Dallas—The exhibition industry hit “rock bottom” last year and is poised for a modest recovery during the next three years, according to a new report from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.

The “CEIR Index Report” found that the exhibition industry fell for a third straight year in 2010, declining overall by 2.4% as measured by net square feet on exhibit floors, revenue, attendance and number of exhibitors. Revenue suffered the largest decline, an 8.4% drop.

However, CEIR reported that attendance, a leading indicator of the exhibition industry, also increased last year by 2.4%. As employment grows over the next three years, attendance should continue to pace the exhibition industry, leading to better overall performance, CEIR said in a statement.