About 55,000 people�a 16% yearly decline and the event�s lowest turnout since its 2007 peak of about 92,000�attended the annual exhibition held on Feb. 2-5. However, the thin crowd�s mood was more upbeat this year, visitors said, and exhibitors were selling more, too�a sign that the economic slump may be near the end.
�I think, overall, the people are pleasantly surprised,� said Tom Cindric, show director with Hanley Wood Exhibitions. �We�re hoping that the industry continues to move forward.�