CEIR Report: Metrics Dipped in 4Q 2012

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released year-end results for the CEIR Index, showing a decline in growth for the exhibition industry during the second half of 2012. After seeing an encouraging 2.4 percent rise during the first half of the year, the industry finished at 1.5 percent growth for the year due to a slow third and fourth quarter, significantly lagging behind a projected 2.9 percent growth from analysts. Compared to the third quarter, attendance slowed from 1.3 percent to 1 percent, net square feet was down from 1.2 percent to 0.8 percent, exhibitors declined by 0.3 percent to 0.2 percent, and overall revenue dropped from 1.6 percent to 1.3 percent.