| LAS VEGAS, Sept. 20, 2001 - Show managers from
Comdex, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Fun Expo and Amusement
Music Operators Association (AMOA) today confirmed with the Las Vegas Convention
and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) that they plan to move forward with their
scheduled trade shows in Las Vegas. The four shows, scheduled between
early October and mid-November, represent a total of nearly 300,000 delegates
and an economic impact of $405 million.
"With all the security being implemented at our airports, traveling
is about as safe as can be possible," said Charles Blum, president of SEMA.
"To stay away from any large gathering is to give in to the terrorists
and tell them they have won."
Last year Las Vegas hosted more than 3,700 conventions, trade shows
and corporate meetings with a combined attendance of nearly 4 million people.
Since the horrific events of September 11, Las Vegas has seen about
three conventions and 240 smaller meetings canceled, with a combined attendance
of about 75,000 people. Virtually all of the cancellations are shows
which were to have been held in the next eight weeks.
"The news today represents a huge economic boost of confidence for
Southern Nevada's tourism and convention industry in the wake of last week's
tragic events," said Manny Cortez, president and CEO of the LVCVA.
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Fun Expo, a family entertainment industry tradeshow, will be in Las Vegas
October 4-6 with an estimated attendance of 5,500 people.
-
AMOA, a show for representatives from the amusement, music, vending and
entertainment industries, is also meeting October 4-6 bringing in an estimated
6,500 delegates.
-
SEMA is an automotive products show, scheduled October 30 - November 2,
with an estimated attendance of 75,000 people.
-
Comdex, a computer software trade show, is scheduled November 12-16 with
an estimated attendance of 200,000 people.
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