Organizer: Food Processing Suppliers Association
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago

2011 Exhibit Hall Square Footage: 231,350
RANK: 9
Growth from 2010: 131.9%
RANK: 2

2011 Attendance: 12,732
RANK: 14
Growth from 2010: 98.5%
RANK: 2

2011 Exhibitors: 514
RANK: 12
Growth from 2010: 54.8%
RANK: 4

Attendees Per Square Foot of Exhibit Hall Space: 0.055
RANK: 25

Revenue Growth from 2010: 155%
RANK: 1

Topping the list of this year’s list of the Top 25 Fast-Growth Shows is PROCESS EXPO, a globally focused food equipment and technology show hosted by the Food Processing Suppliers Association. With a growth rate of at least 60 percent in every measurable category, this event refocused its mission in key sectors to rise above year-over-year expectations.

The event increased the size of its show floor by about 132 percent from the prior year. The group says that growth came from the decision to move the show from an annual to biennial schedule. Additionally, the larger venue was likely a result of the trade show moving from the summer months to the late fall, the group says.

“We really think the fall is a much better time,” says David Seckman, the association’s president and CEO. “It’s a busy time for year for us since it’s after the harvest. In our industry, the equipment changes but not on annual basis.”

In addition to changing the timing and frequency of the event, PROCESS EXPO saw gains through strategic industry partnerships. The event had a 98.5 percent increase in attendance—Seckman says that growth was realized through aggressive advertising in trade publications in addition to carefully cultivated relationships.

“We worked with Messe Dusseldorf’s Interpack, the world’s largest packaging show,” says Seckman. “They promoted our show since we’re a member of theirs, which was an advantage to publicize the show for international attendees.”

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