Linking the internal mechanism of exhibition attachment to exhibition satisfaction: A comparison of first-time and repeat attendees.

Abstract This study examines underlying dimensions of place attachment in an exhibition setting and their impacts on attendees' satisfaction. Taking the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair as a case, this study proposes and tests a serial multiple mediator model in two groups: first-time attendees and repeat attendees. A function-emotion-identity sequence was affirmed for exhibition attachment. Both the direct and mediation effects, as well as the multi-group comparison, were examined. While most of the hypotheses were confirmed, affective attachment played a negative role in predicting exhibition satisfaction, and visiting frequency showed a significant difference in the effect of exhibition dependence on satisfaction. This study provides specific theoretical and managerial implications on attendees' exhibition attachment and exhibition satisfaction. Highlights • Proposes and examines internal mechanisms of exhibition attachment. • Tests a serial multiple mediator model to explore the effect of exhibition attachment on satisfaction. • A function-emotion-identity sequence is affirmed for exhibition attachment. • A moderating effect for first-time, as compared to repeat, attendees is found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]