April 17, 2009

NAB Attendees Looking to Buy

Washington - Nearly 80 percent of NAB Show pre-registered conference and exhibition attendees plan to buy products or services exhibited on the convention floor, a survey has revealed. Past NAB Show research has shown that exhibitors generate more than $50 billion in sales as a direct result of the show each year.
Seventy-nine percent of survey respondents said they plan to purchase products or services on-site or within twelve months of the show, according to Chris Brown, NAB executive vice president of Conventions and Business Operations. "We're extremely encouraged by the results of this survey," said Brown. "Even in challenging economic times, this survey suggests that the NAB Show matters when it matters most. We're pleased that the Vegas show remains an engine for commerce and that there will be a tremendous amount of buying and selling on the exhibit floor."

The survey results also include these findings:
- Ninety-three percent of respondents play a role in purchasing products and services showcased on the show floor, while 41 percent have final purchase authority.
- Eighty-eight percent of respondents say that the show is "very or somewhat important" to their purchasing plans this year.
- Forty-two percent rated "see new products and developments" and "comparing products for future purchase" as two of the main reasons for coming to the NAB Show and added that it was more important this year, given the current economic climate.
- Thirty-four percent of respondents will not attend any other convention this year.The survey, along with registration data, also revealed significant demographic findings.

As in years past, a strong turnout of international attendees is imminent with nearly 30 percent of pre-registered attendees coming from outside of the U.S.

Also notable is that 24 percent of those pre-registered for the show are C-level executives with influence in making buying decisions for their companies.

A full 23 percent of pre-registered attendees are coming to the NAB Show for the first time, indicating that the convention continues to reach new audiences and attract new attendees.

The pre-show Internet survey was conducted April 1-8 and was sent by NAB to a random sample of more than 3,000 pre-registered conference and exhibition attendees.