NACE 2004 Space Draw Results Exceed 2003; Event Set for Las Vegas Nov. 3-6

The recently completed Space Draw for the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) 2004 event in Las Vegas reportedly showed an increase over 2003 in the number of participating companies and the amount of space assigned, indicating a strong start to NACE being held during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in November.

The Space Draw took place the week of March 22, in Dallas. The results demonstrated an increase of 6.4 percent in participating companies and a 12.2 percent increase in total square footage assigned (as compared to 2003 Space Draw results).

“We are especially pleased with this year’s results as they validate NACE as the No. 1 buying and selling event for the collision repair industry. The results also mark the return of many of the industry’s paint companies and signal that the industry is embracing the significant changes to NACE dates and location,” said Dana Bellantone, NACE show director. In June 2003, NACE announced that future events would take place in Las Vegas, during AAIW in November. NACE 2004 will be held Nov. 3-6, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

In addition to Space Draw results, NACE announced the re-appointment of Larry Carter, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Car-O-Liner Company, Wixom, Mich., to exhibitor advisory council chairman for 2004.

Carter started his 44-year career as an apprentice bodyman in his father’s body shop in Ontario, Canada. He began his sales career in 1967 selling BlackHawk collision repair equipment, and since then has held various sales and executive-level positions with Applied Power Canada Ltd., Applied Power Inc., BlackHawk, North America, Hein-Werner Canada Ltd., and Kansas Jack. He joined Car-O-Liner Company as president in 1990. He is an active supporter of numerous collision repair associations and has served as board member and executive for both the Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR). He is also past chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation.

As NACE Exhibitor Advisory Council chairman, Carter will lead the 31-member council that serves as a forum for exhibitors to present their input, ideas and recommendations to NACE. Council members also offer advice on seminars topics, entertainment and keynote speakers, provide input into show floor design, concessions and live demonstrations, and identify ways to create additional value for attendees and exhibitors.

NACE 2004 will be held Nov. 3-6, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, and is expected to draw an attendance of 35,000-plus from around the globe. It will feature a variety of educational sessions addressing the needs of all industry segments, as well as an Exposition with approximately 550 exhibiting companies. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) sponsors NACE.

For additional information, contact NACE Show Management, Hanley Wood Exhibitions, P.O. Box 612128, Dallas, Texas 75261-2128 or call toll-free (888) 529-1641 or (972) 536-6444. Information is also available on the NACE Web site at www.NACEexpo.com.