The Business of Conventions

The convention and meeting business is a huge industry. In 1991 alone, corporations and associations sponsored about a million conventions and meetings, according to a survey commissioned by the Convention Liaison Council.

Economic impact of conventions, expositions and meetings in 1991

Direct spending Industry (in billions) Hotel & meeting places $17.58 Air transportation 8.59 Restaurant 5.37 Business services 5.23 Unspecified 3.31 Retail trade 2.02 Auto rental 2.02 Wholesale trade 1.41 Public transportation & taxes 1.32 Entertainment 1.22 Gasoline 1.17 Equipment rental .48 Advertising .18 Total 49.9

Convention delegates expenditures

Average expenditure by out-of-town delegate/ Type of event in-town delegate All conventions $763/$93 State and local conventions $448/$68 International, national and regional conventions $907/$135

Where convention-goers spend their money

Hotel rooms 46% Shopping 13 Hotel restaurants 12 Other restaurants 12 Local transport, car rental, gasoline 6 Recreation, entertainment 5 Hospitality suites 3 Other 3

Most conventions are held by professional and trade associations

Professional/Trade assn. 45% Government/Social service 11 Educational 8 Corporate/Club/Other 8 Fraternal/Social 7 Medical 6 Exposition 5 Religious 5 Military/Veteran 5

Source: Convention Liaison Council and International Assn. of Convention & Visitor Bureaus.