Attendance up at key manufacturing show in TO

Is it a good omen? Attendance figures from last month’s Canadian Manufacturing and Technology Show 2011 in Toronto show a 10 per cent increase compared to 2009 – and show organizers attribute it to “the growing optimism of the Canadian manufacturing industry in general.”

“We took some big steps this year, using the latest in social media to create a more personalized experience for delegates while expanding the show floor to include significant educational and networking components, and our expectations were exceeded,” said Nick Samain, event manager with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), organizers of the event, which takes place every two years. “People told us they liked what they saw and the result is an unprecedented 80 per cent of exhibit space already re-booked for 2013 when we move back to the Toronto International Centre for an even more expansive event.”

The 2011 event – held from Oct. 17 to Oct. 20 at the Direct Energy Centre – included a 500-exhibit trade show featuring 150 new products and live demonstrations; demonstrations of some of the latest advances in hybrid and solar cars by university students from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.; an automotive summit sponsored by The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association; and a series of technical conferences.

“Not only does 2011 represent a full turnaround for a key industry event that was slowing, but it also solidifies every element of our newly-expanded program moving forward,” Samain said.