In 1997, however, the downtown hall experienced its most rapid growth ever in a 12-month period, and planners now are considering adding another 200,000 to 300,000 square feet. We now do four shows at once where we used to do three. We've gone after markets outside the auto industry, such as religious and legal groups. In fact, say experts, other factors in the destination city can contribute as much to a show facility's success or failure as the center itself. Cities, such as Las Vegas, New Orleans and Orlando, for example, have already established themselves as viable visitor destinations and naturally draw trade show attendees who want to experience some of the city while they do business.
Cities have to coordinate their municipal planning with their meeting expansion.
To say, 'We'll build the space, and the shows will fill the hall' is not automatically the case. Typically, cities that build a new or expanded exhibition hall realize only later that they need additional hotel rooms, shops, restaurants and entertainment as well. The convention center is under-performing, so we have to have a hotel. If the hotel isn't working, then we need more entertainment downtown. The pattern is a terribly predictable one.