After each show, we get calls from exhibitors asking how many people attended the show.  When this happens, I typically ask why it matters. Some are just curious, and some have to fill in some type of report.  And some, unfortunately, feel that the number of people who attend the show determines their success.

They are typically disappointed when they learn we do not publish attendance figures after each show.  There are two main reasons for this.  First is that each exhibitor’s success if determined by the sales they make, the samples they distribute, the number of people they speak to, or whatever metrics each exhibitor has established for a successful show. The second, I’m sad to say, is that the events business has a less than admirable history for reporting real attendance numbers, and we prefer to not be compared to other events that may not be publishing real numbers.

David J Zimmerman

Southern Shows Inc.