AutoInc. November 1998 Issue

Success of NACE Mirrors Success of Industry
by Monica Buchholz
A delegate to the 1997 International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) purchased $11,167 worth of products and services from exhibitors, according to a survey of last year's delegates. The survey results were based on a 10 percent response and prove that NACE is a very successful show for exhibiting companies.
"We firmly believe that the success of NACE mirrors the overall success of the industry. In addition, NACE provides an ideal place to get together to discuss industry opportunities and needs," said Alan G. Peterson, NACE show manager.
Shop owners make up the largest group of NACE delegates, followed by shop managers and shop technicians. Jobbers make up the next largest group of NACE attendees. "These attendees really shop the show and especially enjoy seeing the new products, displays and demonstrations," said Peterson. Approximately 70 percent report covering at least 50 percent or more of the exposition in 1997. Thirty-two percent spent between 11 and 15 hours on the show floor.
The average NACE delegate is between the ages of 31 and 50, and has attended NACE for four years. According to Peterson, the biggest demographic change has been in the number of international attendees NACE draws. More than 80 countries were represented at NACE in 1997, and international attendance has consistently increased an average of 13 percent for the last four years. "We aren't seeing any one particular area in which international attendees are coming from - they're coming from all over and they usually travel and register in groups," said Peterson.
According to Peterson, the exposition is the primary attraction of the event because it allows attendees to see the industry's latest products and services. "It helps them stay on the cutting edge of technology in the industry," he said. In addition, NACE provides more than 30 educational seminars on management, technical, industry and international topics. Its host of keynote speakers provide entertaining, as well as motivational messages for attendees.
"Everyone feels good when they have an opportunity to see a high-profile individual," said Peterson.
NACE '98 is expected to draw approximately 35,000 collision repair professionals and more than 650 companies to occupy 2,700-plus exhibit booths. The conference will be held Dec. 3-6 at the Dallas Convention Center; the exposition will run from Dec. 4-6. The event is sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA).
November AutoInc.|| NACE '98 Special Section
Online Daily News || The Success of NACE || AMI Courses || Dallas Guide || Exhibitor Show Specials || Educational Courses || List of Exhibitors || Keynote Speakers || Entertainment || Profile of NACE Chairman || Schedule of Events
Note: Some links go directly to the NACE Web site. Click on your "Back" button to return to this page. NACE is sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA).