Mid-America Trucking Show organizers say the reason crowds seemed thinner at last week's event was not because of lower attendance, but because of more show real estate for crowds to spread out.


Anyone who's been to Mid-America in the past knows that during peak times, if you want to get somewhere in a hurry you might as well go outside to get from one hall to another, rather than pushing through the dense crowds. Many people observed that this didn't seem to be the case this year, and speculated that high fuel prices and the down economy were keeping people away. Some companies who sell products at the show reported sales were off. Bud Farquhar, organizer of the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship, even reported unheard-of cancellations.

But Exhibit Management Associates points out that completion of the newly renovated North Wing "further bolstered an already incredible facility of more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space."

Organizers say there were 1,174 exhibitors representing 47 states and 12 foreign countries, and that 76,563 trucking professionals from all 50 states and 48 foreign countries made the trip.

"The completion of the North Wing renovation project tied the various wings back together, once again providing our attendees and exhibitors with the look and feel of a very large, contiguous show. In fact, our largest show by more than 50,000 square feet," said Toby Young, president of EMA. "Even the high fuel prices and economic uncertainty could not inhibit MATS."

When asked about the reports of thinner crowds and down sales, Young replied, "The attendance was actually up a bit this year compared to last year, but still off from our record setting attendance of 2006. This year we had approximately 130,000 square feet more exhibits than last year, so there is more room for attendees to spread out. This may help to explain the perception that the crowds were 'thinner.' I expected that sales would be down a bit this year due to the trucking economy, but along with everyone else, we are hoping that the economy picks up soon."