SHOW NEWS: Wire Show Attendance Drops

John L. Wolz

Attendance numbers fell 42% for Interwire 2003 from its last show in a better economy two years ago.
The Wire Association International attributed the drop to �the impact of the lengthy industry doldrums.� Actual attendance tallied 4,622, compared with 7,955 at the wire & cable industry event in 2001. WAI confirms attendance with barcoded badge stubs.
In addition to the show, it was the 73rd annual WAI convention and included two Mordica Lectures, two short courses and the presentation of 70 technical papers.
WAI noted that attendance was highest for presentations on quality and maximizing production.
Despite the lower attendance, WAI executive director Steven Fetteroll claimed the expo provided �signs of better times.� There was �energy� on the exhibition floor and �decision makers were in attendance, and they were ready to buy.�
�I thought the show was going to be terrible,� WAI quoted one exhibitor. But after taking orders totaling six figures and more than 100 leads, the exhibitor found �I can�t explain it myself, but it was great.�
�The people we make our living from are here,� WAI quoted another exhibitor.
WAI�s next major event, Wire Expo, will be held June 12-16, 2004, in Cleveland. The next Interwire will return to Atlanta on May 14-19, 2005. Web: wirenet.org