For many show managers, 2012 was a pretty good year. For a lot of show managers, it was the best year since, in some cases, 2007 or 2008.

That’s why I want to take one more opportunity to remind you that the deadline for submitting your event for our annual list of the 25 Top Fast-Growth Shows is just a few days away: this Friday, Feb. 8.

I do feel a sense of urgency based on the success that many people I talk to say they have experienced over the last year or two—and not just because I want to give you an opportunity to brag a little bit to your peers.

A healthy list of fast-growing shows will be a sign to your exhibitors, your attendees and the industries you serve that face-to-face marketing remains one of the most effective ways they have of communicating with their constituencies.

The rankings will be determined by a formula that takes into account square footage, attendance, number of exhibitors and revenue growth. So, we need all of this information from you—and a little more. When you go to the submission form, you’ll see a short list of other questions that ask for a little more than just numbers.

Essentially, we want to know how you achieved that growth.

• What kind of promotional tactics did you use to drive attendance and exhibitor participation?

• What were the technological innovations you implemented to be more successful than you have been in the past?

• What about showfloor engagement initiatives?

• How did you use social media to get people and companies to your show?

There’s more to achieving success than just facts and figures.

With the 25 Top Fast-Growth Shows List—which will be featured in the May/June issue of Expo Magazine—we want to celebrate those shows, companies and associations that are pushing the industry forward toward even more success in 2013. All honorees will be celebrated at an awards luncheon June 19 at the Baltimore Waterfront Marriott along with the Expo Elite and E.X.C.I.T.E. Awards winners and honorable mentions. 

Join us as we recognize success in the tradeshow industry by submitting your tradeshow. And, naturally, if you have questions, please contact me personally at mhart@red7media.com.

Good luck and thanks in advance for participating!

Michael Hart is executive editor of Expo Magazine. He can be reached at mhart@red7media.com.

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