Not all new and expansion footage will come online this year, but total space is projected to hit 82 million square feet by 2005, an increase of 25 percent in just five years. Tradeshow Week's information tracking also focuses on larger markets, and did not include either the expansion in Rochester or the new facility in Fergus Falls. Downtown redevelopment is also driving some new venue projects. Brian Maliske, the center's business director, said there was demand for additional space, although that demand doesn't easily translate into a healthier bottom line. Instead, the return on that investment goes directly to local businesses.
People go to conventions to spend money.
Operating deficits are not uncommon among convention facilities. Mayo brings over 500,000 visitors to downtown Rochester who eat, sleep and shop in town, Drews pointed out. The facility receives no revenues from either parking or the city's 3 percent sales tax on hotel rooms. I've been in both places. That's a fundamental question for that city.