June meeting and event volume increased 30.3% over the same month last year, according to data from Knowland. The top 25 markets in the U.S. are 90% year-to-date through last month’s performance compared to 2019.
Austin and Nashville were the stars, with growth topping 74% and 42%, respectively. This reflects the return of seasonal events to these markets known for music, art and entertainment. Both venues offer amenities that groups need for work and play, including several new hotels on the horizon, growing nonstop flight options and some of the most unique meeting spaces in the country. Meeting attendees also enjoy local flair restaurants, live music and entertainment, which make these cities popular destinations with meeting planners.
Chicago led the top 25 markets, hosting National association meetings followed by pharmaceutical/biotechnology. The following four markets, Los Angeles/Long Beach; Washington, DC; San Diego; and Anaheim-Santa Ana rounded out the top five. The top drivers for these markets include:
- Chicago: National association, pharma/biotech, wedding, healthcare and technology
- Los Angeles/Long Beach: Education, national association, training/education, entertainment/media and charity/non-profit/social
- Washington, DC-MD-VA: National association, travel, charity/non-profit/social, education and federal government agency
- San Diego: National association, wedding, education, training/education and charity/non-profit/social
- Anaheim-Santa Ana: Wedding, financial/banking, technology, training/education and national association
The top overall U.S. markets by year-over-year growth in meetings and events were Michigan South, Delaware, Kansas and Mobile, AL.
Look for more insights from Knowland CEO Jeff Bzdawka in the midyear outlook in the July issue of Hotel Business.
