For the first few months of 2009, many exhibitions report growth in visitor numbers and strong sales from exhibiting companies – results that have far outstripped organiser predictions of a slump in attendance due to current economic instability.

“Research tells us exhibitions perform highly during a recession and our experience so far this year is that as a marketing channel, exhibitions are very robust,” said Matthew Pearce, president, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA).

“Exhibitions offer a cost-effective – and measurable - way for sales teams to get their new product offerings in front of their customers and write business at the same time.

"In some cases, visitor numbers have shown strong growth despite organisers cutting the length of the event by one day. Exhibitors have also reported very strong sales results with many securing large orders well beyond their expectations."

Some of the visitor numbers from major exhibitions this year and increases compared to 2008 are:  Australasian Oil & Gas, February, Perth: up 100 per cent;  Rosehill Trailer Boat Show, March, Sydney,  75 per cent;  Australian Motorcycle Expo, February, Gold Coast, 75 per cent; Franchising Expo, March, Sydney, 33 per cent; Brisbane 4x4 + Outdoors Expo, Brisbane, 25 per cent;  Fine Food, March, Perth, 14 per cent; Royal Easter Show, April, Sydney, 12.5 per cent and AIME 2009, April, Melbourne 10 per cent.