Are Convention Centers Worth It?

Despite skepticism from critics, proponents argue convention centers are vital economic drivers that support local businesses and tourism.

The Stand-Up November 14, 2024 Edited by Andrea Doyle View in browser Hi there,     Are convention centers worth the investment is a question that has been percolating for years.   The New York Times resurfaced the conversation this week with its article, "Why Are Cities Still Spending Big on Convention Centers?"   Marie Hunter of IEEE shared with Skift Meetings that she is booking seven to eight years out to secure the convention space she needs. Even then, she is sometimes finds centers booked.   There is the demand, so the supply has to respond.   I reached out to the leaders in the industry who highlighted that convention centers are more than just event venues. They serve as economic catalysts, drawing attendees who fuel spending in local hotels, restaurants, and retail.   Beyond economic impacts, convention centers often play critical roles in community support, stepping in as emergency response sites during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.   I want to hear from you. What you think about the Times article? About convention centers in general?   Reply to this email to share your thoughts. Top Stories Are Convention Centers Worth It? Despite skepticism from critics, proponents argue convention centers are vital economic drivers that support local businesses, tourism, and hospitality industries. Hyatt Addresses Hot Topics at IMEX America Produced in partnership with Hyatt Hyatt's Senior Vice President of Events, Steve Enselein, spoke with Skift Meetings about the most interesting takeaways from IMEX America. While "doing more with less" was a consistent theme, optimism for the future of meetings and events remains strong. Drones and 'Braindates': How FICP Tried to Set Its Conference Apart  The theme of this week's FICP Conference in Denver was 'Elevate,' as the association raised the bar on its annual event. Inspiring Change: 5 Strategies for Purpose-Centered Events Created collaboratively with Business Events Sydney (BESydney), and International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)   For event organizers, securing the loyalty of the new generation of participants relies on distinguishing a meeting as something more — a program built to create meaningful change that will live on long after the closing session wraps up. That starts with where the program happens.    In this report, we examine what the increasing shift to a purpose-driven mindset means for designing and executing conventions, meetings, trade shows, and events. DOWNLOAD REPORT Cvent Delivers Masterclass in Gathering European Meetings Industry Cvent has slowly but surely created a behemoth of an industry event, showing no signs of slowing down. No Trays of Bacon or Plastic Bottles: Steps to a Sustainable Event  At FICP's Annual Conference this week, the team that is working toward getting the event certified by the EIC shared their story. Adelaide Invests in Business Events to Drive Economic Growth The South Australian government has committed additional funds to support business events in Adelaide. These financial incentives seem to be working. VIRTUAL SUMMIT Best Business Events of the Year - 2024 Sponsored by Stova and Tourism Whistler Get a front-row seat to uncover the best ideas, innovative strategies, and standout successes from this year's top business events. Join us for an exclusive virtual event designed for the discerning planner. We'll dive deep into six business events that pushed boundaries, sparked connections, and set new standards. REGISTER NOW Was Your Event Lame? 10 Questions For Brutally Honest Feedback  If your post-event surveys always result in generic responses, the first place to start is with the questions. Why not ask attendees how the event really made them feel? Canada Attracts Global Conferences with a Convention Fund  Destination Canada is reaping the benefits of its $50 million investment fund focused on attracting international associations.  Independent Properties: When the Hotel Becomes the Experience With the transformation of events into experiences, planners say that independent hotels offer distinct advantages, such as flexibility, creativity and authenticity. Meetings Innovator: Megan Henshall Meetings Innovators is sponsored by Stova Google Xi's new mission is to rehumanize corporate life. Its founder, Megan Henshall, is Skift Meeting's first-ever Meetings Innovator. Laid Off: One Planner's Story of Finding a New Job Fifteen minutes on a Thursday. That's all it took for Rebecca Carmody's life to change when she was laid off from her event marketing job. One year later, she's still looking for her next gig.  Clarion Events Expands Energy Portfolio with Acquisition of Infocast With a focus on the energy sector, Clarion Events has acquired a company that organizes events focused on renewable energy. The Meetings Industry Has an Alcohol Problem. Now It's Trying to Sober Up. The meetings industry has always been one where the booze flows freely. But a new generation of non-drinkers is paving an alcohol-free path forward. INDUSTRY EVENTS CALENDAR: IBTM World (Nov.19-21 in Barcelona, Spain ) Event Tech Live London / Event Sustainability Live (Nov. 20-21, in London, UK) IAEE Expo! Expo! (Dec. 16-19 in Los Angeles, CA) Explore our full calendar of industry events here. Excel London Acquires Business Design Centre ADNEC just bought one of London's most iconic event venues, changing the game for anyone planning events in the UK. Caesars is Selling Linq Promenade in Las Vegas Caesars is selling Linq Promenade for $275 million to help pay down the casino operator's debt. Planners Share Top Destination Picks Two groups of destination specialists reveal their top choices, but only one destination makes both lists. More From Skift Meetings Event Industry Buying Streak Continues as Hyve Group Acquires HLTH MLB Pitches Ballparks to Planners Falling Down Stairs, Talking to Strangers: How Planners Got Their Start To ensure there are no pauses in our communication, please add our email address to your contacts: meetings@skift.com. Skift, 35 W 31st St., Frnt 1, New York, NY 10001, USA, (516) 399-0304 Manage preferences