Visit Salt Lake books conventions worth $123 million

Visit Salt Lake, the organization tasked with bringing conventions and other events to Utah, booked 14 future events during the fourth quarter of 2019 that will bring about 127,00 people to the state — and those people will spend about $123 million while they are here. Those folks will occupy hotel rooms for 116 nights during their visits.

Among those who have scheduled their meetings in Utah is the U.S. Air Force Advanced Manufacturing Olympics, a competition will attract 2,500 manufacturing companies, defense contractors, tech startups and universities in July.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

The Big Gear Show, which was announced late last year, is slated to be held in the Salt Palace Convention Center July 21-25, attracting retailers and manufacturers serving the active paddle, climb, bike and camp segments of the outdoor industry. Up to 3,000 retailers and exhibitors are expected to attend the event and spend $2.9 million while in Salt Lake.

The Commission on Presidential Debates selected Salt Lake’s University of Utah to host a vice presidential debate in October. The event will generate extensive national media coverage and attract more than 4,800 media, production, security and support staff who will spend nearly $4.7 million while in town.

FanX, the Salt Lake Comic Convention is returning to the Salt Palace September 10-12, with an anticipated attendance of 65,000 people.

Other groups that will meet in Salt Lake City include the Society of Interventional Radiology, the International Association of Assessing Officers, the American Farm Bureau Association, the USA Fencing Association and Young Living Essential Oils.

Nu Skin Enterprises is holding its 2021 Global Convention at the Salt Palace September. The event is expected to attract 12,600 attendees who will spend $12.2 million while in Salt Lake City.{/mprestriction}