Yes, there seem to be fewer and less varied exhibitors than in the past. It's a vicious circle: a smaller show draws smaller crowds, whch at the margin makes it less worthwhile for a potential exhibitor to go to the trouble and expense of putting together and staffing a booth. I don't know if it's true, but my impression is also that the industry is becoming more of a closed community as it shrinks. A lot of the real industry insiders who wouldn't dare miss the AFFTA trade show can't be bothered to go to the public shows and rub elbows with the customers.
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