Ace Convention sees boost in attendance

The 2011 Ace Hardware Spring Convention and Exhibits held last week in Chicago saw a significant boost in attendance from the two previous years, according to the Oak Brook, Ill.-based hardware co-op.

Retailer attendance was up 36% compared with Ace's previous spring show in New Orleans. The Chicago event also posted a 17% increase in attendance compared with the spring show held two years ago in Las Vegas. 

Total convention attendance in Chicago topped out at about 15,000, according to Ace.

The next convention for Ace will be held in Denver Oct. 15 to 17.