Las Vegas took the lead in group business with a solid 18.5% growth in May year-over-year (YOY), according to data from Knowland. Oahu Island, HI, ranked second at 17.9% YOY growth.
This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform and designed to help hoteliers protect and grow their revenue base.
The average space used for meetings in the top 25 markets was 3,615 sq. ft., and secondary markets were at 3,625 sq. ft. Average attendees were 128 in the top 25, while secondary markets averaged 127 attendees.
Las Vegas was a popular meeting spot in May with the highest growth among the top 25 U.S. markets with an average space use of 7,803 sq ft for 287 average attendees. Technology was the key driver with events such as the Electronic Distributor Show (EDS.) National associations came in second with groups such as the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Below is additional insight into the top industry drivers for these markets.
- Las Vegas (+18.5%): Technology, national association, wedding, consulting and financial/banking
- Oahu Island (+17.9%): Travel, wedding, education, charity/non-profit/social services and consulting
- Nashville (+11.1%): Financial/banking, health care, manufacturing, national association and technology
- Denver (+4.1%): Technology, national association, financial/banking, health care and charity/non-profit/social services
- Seattle (+2.0%): National association, technology, charity/non-profit/social services and education
Among secondary markets, Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA, saw an uptick of 149.4% in event bookings, with education as the leading industry driver. Rounding out the top five high-growth secondary markets (with the top drivers) were:
- Florida Keys (113.9%): Wedding
- Texas East (87.1%): Wedding
- New Mexico North (81.3%): Charity/nonprofit/social services
- Lexington, KY (47.7%): Education
