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Convention Myths and Markets: A Critical Review of Convention Center Feasibility Studies

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  • Heywood T. Sanders

    (University of Texas at San Antonio)

Abstract

American cities are seeing a boom in the development of convention centers. In city after city, massive public investment in convention facilities has been justified by feasibility and market studies that consistently portray a booming national demand for exhibition space. These studies also suggest that the demand for convention center space has and will outrun increases in the supply of space. This article reviews studies for more than 30 cities and demonstrates that they have been consistently flawed and misleading. Some analyses argue that successful convention centers need to expand to remain competitive. Others conclude that failing centers need to add space to succeed. Studies repeat the same positive findings verbatim from one city to another and fail to account for contradictory data. These market and feasibility studies thus offer no real basis for public investment and serve to bias public decision making and choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Heywood T. Sanders, 2002. "Convention Myths and Markets: A Critical Review of Convention Center Feasibility Studies," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 16(3), pages 195-210, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecdequ:v:16:y:2002:i:3:p:195-210
    DOI: 10.1177/08942402016003001
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    Cited by:

    1. Deepak Premkumar & Austin Quackenbush & Georgeanne Artz & Peter Orazem, 2013. "If You Build it, Will They Come?: Fiscal Federalism, Local Provision of Public Tourist Amenities, and the Vision Iowa Fund," The Review of Regional Studies, Southern Regional Science Association, vol. 43(2,3), pages 155-173, Winter.
    2. Arturs Kalnins, 2006. "Markets: The U.S. Lodging Industry," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 20(4), pages 203-218, Fall.
    3. Jones, Calvin & Li, ShiNa, 2015. "The economic importance of meetings and conferences: A satellite account approach," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 117-133.

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