Convention Insider (Conventions.net)

A couple of weeks ago I was talking about the size of conventions and whether attendance was important or square footage.  Regardless of the correct answer, I was correct when I said:

This week is CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, Nevada.  This is one of the largest, if not the largest shows in the trade show or convention industry.  Is it judged by the amount of attendees or the amount of exhibitor space that is used?  The show that runs this week from March 11 – 15, 2008, is huge by square footage standards and by attendees.

It was almost prophetic as I read the numbers by show officials as reported by Trade Show Week:

CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the massive triennial construction-industry tradeshow that typically tops the TSW 200 each year it is held, broke all records during its March 11-15 run at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Show officials said the 2008 show covered 2.28 million square feet with 2,182 exhibitors and 144,600 attendees. The 2005 CONEXPO-CON/AGG had 1.84 million sq. ft., 1,965 exhibiting companies and 97,900 attendees.

Those are very impressive numbers and has certainly set a new benchmark as it relates to trade show size.  One thing is true in this industry, sometimes size does matter.  Congratulations to the event planners at CONEXPO-CON/AGG as they wrap up on what was certainly a mountain of work to put together the show.  Our congratulations also go out to the folks at the Las Vegas Convention Center for hosting the biggest trade show ever!