ABEE attendance down, but 2013 exhibitors up

Fewer visitors attended this year’s Australian Business Events Expo (ABEE), but event director Rowan Marchingo maintains a higher number of return exhibitors for 2013 confirms the show’s success.

In an exclusive interview with The Nibbler, Marchingo confirmed visitor numbers were down for last week’s ABEE and Sydney’s Event Showcase, with just over 4,000 visitors passing through the doors.

Marchingo did not confirm attendance figures for ABEE 2011, but admitted attendance was “slightly down” on last year’s show.

However, with fewer students and more delegates passing through the doors, he conceded that the quality of visitors at ABEE 2012 was “superior” to last year’s show.

“In previous years, we have had a lot of students come through the doors, but we limited that this year to make sure the experience was suited to people who want to do business,” he said. “We believe this year’s show was more successful overall.”

In the days following last week’s show, Marchingo received a wave of feedback from attendees reporting that ABEE 2012 was a successful business platform.

Substantially more exhibitors have also re-booked for 2013 than in previous years, with more than 50% of exhibitors already confirmed for ABEE 2013.

“We’re very pleased with how both shows were received,” he said. “The fact that more than half want to come back shows they got good value out of the event and generated valuable business leads.”

Marchingo attributed the trend to new show features, a successful entertainment line up, and an extended marketing campaign in the lead up to the show.

Preparations are now underway for the 2013 Australian Business Events Expo and Sydney’s Event Showcase.