Marshall Yard:

I’m struggling to get my brain around NPE and HIMSS making decisions to leave McCormick Place.

Is it the weather? Chicago does get cold in the winter time.

Is it the business world expressing their disagreement with President Obama? I understand that some disagree with some of his policies. I suppose changing the host city for your tradeshow to a non-Obama city could be one way to flex your economic muscles.

Is it Chicago-style cuisine? Perhaps contemporary diets are incompatible with deep dish pizza and Chicago style ‘dogs - and that would upset expo attendees.

I’m at a loss here, people. Please help me pin down the cause for these two significant tradeshows departing from McCormick Place Convention Center. Thus far, it appears these are totally random occurrences, without any specific cause. Is there any way we can prevent this from happening to the other prominent trade shows held in Chicago?

Catalyst Exhibits, Inc wishes you the happiest and safest of New Years!

When Wednesday hits and we all return back to our routine - do not forget to begin marking your calendar for upcoming shows and start planning accordingly.   Remember the time frame for exhibit design and details.  If you are planning on a trade show in March, April or May.  The best results will be reached if you begin your planning strategy right after the New Year holiday.

Just a few of the larger shows that will be taking place the first quarter of 2008, get your exhibit strategy in place - Think Early - Think Smart

AAOS - American Academy of Ortopaedic Surgeons will be held March 5th - 9th in San Francisco

GlobalShop 2008 - will be held at McCormick Place Chicago  - March 18th - 20th, 2008

HIMSS - February 24th - 28th at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida

ConExpo/ConAgg 2008 - March 11th - 15th, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center

Smart Detail & Smart Design are two concepts to keep in mind with the opening of the 2008 first quarter trade show schedule.

Happy New Year