Almost two
years later, The National Trade Centre at Exhibition Place, Canada’s
newest and largest, one million square foot, state-of-the-art Trade
Show Facility has successfully exceeded its sales expectations for
1998. Revenues for 1998 showed a substantial growth by 35%, grossing
at a total of over $15 million. Under the management of O&Y/SMG
Canada, the facility has generated more than $2.2 million in new
rental business with a 10% growth in existing client revenues.
Centre officials claim, “The National Trade Centre has been
well received within the Canadian and U.S. markets. Show Managers
and Event Planners are discovering the many benefits, the uniqueness
of the space, and the high tech nature of the facility.” Chairman
of the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place, and City of Toronto
Councillor Joe Pantalone adds, “the process has already begun.
The National Trade Centre has kickstarted the regional economy,
spinning off millions of dollars worth of revenue into the city’s
trade economy.”
Since the official opening launch on April 3rd, 1997, The National
Trade Centre has captivated significant interest from the business
community. In 1998, The National Trade Centre secured 76 events,
thirty-six (36) existing client renewals with a 10% growth over
1997, and new business increased to forty (40) new events secured
in 1998 (up from 24 events in 1997). In addition, seventeen (17)
new events were booked in 1998 for future years.
Upcoming in the roster of new business to the National Trade Centre
during 1999 include: InterMed ’99 a North American tradeshow
showcasing health care professionals in the medical industry; the
largest machine tool show in North America, The Canadian Machine
Tool Show; World Jewellery Expo, Canada’s premier fine jewellery
event; IIDEX/Neocon Canada slated to attract thousands of design
professionals to a showcase of all commercial interior finishing
products and services; and the Canadian Sporting Goods Association
trade show. In the year 2000, The National Trade Centre will be
proud hosts to the 2000 NHL FANtasy as part of the NHL All Star
Weekend; and Canada’s newest, largest National truck show,
The Great Canadian Trucking Show.
The National Trade Centre is owned by The City of Toronto and managed
by O&Y/SMG Canada, a partnership between O&Y Properties
Inc. of Toronto and SMG of Philadelphia offering facility management
services to convention and trade centres across Canada. O&Y
Properties Inc. is a publicly held owner (4.1 million square feet)
and manager (25 million square feet) of commercial space across
Canada. SMG is the leader in the United States in the management
of public facilities operating a total of 64 convention and trade
centres, arenas, stadiums and theatres. |
