It's never too early to think about 2015. Or more specifically, NPE2015.
The number of exhibiting companies that will gather in Orlando next month to select booths for the NPE2015 plastics exposition will far exceed the total at the drawing for NPE2012, and these firms are expected to commit to over 15% more space than what was secured for the 2012 space draw, according to projections by SPI, which produces the triennial NPE.
More than 800 companies have already applied to take part in the NPE2015 space draw, which will take place February 19-21, 2014 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. SPI expects that by the time of the space draw event more than 950 companies will have applied. They are projected to reserve more than 800,000 sq-ft (74,300 sq.m) of space. In comparison, 661 companies took part in the drawing for NPE2012 and the total amount of space selected by the close of that event was 664,525 sq.ft. (61,736 sq.m).
"The surge in companies wishing to exhibit at NPE2015 is a reflection of the positive outlook for the plastics industry in the Americas, which is favored by the growing strength of the economy, the 'reshoring' of manufacturing business, and the boom in local production of oil and natural gas," said Gene Sanders, SPI senior VP of trade shows and conferences. "Applicants for the NPE2015 space draw say they have also been motivated by the success of NPE2012, as well as by SPI's increased marketing investment and our enhanced focus on customers from end use industries such as automotive, building products, electronics, medical and packaging."
The outlook for the plastics industry will be the subject of an address to NPE2015 space draw participants by Zbyszko Tabernacki, VPof the IHS Country and Industry Research and Forecasting group. Tabernacki is a recognized expert on country risk, global economics and finance. He manages a global team of 165 country analysts and economists in eight offices on five continents. His team is responsible for daily coverage, analysis, and forecasts of political, economic and security developments for 204 countries.
The NPE2015 space draw is open to prospective exhibitors, who can apply at www.npe.org/spacedraw. Their place in the space selection order will be based on the date when their applications and down payments are received.
