TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA led in meetings and events growth for the top 25 markets in February with a 20 percent year-over-year increase, according
to Knowland. Denver and Boston came in second and third, respectively, while National Associations and Technology groups led in four of the top five markets.
Overall, year-over-year event volume growth for the industry reached 5.3 percent, the report said. Meetings in the top 25 markets used an average space
of 3,507 square feet, compared to 2,890 square feet in secondary markets. The top 25 markets had an average of 124 attendees, while secondary markets
averaged 118 attendees.
Additional insights into the key industry drivers for the top 25 markets with the highest meeting volumes include:
Tampa-St. Petersburg (up 20 percent): national association, healthcare, charity/non-profit/social services, technology and wedding.
Denver (up 7 percent): technology, national association, education, healthcare and construction.
Boston (up 15 percent): education, healthcare, technology, training/education and travel.