By Galen Poss
As the event planner for the first International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) held nearly 20 years ago, I was certainly optimistic that it would be a success. I also was keenly aware that this success could be hard to achieve in a fragmented industry that never really united behind such a national event. Fast forward to NACE 2001, held just four months ago, and the event is not only a winner, but it clearly has become a key driver in unifying, strengthening, elevating and educating the global collision repair industry.
The first NACE '83 in Nashville had 171 exhibit booths and drew approximately 1,500 attendees. NACE 2001 finished with more than 2,500 exhibit booths and more than 35,000 attendees.
Numbers aside, a lot has happened in the collision repair industry during this time. Like many industries, it has become more complex and competitive. Over the past few years there have been consolidations, diminished industry growth and continued complexity. What has remained constant? NACE and its sole focus to provide the most comprehensive educational program and Exposition for all segments of the collision repair industry.
NACE 2001 did this and more. With the tragic events of Sept. 11, attendees and exhibitors looked to NACE as a place to find support and compassion from friends and colleagues. It was an event that would reassure them that the industry was ready to get back to business.
On the first day of the Exposition, there was enthusiasm, camaraderie and a tremendous amount of business being done on the show floor. I have 20 years of planning and working this event, and I was pleased to hear so many compliments from NACE exhibitors. One in particular said that like many exhibitors, they were apprehensive about attendance at the 2001 Exposition, but after the first day, this was cast aside as attendees packed the aisles of the trade show floor. There was also record attendance at NACE 2001 educational sessions. This demonstrates that more than ever, attendees are turning to NACE to meet their educational needs.
NACE 2002 will mark the 20th annual event and will take place Dec. 5-8 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas. NACE 2002 has already been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Overseas Buyer Initiative Program and was chosen because of its high export potential, stature and international interest. As part of this prestigious program, NACE will be marketed worldwide by the International Trade Administration's Office of Automotive Affairs and its global network of offices.
Dallas is an excellent site for NACE. As one of the top convention cities in the United States, Dallas is served by DFW International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world, and Love Field, one of the nation's busiest in-town airports. There is an abundance of area attractions, including The West End, unique dining experiences, museums, galleries, shopping and amusement parks. Not to mention that Dallas is home to the Rangers, Stars, Mavericks and Cowboys.
This year's NACE will be a time to celebrate not only what the event itself has become, but also what the industry has become over the past 20 years. We'll take the opportunity to reflect on these changes, and most importantly, we'll deliver the best NACE to the collision repair industry.
| Galen Poss is president of Hanley-Wood Exhibitions, the NACE show management company. He has been involved in planning and producing NACE since its inception 20 years ago. For additional NACE information, visit the NACE Web site at www.NACEexpo.com.
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