The 10 Best Cities for Meetings and Events in 2020, According to CWT

September 5, 2019

New York, San Francisco and Chicago top the list of the best North American cities for events in 2020, according to a new ranking released by CWT M&E, the global meetings and events division of CWT.

The list was created based on CWT’s volume of business and booking trends, including a combination of requested cities, awarded RFPs and business value.

Each of the three top cities moved up in the ranking from last year, and several cities were brand new to the list, including Atlanta, Toronto and San Diego (which took the No. 4, 5 and 6 spots, respectively). The No. 1 ranked city for 2019, which was Las Vegas, dropped to No. 10 for 2020.

Check out the full list below:

1. New York

2. San Francisco

3. Chicago

4. Atlanta

5. Toronto

6. San Diego

7. Seattle

8. Orlando

9. Dallas/Fort Worth

10. Las Vegas

CWT reports that while demand for meetings and events is on the rise in North America, the pace of growth has slowed.

“Political events have a direct impact [now] more than ever on companies’ quarterly and annual outlooks. Some industry segments are pulling back and are being a bit more cautious,” said Tony Wagner, vice president for the Americas and South Pacific regions with CWT Meetings & Events.

Fears of a potential looming economic slump, driven in part by a deepening trade war between the U.S. and China, are also impacting booking times, he added. For example, large events previously booking at least six months out are now doing so in three months.

Not making the list this year, but close to catching up to their high-ranking counterparts, are cities such as Minneapolis; Indianapolis; Austin, Texas; Houston; and Portland, Ore., according to CWT officials. These cities also typically offer better rates than top-tier cities, in addition to top-notch facilities.

Photo credit: Jo Wiggijo for Pixabay

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn and Instagram!

 

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.