Constructing a model of exhibition attachment: Motivation, attachment, and loyalty

Drawing upon the theory of place attachment, this study proposes an innovative concept of exhibition attachment. Based on an in-depth literature review, a conceptual model of exhibition attachment was constructed, including push/pull motivation, attachment, and loyalty. To test the model, empirical data was collected from attendees at a trade exhibition. The results show a certain degree of correlation between attendees' push motivation and pull motivation. Pull motivation had a significant impact on exhibition dependence, which in turn had a positive and strong impact on exhibition identity. While both exhibition dependence and exhibition identity had an impact on attendees’ loyalty, exhibition identity had a greater impact on exhibition loyalty. The theoretical and managerial implications of these results are discussed.