By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
You might have heard recent news reports that Chicago has lost two trade show titans, NPE - The International Plastics Showcase and HIMSS, in the past week. Undoubtedly, the recent announcements might have raised some questions.
For those of you who are curious about your industry’s award-winning National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (May 22-25, 2010) and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event’s (held in tandem May 23-24 with the NRA Show) future plans, here’s the scoop on both events from our very own Mary Pat Heftman, executive vice president, convention, National Restaurant Association.
“Each show has its unique challenges and decision-making process, and both the International Plastics Showcase and HIMSS raised the issue that the cost of exhibiting in Chicago is high in comparison to other cities they evaluated.
“Before we inked our current agreement with Chicago and McCormick Place, we evaluated Las Vegas, Orlando, and Chicago and the comparable exhibit expense. At that time, we raised concerns and Chicago implemented some reforms that reduced exhibitors' expenses, led by the riggers union. Other reforms have subsequently been implemented, which our exhibitors appreciated.
