According to organisers, the show – changed by the decision to work in close conjunction with retailers three years ago – continued to build on the success of the previous two events held in Melbourne in 2007 and in Brisbane in 2008.
Both professional, business and dealer registrations also showed an increase on the attendance figures last year in Brisbane. The figures show 8,462 consumers were joined by 5,977 trade visitors to give a total attendance of 16,330, up from the previous record of 16,101which was set by Melbourne in 2007.
The official survey of trade and business attendees gave the following results:
- 92 per cent of trade attendees rated the PMA Australia show good to excellent
- Top three reasons to attend:
- See new products
- Meet with suppliers/manufacturers
- Attend educational sessions
- 89 per cent of trade attendees plan to make a purchase in the next 12 months as a result of this show and 58 per cent plan to make a purchase within three months.
- 97 per cent are involved in the purchasing decision (recommend, specify, or approve) with 51 per cent of them having the ability to approve purchases. Some 93 per cent would recommend attending PMA Australia to a friend.
Peter Rose, PMA director says, “We are delighted with these figures which fly in the face of the economic commentators who are persistently preaching gloom and doom for Australian business.”
He continues, “The most gratifying aspect has been the quality of visitors that came to the show and the legions of conference registrants that came with such a mind set. We are confident that we can continue to grow the show and plans are already being put in place for next year’s event in Melbourne.”
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter