The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has launched a new research project that will measure and track the growth of the exhibition industry in the U.S. and Canada.

With detailed information gathered from 200 exhibitions held in 2000, 2001, and 2003, the Exhibition Industry Growth Index will initially establish a baseline measurement of four areas. These include net square feet of exhibition space; non-exhibitor attendance; number of exhibit companies; and gross revenue from all sources related to the event, such as exhibit space sales, sponsorships, and registration fees.

After the baseline is established, future reports will work much like the Consumer Price Index, with annual reports in the first quarter of each year that report on the growth of the U.S. and Canadian exhibition industry for the previous year.

The 200 exhibitions that make up the index represent a cross-section of both large and small events, from across the U.S. and Canada, held at different times of the year, for a spectrum of industries.