We need accessible hotels that are fairly close together. It cannot be an inconvenience for our members to get from their hotels to the convention facility. A downtown facility generally offers a variety of accommodations, from elegant hotels to the more affordable motels. For exhibitors and attendees, the number one advantage of downtown facilities is accessibility to restaurants, attractions and shops. Having an opportunity to explore a city makes the trip more worthwhile.
Facilities located in major cities hold their appeal over time, too.
Like other large cities, our downtown affords them dining and entertainment opportunities that don't get old in a hurry. They can come back year after year and never have to eat in the same restaurant twice. For exhibit design firms who oversee set-up and dismantling of clients' exhibits, easy access to services is an important benefit. You usually can find a sign shop fairly close to the convention facility. And there's always a Federal Express station around.