CEIR’s Brian Casey Unveils Trade Show Industry Trends
May 24, 2014
At the recent Shepard Exhibition Services’ three-day client event, Sandbox, which recently was held in Atlanta, Brian Casey, the president and CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, presented trade show industry trends occurring now and into the future on the final day.
Casey began his session by talking through the latest CEIR Index Report numbers, which tracks the overall health of the trade show industry by looking at 14 different industry sectors.
The good news is; the industry still is growing, albeit at a slow and steady pace.
Casey then broke down the trends into separate areas, taking a look at ones that impacted organizers first.
A few of the trends he mentioned included the fact that exhibit space is exceeding demand right now, which he added was “artificially pumping up margins in the business.” He cautioned organizers should focus on creating other revenue streams as a result.
Casey said the recession also caused some organizers, particularly associations, to get so risk averse, they were essentially frozen in place. He added that it always was important to evolve with the times and not fall behind.
He also suggested organizers to remember that they were in the business of relationship selling and encouraged them to not only see their biggest exhibitors every year, but also their biggest attendees.
Overall, he said the trend of “mega-shows” has fallen sharply and is moving towards smaller, “cozier” events.
For exhibitors, he said they “weren’t just writing checks” anymore and wanted to pay for results. Casey added that they also want quality over quantity when it comes to the business that comes to their booths.
In regards to facilities, he said that many had fourth generation construction underway and there were several that needed major upgrades. Other trends included fewer exclusives, free Wi-Fi in public areas, partial space repurposing and some facilities are becoming organizers as well.
“Space exceeds supply, yet supply grows” he added of facilities.
Lastly, Casey encouraged everyone to embrace technology.
“I think people who are fearful of technology … ought to be thinking of how to integrate it into their exhibitions,” he added.
Shepard’s Vice President Richard Maples closed the Sandbox program with an overview of Shepard’s 2013-2014 investments, including upgrades to the OLP system, introduction of FAB tensions fabric (highlighted during Sandbox) and new freight-tracking systems.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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