With six months remaining before CMM Intl. 2005 opens at Chicago's McCormick Place, show organizer Paperloop says that more than 400 exhibitors representing 200,000 sq ft of exhibit space have already reserved booths. Show management says these numbers put CMMIntl. 2005 on track to exceed the exhibitor total at the 2003 show.

In the past eight months, CMM has sold 50 percent more space than during the same period preceding the 2003 show, says Erich Herbert, CMM director of sales. Several long-time exhibitors have upgraded their booths to larger space and the various association-sponsored pavilions are selling very well, Herbert adds.

"Industry buzz is continuing to build about a re-energized CMM International," says Ian Johnston, president of CMM. "Exhibitors are responding to all the new enhancements and features that have been added to the 2005 show. While CMM will always be the premier converting-exclusive event for all segments of the converting marketplace, we're working closely with our industry partners to ensure that we also focus more on specific processes.

"Based on these early results, we think this will be one of the best CMM events in the history of the show," Johnson says.

More info: www.cmmshow.com