Los Angeles Convention Center Generates Record-breaking $781 Million in Economic Impact for City of L.A.

September 28, 2017

If the Los Angeles Convention Center’s recent fiscal report is any indication, the Downtown L.A. facility most certainly is not a loss-leader, but rather an integral economic impact generator for the City of Los Angeles.

The LACC recently reported generating a record-breaking $781 million of economic impact for the City in fiscal year 2016/2017, with $478 million attributed to convention attendee direct spending.

An additional $26.4 million was generated in tax revenues to the City, with $18.2 million in hotel transient-occupancy tax contributions to the City’s general fund – an increase of more than $90 million in total economic impact during the previous fiscal year.

“As a centerpiece of Downtown L.A., the Los Angeles Convention Center has proven to be an integral economic impact driver for the City,” said Doane Liu, executive director of the Los Angeles Department of Convention and Tourism Development.

He continued, “LACC events support L.A.’s economy through the direct and indirect spending by event and convention attendees on travel, lodging, meals, transportation and entertainment, saving local taxpayer dollars and contributing funds for essential city services.”

The facility also set a record in the number of events it hosted, including a rise in citywide conventions that resulted in an increased occupancy rate of 74 percent (according to industry standard, a convention center is considered fully occupied at 70 percent).

During fiscal year 2016/2017, the LACC hosted 2.2 million visitors across 215 events, including consumer shows, industry trade shows and 32 large-scale citywide conventions such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Association of Neurological Surgeons and College of Chest Physicians, which filled an estimated 526,000 hotel room nights while sustaining 12,700 local jobs.

Since assuming management of the LACC in late 2013, AEG Facilities has worked closely with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board to increase event bookings every year.

Besides hosting myriad conventions, trade shows, meetings and events of all shapes and sizes each year, the LACC also works to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility by attaining and maintaining LEED Certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.

The venue was re-certified on the Gold level in 2015, making it the largest convention center in the U.S. to receive LEED EB: O+M Gold re-certification.

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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