Party Conventions Create Combined $360 Million in Direct Spending for Host Cities
July 25, 2016
Between getting there, staying there, eating and drinking there, as well as all other activity, attendees of the two major party conventions will be responsible for spending an estimated $360 million in their host cities this year, according to a projection from the U.S. Travel Association.
That spending total splits straight down the middle for the two events - $180 million each for the Republican National Convention, which was held in Cleveland July 18-21, and the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia July 25-28.
Including indirect and induced impact, a total of $600 million in economic output - $300 million for each convention - is expected to be generated for both host regions. That total could support 1,800 jobs in each place, or 3,600 jobs in total.
"You're going to hear a lot from the candidates about their plans to create jobs," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.
He added, "It might give some people pause, but one of the easiest ways to do that is to hold more conventions. The economic activity associated with these kinds of events is extremely compelling, and we aim to make sure our policymakers understand that."
U.S. Travel's impact prediction encompasses expected spending by attendees on items such as lodging, meals, transportation and general retail, as well as spending by each host committee, funding for security, etc.
U.S. Travel economists generated the convention impact figures using hotel data provided by the travel research firm STR, as well as other travel and economic statistics.
The organization's goal is to highlight the substantial and positive economic and jobs impact of large, in-person meetings such as the political conventions.
Some of the combined numbers for both conventions:
· Total projected attendees: 100,000-120,000
· Delegates: 10,000-12,000
· Media members: 30,000-36,000
· Other visitors and participants: 60,000-72,000
Average daily trip spending per attendee: $300
Hotel/other lodging room nights: 148,500
· Total lodging revenues: $33 million
U.S. Travel is amplifying its message that travel is "serious business" with an advertising campaign targeted at convention attendees.
The organization has placed ads extolling the economic value of the political conventions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and in Amtrak Acela trains in the Northeast Corridor.
Additionally, U.S. Travel will have a branding presence at each convention's POLITICO Hub, oases featuring refreshments, speakers and entertainment.
U.S. Travel-sponsored items at those venues will include several convention "necessities"- including charging stations for electronic devices, pillows, chewable coffee and oxygen bars.
“Conventions and in-person meetings are an absolutely vital creator of accessible, good-paying, un-exportable jobs in this country,” Dow said.
He added, “An effective way to remind our policymakers of that is to make sure the message is front and center while they're all in one place."
Partner Voices
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
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