Just about 11 years ago, when I was a new technical editor covering fluid power technology, I attended my first trade show—ICUEE, the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. The event opened my eyes to the magnitude of trade shows and showed me just exactly where hydraulics were used on mobile machinery. I even had a chance to drive a compact excavator; video proof did exist of that hilarious moment but luckily, it has since disappeared.
I haven’t been back to ICUEE since 2005 but always view it as one of the top shows for fluid power exhibitors. So it’s no surprise that the event was recently saluted as a Gold 100 trade show, winning top honors as largest biennial exhibition and number 2 among all U.S. exhibitions held last year.
Trade Show Executive (TSE) magazine compiled the rankings, and honored the winners during special ceremonies recently. (The annual CES from the Consumer Technology Association ranked number one.)
ICUEE earlier this year was named one of the “Fastest 50” growing shows in the U.S. by TSE. It also received the TSE Grand Award for fastest growing non-annual show in number of exhibitors; Grand award winners had growth that surpassed 99.5% of all U.S. shows in 2015.
“Our strategic focus for ICUEE and all AEM shows is to offer a top-quality experience that engages attendees and exhibitors and helps them achieve measurable results from their show participation,” said Sara Truesdale Mooney, AEM vice president, exhibitions and business development.
The next edition of the biennial ICUEE will be held October 3-5, 2017 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. You can be sure that I will be in attendance next year, as 12 years is too long!
According to show organizers, ICUEE 2017 has already topped 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, and the show is attracting new exhibitors as well as returning companies, large to small, and from all major industry segments.
“Show planning is already in full swing with new education opportunities, streamlined registration processes, more housing options, and enhanced networking events,” said Tricia Mallett, ICUEE show manager and AEM manager, event data & technology.
“We are investing in upgrading show services to ramp up the value of ICUEE even more and make the 2017 show a memorable and successful event for all; Stay tuned for more details,” said Mallett.
Also known as The Demo Expo for its equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations, ICUEE is the leading event for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking comprehensive insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends, owned and produced by AEM, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
ICUEE
www.icuee.com
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