For Immediate Release…Toronto, ON, April 6, 2009 -
Direct Energy Centre, Canada's largest Exhibition and Convention Centre has just closed a successful first quarter. With popular shows experiencing increased attendance and exhibitors selling more on tradeshow floors, the first quarter at Direct Energy Centre has been positive during a tough economic climate.
Over the past 3 months Direct Energy Centre has been home to the following shows and events: Toronto International Boat Show, January 10-18; National Bridal Show, January 23-25; Promotional Product Professionals of Canada, January 25-27; Interior Design Show, February 5-8; BizBash TO Event Style Show Expo, February 11; National Home Show, February 20-March 1; CRFA Show, March 8-10; Toronto Sportsmen's Show, March 18-22; Holistic World, March 20-22; Motion Custom Car Show, March 27-29.
The 2009 CRFA Show attendance numbers were up from last year and had seminar rooms filled to capacity. "The increase in attendance at this year's show underscores that operators are hungry for new products and ideas to help them control costs and increase business in a very tough economic climate" says Steve Barber, Vice President Expositions with the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association.
The 2009 Toronto International Boat Show solidified a large number of sales and banked dozens of leads throughout the 10-day boating event.
"While attendance was down 16 percent from last year, it was compensated for by the strong sales across the show floor," noted show manager Cynthia Hare. "Not only did we have a substantial number of qualified buyers at the 2009 boat show, but our exhibitors, anticipated the potential impact of the troubled economy and created irresistible show packages to encourage sales." The 2009 Toronto Boat Show attracted 76,630 visitors.
Direct Energy Centre's downtown Toronto location offers superior vehicular and public transit access, and as the premiere exhibition venue in Canada has contributed to the results shown in the first quarter of 2009. The venue's service team has been working closely with show producers to maximize event success during these difficult economic times. "The Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place play an important role in Toronto and Canada's economic fibre by providing the leading marketplace for events in Canada. We are proud to be able to facilitate the success of these great shows." Arlene Campbell, General Manager.
About Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place
Exhibition Place is Canada's largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.2 million visitors a year. The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario's economy, particularly with respect to sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism. Direct Energy Centre is located at Exhibition Place, owned by the City of Toronto and governed by the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place. Direct Energy Centre's over 1 million square feet of space available is the largest exhibition and convention centre in Canada and the sixth largest in North America. Designed for maximum efficiency, hi-tech service delivery and the optimum range of configurations, the venue is supported by a regional population of seven million in a diverse and dynamic economy. Exhibition Place has won several awards such as the Platinum Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Canada. Exhibition Place is a member of Ontario's Environmental Leaders (OEL) Program. The OEL program is a voluntary leadership program that offers incentives to leading companies that commit to beyond compliance environmental improvements."
For additional facility information go to www.directenergycentre.com
