IFPE 2011 has been named one of the top 25 fast-growth shows by EXPO Magazine, and the exhibition was cited for its increasing use of technology. IFPE is co-owned by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and produced by AEM. It is the largest show in North America focused on new equipment and product innovations for the fluid power/motion control/power transmission industry sectors.
The magazine assessed the winners on several performance metrics as well as "innovative ways of showcasing exhibitors, blockbuster growth and use of new media and IT."
The 2011 IFPE was the largest in its history with more than 400 exhibitors taking more than 140,000 net square feet of exhibit space. IFPE and the co-located CONEXPO-CON/AGG attracted nearly 120,000 registrants, including 24% international.
The next edition of the triennial exhibitions will be held March 4 to 8, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA.
IFPE 2011 attendees had access to a free smartphone mobile app that was an extension of the show's web-based interactive "show planner." IFPE emphasized social media engagement with staff at a special booth prominently identified "Social Media Cube" and focused on Twitter postings and interaction.
Other initiatives to connect attendees and exhibitors included "justify" reports that provided targeted information for specific industry sectors, an online exhibitor "technical experts" directory, and a "new products and technology" spotlight online and at the show. IFPE organizers also used RFID technology for exhibit booth traffic reporting and analysis for exhibitors to better understand attendee interests.