS attendees are international, so Atlanta was the optimal choice in terms of accessibility,” said Andy Doyle, president of the American Coatings Association.

Doyle added, “With the world’s busiest passenger airport in our host city, attendees from around the world could travel to the show with ease, which resulted in the most attended ACS in its history.”

Besides the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offering flights to more than 150 domestic and 70 international destinations, the city also is a two hour direct flight from 80 percent of the U.S. population.

“Thanks to Atlanta’s robust infrastructure and collaborative hospitality community, major events like the ACS can enjoy seamless success” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

He added, “Atlanta has more to offer in terms of ease of access, places to meet, and things to do than ever before.” 

Emerald Expositions’ HD Expo, held May 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, also broke attendance records at this year’s event, with a 15-percent increase, compared with last year.

“This year, it was clear that there is a revitalized excitement in the state of the industry. We saw our most significant attendance numbers to date and welcomed new and innovative exhibitors, as well as leading designers who are changing what we do,” said Liz Sommerville, group show director for the Hospitality Design Group.

She added, “This show was a clear indication that we are the preeminent destination to learn, connect and grow your business all under one roof.”

The show also featured more than 900 brands, including  Kohler, Durkan, Rohl, Tai Ping, Aceray, to name a few.

In addition, the show had some new highlights this year such as a Social Hub in the center of the floor, designed by the Morgans Hotel Group and the Creativity Corner, where show organizers said attendees could “connect with their inner creative genius.”