The impact of urban geography on conventioneer spending patterns : a case study of Cincinati, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina

Includes bibliographical references (pages [72]-75)Conventions play a significant economic role in the locations in which they are held. Geographically, some cities are able to attract convention activity easier than others and as such gain the reputation as convention towns. Outside of the major convention cities, such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and Chicago, urban areas which have a multitude of tourist activities and meeting facilities appear to benefit from convention activities more than those in less attractive areas. Older cities, such as Cincinnati, have targeted the hotel and convention industry to help revitalize their declining inner cities. This paper looks at the impact of academic conferences on two different urban areas. The data was obtained from surveys distributed to attendees of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) and the Association of American Geographers (AAG) meetings in Cincinnati and Charlotte, respectively. The information obtained indicates the amounts and locations of monies spent by the participants. This data was used to determine if expenditure patterns differ between an older industrial city (Cincinnati, Ohio) and a newly developing city (Charlotte, North Carolina).M.S. (Master of Science