But other cities will still be able to make money. There's a lot of business to have on the second tier level. Many cities don't even count on making money through the convention center itself, considering the facility's main function to be a job maker. Restaurants, hotels and rental car companies get their cut too. Only time will tell if the current enthusiasm for trade shows is a trend or if its here to stay.
Supporters say the shows represent a permanent change in the way of doing business.
Companies are finding it is cheaper to close a deal at a trade show than pay a salesmen to go on the road, they say. In any case, owners of the largest halls don't have to worry about justifying the expansions, said Canton Robert, the senior manager at Price Waterhouse's Convention and Congress Center and Advisory Group. Read our policy on privacy and cookies.