Record Breaking Attendance at the 2002 National Ergonomics Conference & Expo
New York, NY, December 18, 2002 – Over 1,200 ergonomics professionals, the largest group to attend the event in its eight-year history, gathered at the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition (NECE) in Las Vegas. Each day of the NECE, the exhibit floor and conference were packed. According to Judy Leese, Sr. Ergonomics Program Manager for Herman Miller, Inc. "The 2002 NECE, raised the bar for ergonomics events and surpassed expectations." Herman Miller, whose seating technology product won an NECE Attendees' Choice Award, "Chose the NECE as the show for the U.S. launch of PostureFitª because of its impressive collection of ergonomics professionals, instructors and exhibitors," commented Leese.
Despite a slow economy, the NECE had record-breaking attendance and a larger exposition than ever before, taking this event – already considered a "home" to the industry – to the level of ergonomics industry focal point. "What we see now is that the community has grown to include more than just the Fortune 500. It now incorporates businesses of all sizes and complexities because ergonomics offers a demonstrable way to increase productivity, while reducing workplace related injuries," noted Walter Charnizon, President of Continental Exhibitions, Inc., owners and managers of the NECE. Ergonomics professionals from companies including Alcoa, Boeing, GM, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks and Toyota came together in more than 50 conference sessions – many so popular, it was standing room only.
The unprecedented number of ergonomics professionals at the NECE is especially noteworthy in light of how many trade shows and conferences are having difficulty sustaining attendance levels. "Perhaps the challenging nature of the current economy is precisely the reason for the NECE's extraordinary turnout. Clearly ergonomics programs are now relied upon as a critical business element for improving profitability," said Charnizon. Setting that tone early on, Tuesday's Keynote Address by Jack D'Angelo, VP of Employee Health and Productivity at Verizon, challenged the ergonomics industry to focus on the measurable return on ergonomics investments. At Wednesday's Keynote, John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, detailed OSHA's approach to helping businesses achieve ergonomics success. Henshaw explained that, "the business case for ergonomics is becoming more and more evident."
At the accompanying exposition, more than 100 companies offered attendees an opportunity to see, touch and compare thousands of ergonomics products and services including scores of brand new products that made their debut at the NECE. On December 11th, Herman Miller, Fox Bay Industries, and Remedy Interactive, were honored with the first ever NECE Attendees' Choice Awards. Attendees voted for the products they believe offer the best opportunities for increasing productivity and profitability, while improving workplace health and safety.
The 2003 National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, scheduled for December 9 – 11, 2003. As a result, next year's event has been moved to the largest exhibit facility at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, a space sufficient to accommodate an exhibit floor as much as twice the size of this year's Show. Those interested in learning more about attending, presenting or exhibiting at the NECE can contact Continental Exhibitions, Inc. at 212-370-5005, by email at information@ergoexpo.com, or visit www.ergoexpo.com.
