Abstract: Exhibition industry is one of the important parts of modern service industry. In recent years, it is developing rapidly and the agglomeration trend in some particular areas of the main center cities is very obvious in China. Based on the data of Guangzhou exhibition enterprises and GIS technology, and using spatial point pattern analysis and questionnaires, this paper discusses the agglomeration characteristics and influencing factors of Guangzhou exhibition enterprises during 1991-2001. Research shows that: (1) Guangzhou exhibition enterprises are significantly agglomerated, and the spatial pattern has been changed from single-center to multi-center agglomeration; (2) Concentration and diffusion coexist. Agglomeration degree of Guangzhou exhibition enterprises does not decrease due to expansion of spatial scale. On the contrary, it diffuses to a new area while constantly strengthening the agglomeration in old areas; (3) Agglomeration areas of exhibition enterprises are divided into two agglomerate types, namely venues-relying type and CBD-relying type, both of which vary in scale and strength of agglomeration; (4) The influencing factors of exhibition enterprises agglomeration include five aspects: exhibition service facilities, overall business environment, external economies, government action and human resources. On the aspect of concrete factors, large exhibition hall and traffic conditions significantly influence the location of exhibition enterprises. But qualified labor force, policy and financial support of the local government, land price and rent have relatively less influence.

Key words: exhibition enterprise, spatial agglomeration, influencing factor, spatial point pattern analysis, Guangzhou