NMW 2005: Show moving outside Chicago next year

Chicago, IL—To reduce exhibiting costs and increase visitor convenience, organizers report that National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2006 will move to the recently renovated Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

By Control Engineering Staff March 15, 2005

Chicago, IL— To reduce exhibiting costs and increase visitor convenience, organizers report that National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2006 will move to the recently renovated Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Reed Exhibitions says relocating the event will increase its value for U.S. manufacturers. In 2006, the four-day educational conference begins on March 20, while NMW 2006’s exhibition will be held on March 21-23.

The Rosemount convention center offers 840,000 sq ft of exhibition space and 50 meeting rooms. This convenient suburban site is located just five minutes by free shuttle bus from Chicago’s O’Hare International airport, and also offers easy access from several interstate highway systems.

Reed’s organizers add that an unprecedented number of educational seminars and training sessions were offered during NMW 2005 and that continuing education credits (CEUs) were offered for the first time. They say this educational effort will form the foundation of an entirely new experience for visitors to NMW 2006 in Rosemont.

“Our attending customers are clearly asking for opportunities to learn and gain vital insights into the solutions they need to survive and thrive,” says Kel Marsden-Kish, Reed’s industry VP. “And, for that reason, education, seminars, training sessions and opportunities to network and share will be even more critical components of National Manufacturing Week going forward.”

At the same time, NMW’s exhibitors are seeking ways to reduce the total exhibiting costs. Reed adds moving to Rosemont’s convention center will result in significant savings, such as space rates including drayage and lower labor costs due to more flexible work rules. On average, a typical exhibitor will save 25% off its show-rated expenses due to NMW moving to Rosemont.

Marsden-Kish adds that, “National Manufacturing Week, sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), is the meeting place for U.S. manufacturing. As such, both exhibitors and attendees benefit from this type of interaction. In fact, our third-party research clearly indicated that increasing the level of convenience, while lowering costs, would result in attendees staying an extra day, which is something that has a big impact on our exhibitors’ return on investment.”

Besides the new center’s own advantages, it’s also located near 14 hotels. Most of these are within walking distance, including several with indoor access to the convention center. Top-rated restaurants, such as Morton’s, Gibson’s, Nick’s Seafood, Carlucci’s, and Harry Caray’s are also situated nearby.

‘This is in the best interest of our members,” says David Walker, NAM’s marketing and business development VP. “With our membership looking to reduce their operating costs, while benefiting from the many advantages of participation in National Manufacturing Week’s exhibits and educational programs, this move will enhance the value of the event while facilitating content, commerce, and community for our membership.”

Reed Exhibitions already conducts several events in the manufacturing sector at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, including

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com