ABA Marketplace Nourishes $54 Million In New Business

According to an annual post-event survey of delegates, the American Bus Association’s (ABA) 2015 Marketplace, held January in St. Louis, Mo., had more than 3,300 participants booking nearly $54 million in business at Marketplace or in the weeks immediately after attending.

That total is up $6.67 million compared to Marketplace 2014, reflecting a 14% increase in business activity booked at or directly after the show as a result of connections and relationships made at the event.

The John Dunham and Associates survey reports that 85% of the companies at Marketplace either booked business in St. Louis or would likely book business as a direct result of attending. The John Dunham and Associates survey also points out that average booked business as a result of Marketplace is up $11,660 per company from 2014. This figure suggests that companies were more likely this year than in years past to actually conduct business on the Marketplace floor.

“This survey once again shows the real value of attending ABA’s Marketplace. It’s where real business is getting done,” said ABA President and CEO Peter Pantuso, CTIS. “Once again, we thank our friends and colleagues for attending this great event in St. Louis, and we look forward to another business-building Marketplace in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2016.”

Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “ABA’s Marketplace delegates look forward to this event, visiting new cities, and having new experiences. Many people know about Louisville, but when they arrive next January, we will be ready, and we will roll out the red carpet for everyone associated with ABA, because we want them to have a great time and do a lot of business.”

ABA’s Marketplace 2016 will be held Jan. 9-12, 2016, in downtown Louisville. Registration opened in mid-April. Early bird discounts are available. For more information, visit buses.org/marketplace.

About John Dunham and Associates’ ABA Marketplace 2015 Survey

ABA focused its 2015 Marketplace business survey on the total amount of business generated during and immediately after the show. As a result, analysis was shifted away from business that could materialize several months later. By changing the analysis, the goal is to demonstrate the importance of attending, taking appointments and networking at Marketplace. Companies receiving the post-Marketplace survey numbered 1,734, with 529 companies, or 30.5%, responding. The total response rate of 529 companies creates a statistically significant sample to within +/- 3.5% of estimated totals.

Source: ABA