Autobody Show Attendance Up 26%

Attendance at the 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) saw a big rise with its move to Las Vegas this year.
Attendance totaled 30,243, representing a 26% increase over the previous year. This year’s Exposition experienced a 13% growth with more than 500 companies occupying 2,000 booths.
"On Saturday morning, with one day left in the show, we were 26% ahead in our attendance and this increase held strong throughout the close of the event," said Galen Poss, president, Hanley Wood Exhibitions, the show management company that produces NACE.
NACE was held Nov. 3- 6 in Las Vegas, and for the first time, the event coincided with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) shows AAPEX and SEMA.
“Moving NACE to November to coincide with AAIW was clearly the right thing to do,” said Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the show sponsor. “Moving the show up a month had a positive impact on its success, and the Wednesday through Saturday schedule was also well received.”
NACE will return to Las Vegas in 2005, and will be held Nov. 2-5, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.