The systems integration industry’s leading volume buyers of commercial electronic systems filled the aisles and packed the classrooms of the NSCA Expo (March 16 to 18, 2006) in Las Vegas. Nearly 11,000 attendees, representing billions of dollars in annual buying power, were in attendance.
A significant indicator of the growing strength and influence of this annual industry event was the fact that a record-breaking 23 percent of the courses were sold out at the show and education registration was up 15 percent over last year.
“This year’s show is just the beginning of what is to come from NSCA and the Expo,” states newly inaugurated NSCA president Nancy Emerson. “Exhibitors will continue to see an increase in attendees from the major growth markets, as well as more of the influential buyers they expect at NSCA Expo. Strategies for expanded audience reach, new education advancements and tailored attendee programs will continue to make Expo the leading show for all commercial electronics systems professionals.”
The launch of the new NSCA University structure was an instant success, reports NSCA Education Committee chairperson/boardmember Brad Nelson. “In response to the growing need of education for all types of systems professionals, NSCA greatly enhanced the university with courses in various disciplines ranging in difficulty from basic up through expert,” he says.
Those who attended courses at Expo this year got in on the ground floor of a new educational program, which will provide Certificates of Completion through curricula offered by six new colleges. Launched at the show and offering courses throughout the year, the colleges of Project Management, Systems Sales, System Design, Technical Knowledge, Business and Allied Professionals offer tailored programs for those working in all levels of the electronic systems industry. At the show, a total of 325 NSCA University Learning Units were attainable through courses in the NSCA University Program.
NSCA Expo’s exhibitors also reaped the benefits of an increase in attendees who were eager to learn about the thousands of new products launched at the show. This year’s outreach programs brought more first-time attendees, including architects, consultants, general contractors and Houses of Worship technical directors to the show.
“NSCA Expo is all about influence and buying power,” explains NSCA executive director Chuck Wilson. “Exhibitors have the necessary face-time to meet their most important customers and gain insights into their needs and upcoming projects. No other show provides this level of ‘quality time’ with the individuals who specify the largest systems projects every year.”
As evidence of this fact, NSCA Expo survey showed that the average buyer at NSCA Expo spends approximately $2.6 million on product for resale every year. Moreover, the survey showed, 92 percent of all attendees have significant buying influence at their companies.
Other NSCA features of note include the new House of Worship Pavilion, a Consultant’s Council, architects who attended technology tours/roundtable discussions/seminars, an exchange between the Associated Building Contractors (ABC) Conference and NSCA Expo and much more.
“The NSCA staff now has 12 months to further expand its industry outreach programs and respond to exhibitor needs to meet even more leading contractors and potential customers as we prepare for NSCA Systems Integration Expo, scheduled for Orlando, Florida, March 15 to 17, 2007,” says Voss. “We welcome input from all exhibitors and attendees to increase the educational and networking value of this event next year and to address the emerging markets and dynamic changes of the systems integration industry.”
For more information, visit www.nscaexpo.org.
