WESTPORT, CT — Despite the struggling economy, AHR Expo 2003 is shaping up to be one of the biggest shows of all time, according to show organizer International Exposition Company. With three months remaining before the 55th annual event, to be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, January 27-29, the 2003 expo already ranks as the second largest in terms of exhibitors with 1,500 companies signed up so far.

Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company, says booth reservations for 2003 have already surpassed the 1,297 exhibitors that participated in the second largest AHR Expo held in Atlanta, GA, in 2001. In addition, he indicated it is likely that the square footage sold will also exceed the previous Atlanta numbers.

“We are delighted that the participation and support is so strong for 2003,” said Stevens. “Chicago has always been a great location for the show, but we thought the turbulent economy might hold it back a bit this year. Although some companies did have to scale back their participation, we have had 181 new companies sign on.”

The number of international exhibitors is up, with more than 200 companies from 28 countries set to showcase their products at AHR Expo 2003. This compares to 155 international exhibitors from 27 countries at the 2002 show in Atlantic City, NJ, and 181 companies from 25 countries that exhibited in Atlanta.

Although Stevens can’t predict attendance figures for 2003, indications are that it is on track to come close to past attendance records. More than 44,000 attendees (28,500 delegates and 16,000 exhibitor personnel) attended the 2002 show, and 49,700 attendees (27,470 visitors) were at the 2001 event in Atlanta. The all-time attendance record is 61,109 (36,881 visitors) at Chicago in 1995.

“Based on our pre-registration, we could challenge the all-time record,” Stevens stated. “These strong results reinforce the importance exhibitors and attendees place on attending the leading HVACR-exclusive event in the world.”

Publication date: 11/11/2002