First figures from Las Vegas

Just a few days after the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) cancelled their 2005 Hardware Show in Chicago, the organisers of the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, still a rival event this year, have released the first registration figures. More than 1 800 companies have announced their intention to participate in the trade fair from 17 to 19 May 2005 and have booked stand space totalling 44 700 m². That is already 200 m² more than the previous year’s event, when 2 303 exhibitors were represented.
The 60th National Hardware Show will span two venues. The Las Vegas Convention Center will house the areas of hardware and tools, paint and décor, plumbing, electrical and housewares, while the gardening segments and Global Hardware Expo will be located in the Sands Convention Center. Both venues will have their own New Product World. The Gourmet Housewares Show will also be held in Las Vegas in tandem with the National Hardware Show.