Convention market expert, Heywood Sanders, a professor at the University of Texas, conducted the study, commissioned by Pioneer. In the study, he states that while the final report on the Boston Convention Exhibition Center done in 1997 predicted that demand for exhibition space would grow 23% over the next five ears while the supply of exhibition space would increase by just 12%. According to Heywood, the most recent Tradeshow Week Major Exhibit Hall Directory exhibition space is now expected to increase 25% over the next five years.

Heywood also notes that the final report also indicates that in 2000 140 million people would attend 4,781 exhibitions, but attendance at trade shows this past year was 126 million. The number of conventions and tradeshows was 4,637 –3% below projections. Heywood also notes that these same recommendations were made to other cities that are also adding new convention center space. "The presumed growth simply isn't there," writes Heywood.

Patrick Moscaritolo, executive director of the Greater Boston Convention & Vistors Bureau was not available for comment but he is quoted as saying that this study is based on national numbers and is not a reflection of the local market.