San Diego Projects Record Medical Meetings in 2017, $1.1B in Regional Impact
January 23, 2017
The San Diego Convention Center Corporation is forecasting a record-breaking calendar year in 2017 for medical meetings.
A total of 21 medical events, including BIO 2017, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Association of Diabetes, will hold their annual events in San Diego during the next 12 months: that's the highest number of medical meetings ever in a calendar year.
"The upcoming year will be one of our strongest ever for medical meetings," said Clifford "Rip" Rippetoe, CFE, President and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
He added, "Medical meetings are key to San Diego's success as a premiere meeting and convention destination. Our region is a hotspot for research, education and the biotech industry. In calendar year 2017, medical meetings account for 27 percent of total attendance and 53 percent of our regional impact."
The economic benefits from the medical meetings alone are estimated to account for 53 percent of the convention center's estimated $1.1 billion in regional impact that will be generated between January and December of 2017.
Here's a fun fact: The forecasted attendance of 219,275 for 2017 medical meetings is more than the populations of the cities of Escondido and Encinitas combined.
This calendar year, a total of 62 citywide conventions will take place. The City of San Diego benefits from each event, because the hotel and sales tax revenue that results form these conventions goes directly to the city's general fund.
In 2017, that number will be an estimated $24.4 million. Convention attendees are projected to generate approximately $653.5 million in direct attendee spending.
Currently, center events are projected to account for 769,282 hotel room nights in 2017.
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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