SHOW NEWS: Florida Dominates East Show Registration

John Wolz

With 212, or 45.2%, of the distributors registering for the 2003 National Industrial Fastener Show/East, Florida dominated the show. A 51% majority came from three Southeastern states: Alabama, North Carolina and Florida. \
The 212 Florida distributor registrations represented a total of 92 companies.
After 22 years in Columbus, OH, it was the first time the distributor-oriented show has been held in Orlando, FL.
Distributor registration totaled 469 for the 23rd annual East show or 59 more than the final Columbus show in 2002. Previous distributor registrations were 715 in 2001 and 910 for 2000. The show peaked at 1,753 distributor registrations in 1995.
Exhibitor staff registration outnumbered distributors 822 to 469. Combined with 122 manufacturer reps and independent sales reps who frequently staff booths or solicit lines from the aisles, fastener buyers may have been outnumbered more than 2 to 1 by sellers.
Registration for other categories included: manufacturers 79; importers 29; forming/cold header 7; other 55; and spouse/guest 6.
Show management reported total attendee registration at 767 and overall registration totaled 1,589.
The numbers include advance and onsite registration. Show management does not use a verified attendance system so actual attendance is not known. Trade show experts have estimated that frequently 50% of advance registrants do not actually attend the event. The show is not audited by an independent trade show quality assurance system. NIFS management does provide a list of registrants to exhibitors.
The next Orlando show is scheduled May 13-14, 2004. Show management reports it has reached the 100-booth sales mark. For information contact Gloria Crase. Tel: 614 895-1279 Fax 614 895-3466 E-mail: nifsco@fastenershows.com Web: fastenershows.com �2003 FastenerNews.com