Most organizations have national and regional meetings or conferences once or twice a year.
Local authorities encourage the convention industry because they believe tourist dollars can boost a faltering or stagnant economy. Tourists inject outside dollars into a local economy, resulting in greater net benefit than an increase in the turnover of local dollars. Some organizations and large corporations have sufficient need and funds to maintain in-house planners and meeting organizers. In larger metropolitan areas, some firms specialize in organizing and planning conventions and events for others. Meeting, event, and convention planners develop programs, market events or conventions, budget the event, choose locations, make travel arrangements, arrange entertainment, plan menus and choose caterers, arrange lodging, ensure availability of audio-visual equipment, and oversee registration of attendees to the events.