SLC hosting 5,000 at 'Super Bowl' of conventions

Salt Lake’s meeting and convention industry is rolling out the red carpet this week for a group of influential decision makers that has the potential of bringing millions in convention business to the state.

Salt Lake’s meeting and convention industry is rolling out the red carpet this week for a group of influential decision makers that has the potential of bringing millions in convention business to the state. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) convened its 2016 Annual Meeting & Exposition Saturday at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The meeting runs through Tuesday.

Visit Salt Lake, a private, nonprofit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination, is running point on the hosting efforts for the convention, which has been dubbed the “Super Bowl of Conventions.” 

As many as 5,000 professionals from trade associations, professional societies and membership organizations are here to gain knowledge in association management, network with industry professionals and explore the city and convention center as a potential destination for future meetings and conventions. Visit Salt Lake estimated the group represents $500 million in economic impact for the conventions and meetings they represent.

“The majority of the attendees coming to the meeting are significant decision makers and meeting planners from professional and trade associations,” said Scott Beck, president and CEO of Visit Salt Lake. “Hosting ASAE is a business development opportunity of enormous proportions as it’s a great way to showcase why we are one of the country’s best places for business, and an authentic destination for the meetings and convention industry.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome ASAE to Salt Lake. This particular meeting brings in more than $4.5 million in direct visitor spending, which is significant. But even more significant is the potential for future meeting and convention bookings here,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams. “Historically, 20 percent of association executives attending ASAE’s meeting will book a meeting in the host city in the following 10 years. For Salt Lake County, that would be future business for the Salt Palace Convention Center, business that could potentially result in more than $500 million in direct spending in our community.”

“The economic significance of meetings to the U.S. economy is huge,” said John H. Graham, president and CEO of ASAE. “The meetings industry contributes more than $115 billion to the U.S. economy. This includes $67 billion in labor revenue, and $28 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue. Meetings are also important job creators.

Graham continued, “The industry is expected to grow nearly 44 percent from 2010 to 2020. This is our first time holding our meeting in Salt Lake City. Not only is it accessible and affordable, we also love the wide range and varied nature of venues from which to choose from that make it uniquely different and interesting for our attendees.”