The two-day MassPlastics 2002 trade show drew nearly 1,000 more visitors than the previous show in 2000, according to show manager Jim Adams.
The Fitchburg show, held March 28-29, drew 3,959 verified visitors, as well as 1,449 exhibitor personnel.
More than 70 percent of the preregistered visitors (3,197 of 4,509) actually attended the show.
Adams said the numbers do not include students, staff or board members.
The 2000 MassPlastics show drew 2,986 visitors (2,068 pre-registered and 918 registered onsite), along with 1,551 exhibitor personnel.
MassPlastics, sponsored by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, is held every 18 months and the show is off to a strong start for Oct. 22-23, 2003.
Adams said about 60 percent of the 270 companies with booth space at this year's show already have reserved space for the next show.
``And seven more companies want to expand their booth space,'' he added.
Adams said the tentative plan is to add a temporary structure to the building to accommodate eight to 40 more booths.
The first show started in March 1989 with 30 companies and 300 attendees.
