SAN DIEGO - The Associated Equip-ment Distributors show here in January set new attendance records for that association's CONDEX trade show, according to AED officials.

The 499 booths, from 202 exhibitors, broke the previous mark of 372 booths, from 208 companies, set last year in Orlando, Fla. There were a record number of 142 hospitality suites in host hotels, topping last year's previous high mark of 136.

A total of 2,888 distributors, manufacturers and business service representatives participated in the San Diego show, falling short of last year's record of 3,092.

AED officials said that more than 56 percent of next year's show, set for January 27-29 in Chicago, is already booked.o