San Diego recorded the highest meeting volume improvement with 29.2% year-over-year (YOY) growth in December, according to Knowland. Coming in a close second was San Francisco, where event volume increased 21.5%, a positive sign the industry is bouncing back in the cities in Southern and Northern California.
The data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform and designed to help hoteliers protect and grow their revenue base.
The top market experienced an average number of attendees of 198, and the average meeting space used was 2,577 sq. ft.
December 2023 event volume showed 6.7% growth over December 2022 for all U.S. markets.
San Diego ranked highest in the top 25 U.S. markets, hosting pharmaceutical/biotechnology meetings, followed by consulting industry events. The following four markets: San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando and Miami rounded out the top five YOY for growth volume. Below is additional insight into the top drivers for these markets.
- San Diego: Pharmaceutical/biotechnology, consulting, national association, healthcare and charity/nonprofit.
- San Francisco: Charity/nonprofit, education, training/education, technology and arts/performing arts.
- Seattle: Charity/nonprofit, entertainment/media, healthcare, national association and technology.
- Orlando: Pharmaceutical/biotechnology, healthcare, technology, national associations, wedding and technology.
- Miami: Wedding, travel, education, financial//banking and consulting.
The top markets outside of the top 25 by YOY growth in event volume were Colorado Springs, CO; Lexington, KY; and Milwaukee.