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CHAPTER 1 THE CONVENTION AND MEETINGS INDUSTRY AN OVERVIEW

From Hotel Convention Sales, Services and Operations

Pat Golden-Romero

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THE CONVENTION AND MEETINGS INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Licence reference: 528faa45df834f711527990bcdf1575d-4122, for 1 user on Jan 26, 2011 to Mauricio zavala zavalamex@yahoo.es

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After studying this chapter, you will be able to discuss:
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■ ■ ■The economic impact and multiplier effect of the convention and meetings industry The growth of the convention and meetings industry, and current trends The types of facilities that house meetings and conventions The types of organizations that hold meetings and conventions

INTRODUCTION
About 30 years ago, in the mid-1970s, the business of planning and executing meetings in both hotels andconvention halls began to undergo changes. At that time, both independent and chain hotels alike relied mostly on business from vacationers and individuals (also known as transient) to fill their rooms. The large function rooms in many hotels, designed and used as banquet and reception facilities, also could accommodate meetings. Today, the group meeting and convention market is recognized as themost significant market segment necessary to ensure the hotels’ room occupancy, as well as food and beverage revenue requirements. In the 1970s, few hotels in major U.S. cities and resort destinations had enough function space and guest rooms to book convention groups. Overall, convention groups at that time had an image that focused less on meetings and education and more on entertainment. Untilrecent years, the typical convention attendee was a middle-aged white male; today’s convention-goer is now
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CHAPTER 1 THE CONVENTION AND MEETINGS INDUSTRY AN OVERVIEW From Hotel Convention Sales, Services and Operations Pat Golden-Romero Copyright: Copyright 2007

http://www.download-it.org/learning-resources.php?promoCode=&partnerID=&content=story&storyID=546 Licence reference:528faa45df834f711527990bcdf1575d-4122, for 1 user on Jan 26, 2011 to Mauricio zavala zavalamex@yahoo.es

reflective of the workplace—women and minority groups have altered that demographic profile. The stereotype of a three-day junket of fun for many convention groups also has been replaced by days of intensive educational programs that upon completion, awarded attendees continuous education credits (CEUs)in their vocation or field. The food and beverage functions at meetings and conventions also have become representative of the creative culinary landscape, replacing the so-called “rubber chicken banquet circuit” of years past. The audiovisual and computer technology needs of groups today require true expertise on-site to ensure that each meeting and presentation goes off without a hitch!...