Globalcomm: Attendance down at revised show

CHICAGO--The first Globalcomm show fell just shy of its attendance goals, attracting about 18,300, according to revised figures from Telecommunications Industry Association officials.

Matt Flanigan, TIA president, had said before the show that TIA hoped to draw close to the 20,000 number. Flanigan said Thursday, however, that his organization was satisfied with the turnout in Globalcomm's first year.

Still unknown is the total service provider attendance. In interviews with exhibitors, they indicated a lighter service provider presence than in the past, and several noted major customers--BellSouth, Verizon and larger independents--were not in attendance.

Exhibit traffic was very light on Monday but considerably heavier Tuesday and still relatively robust Wednesday morning.

Flanigan said in a prepared statement that, in response to exhibitor requests, Globalcomm will resume its previous schedule, with the show opening on Monday but the exhibit floor opening Tuesday through Thursday. The change in schedule is being blamed for Monday’s poor exhibit floor turnout.