Just because there are fewer sponsors doesn't mean a whole lot about attendance. Nowdays exhibitors have gotten spoiled on the get togethers with no exhibit hall. They don't want all the work and expense anymore.... they just want to go and see the people that are important to them. They only exhibit nowdays because their competitor is. If their competior doesn't they don't either.
The thing they are missing, is that people don't know where to find them. You hear a lot of "do you know where so and so is?" They DO miss out on business, but maybe not enough for the time and expense of having a booth. ???
When they choose to not have a booth or downsize drastically, they don't have to send as many people - and that DOES affect attendance!
I am sure that you will see a last minute rush, when they finally 'get in the mood. When they think they are getting left out - they will react. (but not in the way we are accustomed to)
One of the things that will affect attendance (besides money) is that shows just don't have the 'networking value that they used to have. There are too many other opportuities to get together. .... and some are ready to be more isolated with their own little groups.
Shows will be much smaller from now on.
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