AN ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY OF A CONVENTION CENTER IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

The purpose of this study was to assess the economic impact of a Convention Center located in a major commerce and industry city in northern California. Three research objectives were identified: 1) to develop profiles of attendees to the Convention Center events, 2) to estimate the total economic impact of the Convention Center to the community, and 3) to compare results of the current study to the results of baseline study conducted in 1994. Survey research method was utilized to carry out this study. The sample included 694 attendees to 13 public show, trade show, and conference type events that were scheduled between January through November 2006. Economic impact was estimated by using the IMPLAN economic impact assessment software and database system. Findings indicated that total direct spending was over $12 million, which generated $18 million in total economic impact, $1.67 million in tax revenues, and 179.76 full-time jobs. Since the majority of the economic impact came from spending on lodging services, it was recommended that the Convention Center attracts more national or international events in order to generate more hotel room nights. The commercial environment nearby the Convention Center might need further improvement to lure more spending on shopping and food services by event attendees