Apr 4 2011
With exactly a year to go before the start of the NPE2012 international plastics exposition, exhibit sales are already equivalent to 98% of the total occupied space at the last NPE in 2009, and they are certain to exceed that total as selling continues, it was announced today by SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, which produces the triennial event. NPE2012 will take place April 1-5, 2012, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.
Thus far 862 exhibiting companies have purchased 761,225 sq.ft. (70,720 sq.m) of space. As a result of the surge in sales, SPI has expanded the show into the North Hall of the OCCC, adding the extensive space in that hall to that of the West and South Halls, which were originally designated for the show. The three halls constitute the entire available exhibit space at the OCCC.
"Many exhibitors are taking bigger booths than they did at our 2009 show in Chicago and plan to operate more equipment on the show floor," said Gene Sanders, SPI senior vice president in charge of trade shows. "They've told us that the lower costs of exhibiting in Orlando have enabled them to justify investing in more space, while the simpler logistics and work rules there have encouraged them to bring more machinery."
Important economies will also be available to NPE2012 attendees, according to John Effmann, chairman of NPE2012 and director of sales and marketing for Entek Extruders. "Travel and accommodation packages that can save 30 to 40% in comparison with Chicago are available to all participants," Effmann said. "This even applies to visitors from regions of the Midwest centered on Chicago."
Discounts are also available exclusively to NPE2012 participants for the many leisure and vacation attractions available in the Orlando area before and after the show, according to Visit Orlando. This tourist and convention bureau has inaugurated a customized NPE2012 website with information on the attractions, as well as dining, special events, discounted park tickets, and much else.