Although weather reports concerned event organizers leading up to the 2018 International Airport GSE Expo, the biennial equipment show wasn’t impacted by rain or windy conditions until the very last night – but not during show hours. GSE Expo show director Sue Ralston said feedback from industry professionals, in fact, suggests the latest edition of the Expo was a remarkable success.
“In the end, the goal is to have happy exhibitors and attendees, and I think we accomplished that in Las Vegas,” she said. “Personally, I feel very fortunate to work with the GSE industry on this event. They make sure you feel the appreciation and enthusiasm.”
The 2018 Expo, held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, grew in every facet as 1,263 exhibitors and 1,308 attendees filled two football fields worth of outdoor space and a massive indoor area. The total square footage of exhibiting space was 39 percent greater than 2016, and the number of exhibiting companies grew by 25 percent since the last show.
Verified registrants also increased from 2016, welcoming 14 percent more this year.
Ralston described the increase to the size and scope of the show as a good problem to have.
“Anytime you experience the amount of growth our event realized after just one year, there are going to be some challenges along the way. Show management is already working with our partners to increase efficiencies for 2020,” she said.
In addition to overall growth, event officials also noticed a considerable uptick in exhibitor sponsorships in 2018.
“We are fortunate to have an exhibitor community that supports this show in such a big way,” Ralston said. “The increase in booth size and additional sponsorships allowed us to make the needed improvements from 2016.”
New features included coffee service each morning before the show floor opened, as well as afternoon refreshment breaks; concession stands in close proximity to the exhibition space; and covered seating and meeting space on the Observation Deck.
The International Airport GSE Expo will return to the Rio in Las Vegas on Oct. 20-22, 2020.
