DSE show organiser files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
The US-based Digital Signage Expo show has been cancelled, with show organiser Exponation LLC filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. DSE 2020 was due to take place from 11-13 November in Las Vegas, having been postponed twice from late March and September because of Covid-19.
Founded in 2004, DSE laid claim to being the world’s largest international trade show dedicated to digital signage, interactive technology, and Out-of-Home networks. The event had grown in size from 40 exhibitors and 11,000 net square feet of exhibit space in 2004, to more than 200 exhibitors and over 90,000 net square feet. At one point, it had been recognised on more than four occasions as one of the “Fastest 50” growing trade shows in North America but it was reported to be losing momentum in recent years, although its manageable size was something that some participants valued.
Exponation’s filing for bankruptcy means deposits paid by exhibitors could be at risk. In a statement posted on social media, Exponation LLC said: “As a result of the impact Covid-19 has had on the live events industry, Exponation LLC (producer of Digital Signage Expo, LED Specifier Summit, LightShow West, DigitalSignageConnection.com and West Coast Lighting Insider) has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, which is a liquidation of all assets and permanent closure of the company. If you are a creditor of Exponation LLC you will be notified by the bankruptcy court via U.S Mail shortly, with instructions about filing a claim against Exponation’s limited remaining assets.”
Following the bankruptcy announcement, the Digital Signage Federation, a trade association which supports the market, commented: “Since 2011 the DSF has been the official association of the Digital Signage Expo (DSE). During that decade the DSF and DSE, while separate organisations, have worked to advance the interests of the digital signage industry and our members. The DSE, held annually, was a focal point for bringing together our membership…The leadership of the DSF wishes our friends and colleagues at DSE the best in their future endeavours. The Digital Signage Federation, made up of representatives from member companies, will continue its work on behalf of members, our industry, and those looking to be more educated about digital signage.”
Commenting on DSE’s closure, German consultancy Invidis which organises Digital Signage Summit conferences in partnership with ISE, said: “For North America, ISE sister fair InfoComm will remain the leading industry platform, even if InfoComm – which alternates annually between Orlando and Las Vegas – is more than a purely digital signage fair.”
Closure of the show is also likely to benefit New York Digital Signage Week, which brings together conferences and networking events, and is next due to be held from 11-15 October 2021.
Source: AV Magazine
