VisitPITTSBURGH Sees 2013 Uptick in Meetings; Vancouver CC Expansion Celebrates Five Years

April 8, 2014

Both Pittsburgh and Vancouver, B.C., have reasons to celebrate recently, with the Pennsylvania city’s convention and visitors bureau posting positive results for last year overall and the Canadian West Coast city’s main venue touting successes as well.

 

VisitPITTSBURGH unveiled at its April 3 annual meeting that the travel and tourism industry in Allegheny County generated $5.5 billion in spending, supports 39,000 jobs and creates nearly $340 million in tax revenues.

 

Craig Davis, the bureau’s president and CEO, said that the VisitPITTSBURGH convention sales team booked 590 meetings and conventions for 2013 and beyond, compared with 576 meetings and conventions booked in 2012.

 

The team sold 252,249 room nights for 2013 and future years, and 2013 bookings represent an anticipated direct spending totaling $201 million.

 

“Tourism really does build community,” Davis said. “In practical terms, visitors bring dollars. They spend money in our hotels, restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and more. And they bring validation, too. We must be doing something very right to draw more visitors than our competitors.” 

 

Here are a few of the conventions, groups and events booked by VisitPITTSBURGH in 2013:

 

·         Anthrocon’s 2016 Annual Convention (6,365 room nights; $6.3 million in estimated direct spending)

 

·         USA Gymnastics 2014 National Congress & Trade Show and P&G Gymnastics Championships (6,457 room nights; $5 million)

 

·         The Steelworkers’ 2015 USW Joint Safety and Health Conference (5,385 room nights; $2.5 million)

 

·         Collinson Media & Events’ 2015 Connect Marketplace and Connect Sports Marketplace (5,660 room nights; $1.8 million)

 

Also last year, VisitPITTSBURGH launched a rebranding initiative that included a new tagline and logo.

 

“We embraced our history and recognized the transformation that has occurred in Pittsburgh with the new tagline: ‘Pittsburgh. Mighty. Beautiful.,’” Davis said.  

 

Going forward, the new brand will be incorporated into VisitPITTSBURGH’s marketing programs, advertisements, publications and more, according to bureau officials.

 

The Vancouver Convention Centre recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of the expansion on the building, which tripled its size.

 

Since opening the West building April 3, 2009, the center has hosted nearly 2,750 events, welcomed more than 2.6 million guests from around the world and generated$1 billion-plus in direct spending for the province.

 

“The world needs great gathering places and Vancouver is one of them – and the lynchpin in that reputation is the Vancouver Convention Centre,” said Rick Antonson, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver.

 

He added, “As residents, we enjoy seeing delegates from around the globe walking our streets, dining in our award-winning restaurants and playing in our scenic outdoors. Science, medical research, the environment – leading minds meet here because Vancouver provides the best setting for inspiration and innovation, anchored by the Vancouver Convention Centre.”

 

The VCC spans 1.1 million square feet and has two connected buildings that offer a combined 466,500 sq. ft. of flexible of pre-function, meeting, exhibition and ballroom space.

 

Here's a great infographic telling VCC's 5-year expansion story: https://www.facebook.com/vancouverconventioncentre/photos/a.415749641214.214788.199894306214/10152307819531215/?type=1&theater

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact