THE NATION/AL HOrvIE CENTER sFtoulf

& MANAGEIIENT CONFERENCE

ESPITE some unfounded nasty rumors floating around the exhibit halls, the National Home Center Show is alive, surprisingly well and far along in preparations for the 1992 show, March 8-10.

This year's version of the world's largest home improvement products expo was a reflection of its times, slowed slightly by war, recession and an uncertain business climate. Total attendance was approximately 32,000, down 15% from last year; there were 1056 exhibitors, down an even 200 from 1990. Total show space was off l6%. All the figures are in line with averages for all U.S. trade shows, which are off between l0o/o and 200/0.

The home center show occupies 397,000 sq. ft., making it one of the biggest trade shows of any kind in the country.

Named to the Home Center Hall of Fame at the show were John W. Hechinger, Sr., chairman of the Hechinger Co., Landover, Md., and Robert K. Curtis. chairman of Curtis Lumber Co., Inc., Ballston Spa, N.Y. Named for Pioneer Recognition in the hall were the three Levy brothers whose descendants today operate Levy's Lumber and Building Centers, Louisville, Ky.

In addition to scores of exhibits featuring the latest in industry products and services, the March 24-26 show had a free Management Conference, paid seminars, and five new educational displays that included doors, windows, new products, desktop publishing, a technology demo center and a kitchen design center.

Futurist author Alvin Toffler spoke on change in the nature of political and business power. He said