Minneapolis CC Sees Increases in Its Consumer Shows
April 27, 2011
The first part of this year has started off on a bright note for the Minneapolis Convention Center, with several consumer shows scoring increases in attendance, compared with last year. The shows ranged from a 6-percent increase all the way to a 26-percent increase in attendance.
The shows that reported higher attendance were the Minneapolis Boat Show, Minneapolis RV, Vacation & Camping Show, Minneapolis Home and Garden Show, Twin Cities Auto Show and Northwest Sportshow.
Besides more people at the shows, they also opened their wallets once they were there on the showfloor and bought more than in previous years, according to Meet Minneapolis officials, the city’s CVB.
“Indications are that consumers felt more confident about their personal financial situations and came to these shows to make purchases that they had perhaps been delaying for the past few years,” the CVB officials added.
Jennifer Thompson, show manager of the Minneapolis Boat Show and Northwest Sportshow, said those two shows saw attendance increases of 26 percent and 14 percent, respectively, compared with last year’s shows.
“Boat dealers at the Minneapolis Boat Show saw sales at the show that they hadn’t seen in years,” Thompson said.
She added, “At our recent Northwest Sportshow, attendees were booking trips with resort owners again, the fishing tackle retailers had one of their best shows in years and boats and RVs continued to sell.”
Katie Smith, director of sales and marketing at the Minneapolis Convention Center, said, “After two to three years of staying in and saving, Minnesotans are ready to get out and do things. Consumer confidence is up, and attendance and sales numbers only reinforced this trend.”
Another sign that people are more willing to spend money is the Minneapolis CC also saw increases in retail sales, with sales up 11 to 38 percent, compared with last year.
These sales occurred in stores located within the center, such as Kelber Catering service and Dunn Bros. café.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
Add new comment