Graph Expo Begins: GASC Says Attendance Figures Ahead of 2000

Published: October 04, 2002, By PRESS RELEASE

Graph Expo and Converting Expo, October 6 - 9, 2002, McCormick Place South, Chicago, IL, USA

RESTON, VA, USA—Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) producer of Graph Expo and Converting Expo, says its registration figures indicate the number of companies sending reps to the show this year is more than 14 percent higher than company registration levels at this same time relative to the show dates in 2000. According to GASC, 4,838 companies are registered to send attendees to the four-day exhibition in Chicago.

GASC also reports that seminar attendance figures for this year are running significantly ahead of those at the 2000 event, and pre-registration counts for seminars are ahead of levels for Print 01, a record for GASC seminar programs (at this point before the actual show dates). "We feel these are very positive statistics," says Regis Delmontagne, GASC president, "reflecting the commimtent and fortitude of graphic communications companies in our industry. It indicates the show is still very high on corporate priority lists and is deeply integrated into printers' purchasing and business plans this year."

GASC says the 2000 event statistically was very strong; the expo was held in late September at McCormick Place North in Chicago, and it drew approximately 46,000 people to view 575 company exhibits.

As for this year's event, says GASC, it's reflective of the current economic and cultural conditions, including tightened budgets, travel restrictions, business consolidations, and a less-than-robust stock market. "These factors may contribute to the slightly reduced overall attendance," explains GASC, "compared to Graph Expo and Converting Expo 2000. But the company representation stats indicate the buying power certainly will be there for exhibitors." GASC adds that this year's event will consist of one large exhibit hall, covering 380,000 sq ft with nearly 550 exhibitors; the show producer is expecting attendance to be approximately 40,000.

More information about the exhibition, seminar program, and exhibiting companies can be found at graphexpo.com.