Masonry Show Exhibit Sales at Record Pace
Exhibit space for MCAA’s new MASONRY SHOW went on sale at the close of the final EXPO in Orlando. Less than two months later, indications are that THE MASONRY SHOW, debuting at the Rio Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas in February 2000, will set all time sales records. With only half of the 113 exhibitors from the Orlando show pre-signed for THE MASONRY SHOW, square footage sales are already nearing the 28,000 square feet of exhibits from the 1999 show.
“The way sales and enthusiasm among the manufactures seeking space is going, we are expecting a sell-out by the time the SHOW opens in Las Vegas,” said MCAA Executive Director Michael Adelizzi. “That would continue our consistent record of growth for the past 3 years!”
Expanded exhibits have numerous benefits to MCAA members, as well as the entire industry. More exhibits mean more equipment, products and services for contractors to shop and compare, benefiting their company’s bottom line. Secondly, more exhibit space sold means greater resources for the MCAA to develop programs that support mason contractors.
“The revenues the MCAA receives from exhibitors have been vital to many of the association’s programs. Without the revenues, we would be forced to either curtail our activities or raise dues,” Adelizzi said.
The uncertainty over how successful the association would be once the MCAA left the EXPO was a concern to the executive officers. The way manufacturers have flocked to THE MASONRY SHOW has already begun to alleviate anxiety over the association’s decision to form its own exposition.
The next concern is mason contractors attendance at THE MASONRY SHOW. Mr. Adelizzi continues, “For years we have engraved in our members and non-member mason contractors that EXPO was the place to save money and gain education. Now that EXPO has eliminated the mason contractor pavilion, THE MASONRY SHOW is the place to be. “MCAA recognizes the complications of educating contractors on the importance to attend THE MASONRY SHOW in place of EXPO.
“Outsiders may have the perception we are competing against ourselves,” said MCAA Vice President, and Convention Committee Chairman, Mike Johnston. “But, the programs that we are planning for THE MASONRY SHOW and the number of company’s already signed up will clearly attract our contractor audience. If that does not work, we have Las Vegas working for us,” Johnston said.
About the Author
Rachel A. Young, CMP was the Director of Meetings and Conventions for the Mason Contractors Association of America.
