CHICAGO – The 2019 trade show year is nearing the finish line so it’s time to begin looking at which shows set the pace for growth during the year and nominate them for a coveted spot on the upcoming Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50.
The “call for entries” period is now open, giving show managers the opportunity to show colleagues what they and their team accomplished during a year in which the overall industry featured single-digit percentage growth in the key growth metrics of exhibit-space, number of exhibitors, and attendance.
“The TSE team tallies important statistics that measure the success of a trade show and we are looking to celebrate those shows with an exceptional growth rate in any or all of the Fastest 50 metrics,” said Gabrielle Weiss, TSE Publisher and Editor. “Recognizing the top 50 shows in each of the three Fastest 50 metrics is our way of giving these exceptional shows the recognition they have most certainly earned.”
Entering a show for Fastest 50 consideration is an easy process. Smaller shows are encouraged to enter since the criteria are based on percentage growth. Shows must have a minimum of 15,000 nsf to qualify for consideration.
Entries can be submitted via the Fastest 50 website at https://www.tsefastest50.com/fastest-50-entry-form. The deadline to submit entries to TSE is Dec. 31.
The events that just fall short of the Fastest 50 will be recognized as part of the Next 50, a roster of shows that still outpaced the growth rates of the industry as a whole.
The entries will be tabulated after the first of the year. The 2020 Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, to be held May 13-15, will be the first exhibitions-industry event at the brand new CAESARS FORUM, the $375 million event venue that will open early next year on the Las Vegas Strip.
Be among the first to see CAESARS FORUM, which covers 550,000 square feet and features the technology and layout that will make it an invaluable resource for show organizers for years to come.
More information on the agenda and registration for the Fastest 50 Awards & Summit will be announced in the coming weeks in the monthly edition of TSE and on the Fastest 50 website (www.tsefastest50.com).
Stepping back, the current Fastest 50 class features 90 individual shows held in 2018. The gains for the Fastest 50 compared to the previous year ran between 14.5% and 25.8%. At the same time, the overall industry grew in the low single digits. The 2019 metrics have featured their share of monthly downturns, but there are plenty of shows still on the fast track to building solid annual growth.
Earning a spot on the Fastest 50 or Next 50 is the best way for show managers to have their achievements recognized. And the next step toward that goal is filling out the entry form.
Reach Gabrielle Weiss at (312) 493-7753 or gweiss@tradeshowexecutive.com; Carri Jensen, Manager of Directories, at (541) 286-4014 or cjensen@tradeshowexecutive.com.
