CONSTRUCT and The TFM Show Attendance Grows

CONSTRUCT2010, the CSI Annual Convention and The Total Facility Management Show ended on a high note with a 9% increase in verified attendees. The increased attendance numbers are attributed to the strong education program, CSI Convention participation, and the prominent exhibitors on the show floor.

The May 11-14th event in Philadelphia offered real world solutions for the commercial building industry. “This is an optimistic sign that the show is fulfilling a niche in the industry,” states Tom Cindric, group director, Hanley Wood. “The event is structured to offer practical, every day knowledge through education and face-to-face interaction with product manufacturers in tandem with the CSI Annual Convention, networking and social activities.”

Exhibitors reported brisk traffic at their booths with significant leads collected. The show floor remained busy, boasting a diverse lineup of exhibitors from the Building Envelope, Building Systems, Finishes, Flooring, Roofing, Safety/Security, Thermal/Moisture Protection, Windows, and other key industries. Over 250 exhibitors, including Grace Construction Products, Pella Windows and Doors, Stanley Security Solutions, and many more, offered relevant products and services for all aspects of the building process to the industrial, institutional and commercial building professional. Exhibitors were happy with the traffic on the show floor and quality of the leads. Ten percent of the exhibitors signed new contracts for the 2011 event, on-site.

The total attendance of almost 3500 included a diverse group of professionals in the architectural, specifying, engineering, government, real estate, contracting and commercial building industries. This included architecture and engineering firms, city, county and US government agencies, commercial real estate development companies and many others representing billions of dollars in annual purchasing power. “I thought Hanley Wood did an excellent job with the event. This was one of, if not, “the” best show that I have attended,” commented attendee Bob Kenworthy, Auburn School District. Glynnis Sorrentino, Designer, tweeted, “This is a great trade event for the commercial building industry!”

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) held its annual convention and executed a full program for the CSI Membership. Meetings, including one with USGBC, a student competition, leadership program, region caucuses and the Annual Meeting and Member Forum culminated with a Gala and Honors and Awards presentations.

“It was rewarding to see the vibrancy of the CSI community during CONSTRUCT2010 and the CSI Annual Convention. We all recognize the challenging economic environment our members are working in. However, the increased attendance over 2009 showed that construction professionals highly value the real world, building product and specifying solutions that are available at CONSTRUCT. The knowledge sharing, informative sessions, new building product solutions, and networking that occurred, all aid to position CSI members and event participants for future success,” remarked Walt Marlowe, CSI’s Executive Director/CEO.

Education classes were well attended, with some sessions attracting over 100 participants in a 90-minute segment. About 1000 attended the general session with keynote speaker, Bjarke Ingels, who presented YES is More to a captivated audience. “This year’s speaker, Bjarke Ingels, was excellent. More of the same,” commented Paul Kane, who flew in from Hawaii. And, Edward Healy, Edward M. Healy, Architect, said, “Your Keynote speaker was great. Continue to bring us similar cutting edge speakers.” After the presentation, Mr. Ingels headed to the Architect Lounge on the show floor to autograph his book for hundreds of new fans.

CONSTRUCT 2011 and the 55th CSI Annual Convention will be held in Chicago at McCormick Place, September 13-16, 2011.