Los Angeles Will Host 24 Citywide Conventions in 2012, Most Since 2001
September 6, 2012
With Los Angeles’ largest trade show, the Entertainment Software Association’s E3 Expo, recently signing on to stay through 2015, there was even more good news for the destination that 2012 will mark the best year the city has had since 2001, with 24 citywide conventions.
Besides the convention market, Los Angeles also is on pace for a record-breaking tourism year, according to officials from the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism).
A mid-year forecast projects the destination will welcome 41.3 million visitors by year-end, 2.4 percent above the current record of 40.3 million visitors set in 2011.
With L.A. Live, an entertainment complex that includes a much-needed hotel next to the Los Angeles Convention Center, opening in the past few years, along with other improvements in the downtown area, L.A.’s efforts to draw in more conventions and overall visitors seem to be paying off.
“This is great news for our local tourism industry and our local economy. Every visitor and every visitor dollar spent plays a critical role in creating jobs and in keeping our local economy strong,” said LA Tourism President and CEO Mark Liberman.
He added, “With the new Tourism Marketing District support, we now have a stronger voice in the increasingly competitive travel space that is already paying off and helping to drive demand to visit.”
L.A.’s tourism industry continues to benefit from strong domestic visitation from key markets, including San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Phoenix, Sacramento and Chicago; its position as a gateway city for Asia, including the growing China market; and the outlook for emerging markets in South America, especially Brazil.
LA Tourism is working hard to attract even more business and leisure travelers to the destination in the future as well with these efforts:
LA Tourism will launch a new domestic arts and culture campaign this fall to inspire travel to Los Angeles during October and November, traditionally a shoulder season for the destination.
In the first quarter of 2013, the organization will launch a new domestic consumer branding campaign designed to inspire travelers to choose Los Angeles for spring and summer travel and continue its popular dineLA restaurant program.
Internationally, LA Tourism has plans to launch expanded marketing efforts in Canada, the UK and Australia and to pursue new global meetings, incentives, exhibitions and tradeshows (MICE) business.
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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