Industry rebounding after recession

The trade show and exhibition industry grew by a moderate 1.8 percent in 2014, just short of the 2 percent that was predicted for the year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.

According to CEIR figures, overall growth in the industry was slightly up from recent years but down from 2011 when it experienced a huge rebound after plummeting in the aftermath of the recession, which hit in 2008.

The best performing exhibition sector in 2013 was financial, legal and real estate, which grew 5.2 percent, according to CEIR CEO Brian Casey. Also performing well was building, construction, home and repair, which grew 5.1 percent.

The education sector experienced the most significant drop with a 3 percent decline.

Good news for trade show organizers: The industry is forecasted to grow by 2.8 percent in 2015, CEIR said. Growth will continue into 2016 and 2017, albeit at a slower rate. http://bit.ly/1Iigo3t

Read more CEO DATELINE:

• Protesters target restaurant association fly-in
• Medical groups hail passage of 'doc fix'
• More associations line up to sue FCC on net nuetrality
• Gaming association seeks partnership with law enforcement to fight illegal gambling
• USTelecom, CTIA file lawsuits against net nuetrality rules