Convention and Conference Facilities

For those who need the latest information
about meeting facility development

History repeats itself

You've probably noticed the increase in convention center construction just as we have. Large markets like Washington, D.C., Cleveland and San Diego have either opened new space or are planning new construction, but there is much more activity in smaller markets. Despite the weak economy, cash-strapped communities are anxious for outside dollars to bolster local economies.

It's a trend we've seen before. We also publish the Revenues From Sports Venues newsletter, which tracks the same activity for the stadium and arena market. The pattern that began in the stadium and arena market more than 15 years ago is now repeating itself in the convention and conference center industry, with one very important difference.

Stadiums and arenas don't compete directly with one another, but convention and conference centers do. Since they bid against one another for the same business, if one facility upgrades, the others must make similar improvements to remain competitive. What was a boom for stadiums and arenas could be an explosion in the meeting industry.

Light at the end of the tunnel
or an oncoming train?

Understanding facility development can help you predict the future. New convention and conference facilities don't spring up overnight. It takes time to line up funding, acquire land and get zoning approvals before ground is ever broken. That's valuable time you can use to position yourself in the marketplace.

Facility managers can see what their competition will be like. Those involved in construction can begin making contacts for bidding. Meeting planners can see what's in the pipeline so they can be in stronger bargaining positions. No matter where you are in the chain of events, it's vital that have the same information as other professionals so you can take advantage of important opportunities. If not, you could get hit by the train.

We make it easy for you

Convention and Conference Facilities gives you this information in easily read formats. The newsletter itself has separate sections for convention center and conference center news. We also have a section on hotels because those are important components in the meeting trade. Our "Rest of the News" section tells you about events that affect facilities. Is someone building a new casino or water park next to a convention center? If so, you'll read about it here.

But that's not the end of it. With your subscription, you'll have access to another listing called "On the Books." This listing gives you a summary of what projects are underway. It is separated into projects that have approved and are ready for construction and those that are still in the discussion stage. You'll get a quick description of the project, its cost, the expected completion date and the developer or architect and general contractor once they are known.

Convention and Conference Facilities is designed to put the information you need in your hands when you need it. That's why your copy is delivered by e-mail. Each issue is in your hands within minutes after we write it. Magazines take weeks to print and reach you by mail