George G. Fenich

Determining the importance of US convention destination attributes

This paper examines meeting planners’ rating of seven US convention cities not only as overall destinations but also on specific city attributes that are important in site selection. Regression analysis showed that promotional appeal of the city had a significant effect in the overall ratings of destinations. In addition, results suggested that different attributes are significant for different cities in explaining their convention, exposition and meeting-site attractiveness.

Convention center development: pros, cons and unanswered questions

Abstract Over recent years there has been tremendous growth in the convention business and commensurately in the number of convention centers. However, while the expansion in the quantity and size of centers continues unabated, a number of issues have come to light that question the validity of continuing on the current path. This paper considers these issues by assessing the pros and cons of building convention centers. This task is accomplished by analyzing and critiquing the existing literature on the subject while concluding with a summary of those research questions that remain either unaddressed or unsettled.

An Investigation of Technological Uses by Different Generations As It Relates to Meetings and Events: A Pilot Study

They were born between 1979 and 2000 and are called Millennials, GenyY, and Next Gen, among other acronyms. They are the next generation of meetings and events attendees, and said attendance is critical to the success of the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions industry. This pilot study seeks to determine what their wants and needs are in terms of technology at meetings and events along with assessing differences between Millennials and earlier generations. Research methods, including a review of the literature, focus group, and case study, are utilized.

Casinos and Conventions

ABSTRACT The casino industry has always relied on the leisure traveler whose primary motivation is to gamble. Thus, one would expect the casino and convention industries to operate in totally different arenas. This was the case until the mid-1990s. Today, the casino industry is embracing the convention industry and constructing facilities to meet the needs of the convention and meeting attendee. This article starts by setting up the framework for this dichotomy between the two industries by tracing the history of casino gaming in the U.S. Discussion leads to a review of how and why there was a lack of conventions/meetings business in both Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The article then goes on to review specific development of the conventions/meetings business in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other jurisdictions. It concludes with a prognosis about the future along with opportunities for future research.

Convention center operations: some questions answered

Abstract Convention centers continue to be built or expanded, worldwide. But, with all these new and expanded centers coming on-line, which ones will succeed and which will fail? Is there an optimum sized city that would do well to have a convention center? Is it only the large sized centers that can compete effectively? What type of management structure works best and helps insure the success of a center? The current study answers some of these strategic questions in convention center planning and development.

An Assessment of whether the Convention Center in New York is Successful as a Tool for Economic Development

In recent years, cities of all sizes have developed or expanded convention centers with the goal of stimulating economic or physical revitalization. The justification for such rapid growth has focused primarily on the benefits of convention center development and much less on the costs. The research at hand uses the case method to more fully examine both sides of the issue. The case is the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York and discussion focuses on issues such as convention attendance, conventioneer spending, and center financial performance within the more macro context of urban affairs. This paper begins with a general discussion of the center and its location, and is tied to the literature by an explanation of the citys pattern of decline. Ensuing discussion encompasses issues specific to this case, such as the economic activity generated, subsequent tax revenues, and the degree of spin-off development near the center. The conclusion of the article considers the fiscal and physical impact of the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Does Casino Development Destroy Local Food and Beverage Operations?: Development of Casinos in Mississippi

Over the last decade, there has been a boom in casino gambling and it has been one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. Proponents have pointed to job development and economic growth as rationales for entry into new jurisdictions. In addition to social and moral retorts, opponents have cited the negative impact on local restaurants as a major reason for limiting casino development. It is claimed that casinos have a detrimental affect on food and beverage businesses in a community. While this rationale has been put forth many times, there is little empirical evidence to either prove, or disprove, this claim. This article analyzes the effects of casino development on food and beverage activity in the state of Mississippi. More specifically, it will assess the levels of economic activity, in the form of employment, payroll, and number of establishments by the food and beverage industry, both before and after legalization of casino gaming.

What the Millennial Generation from Around the World Prefers in Their Meetings, Conventions, and Events

The extant research relates to what the Millennial generation prefers in their meetings and events. The focus of this paper is to compare the wants and needs of Millennials from five different continents to ascertain similarities and differences. This is the largest study ever done of Millennials with regard to meetings and events. While some differences were uncovered, it was found that Millennials are a very homogeneous group. Thus, event professionals can use similar strategies when targeting this group. However, it was also found that there were some differences in specific areas and event professionals would do well to ascertain their mix of attendees by national origin and then apply the most significant findings of the research at hand.

Communication Preferences for Attracting the Millennial Generation to Attend Meetings and Events

The purpose of this study was to explore the communication channels considered the most useful for attracting and meeting the needs of Millennials with regard to meetings, events, and/or conventions. Out of 1,967 respondents that participated in this study, 1,787 respondents were part of the Millennial Generation. The majority of the participants had attended a conference or convention prior to the study. The results of this study indicated that the preferred channels of communication among Millennials were face-to-face communication, directly followed by e-mail, and then text messaging. The results also indicated that the Millennial Generation appreciated the use of technology for communication (e.g., Wi-Fi and audience polling for immediate feedback) and expected it to be accessible during meetings and events.

Green Certifications and Ecolabels in the MEEC Industry: Which Are Really Worth It?

The meetings, expositions, events, and conventions industry (MEEC), like most of the world, is embracing greening and sustainability. In alignment and support of sustainability, a multitude of certifications have sprung up. The research at hand ascertained that, while these certifications are laudable, there is currently no mechanism for event professionals to evaluate one certification against another. Thus, event professionals must employ the concept of caveat emptor.