CLEVELAND (April 10, 2019) – Meeting and convention activity in Northeast Ohio is up year-over-year for the second quarter as the region hosts more than 55 meetings and events with over 33,000 expected visitors, which represents a 10 percent increase in anticipated meetings-related visitors over the same time in 2018. Groups hosting their events in Cleveland include medical associations, library associations and advanced manufacturing organizations.
“As the numbers indicate, Cleveland continues to be selected as a meetings destination by a wide variety of associations and organizations,” said Ron Newman, senior director of sales at Destination Cleveland. “We are excited that a number of groups this quarter will use our world-class attractions for offsite events as well as employ the region’s expertise in the medical and advancing manufacturing fields to enhance their meeting’s programming.”
Highlighted below are several meetings throughout the second quarter that have significant attendance, chose Cleveland as a host city because of visitor-related developments in Downtown Cleveland or are returning to Cleveland to host a meeting or event. The estimated economic impact of the events listed below is more than $21 million.
April 10-13
Association of College and Research Libraries National Conference
About: The Association of College and Research Libraries is the higher education association for libraries, and the national conference brings together leaders and key decision makers in academic and research libraries. Attendees can choose from more than 500 conference programs, see exhibits from 200 companies highlighting the newest products and services available in the academic library community and listen to keynote presentations from industry leaders. The group will also host a reception at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Significance: Cleveland’s meeting package, including the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the proximity of hotels for attendees, was “an ideal fit” for this association. Additionally, the energy of the city impressed the planners.
Estimated Attendance: 2,800
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
April 16-18
Reliable Plant Conference and Exhibition 2019
About: The Reliable Plant Conference and Exhibition is designed for different machinery-centric industries. Attendees can participate in learning sessions, panel discussions and formal presentations, as well as peruse the latest technologies and services featured in the exhibit hall. Guests can also join guided lab tours of ALS Tribology and Testoil or partake in a guided tour of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Significance: Planners chose Cleveland based on the city’s overall meeting package, including the newness and amenities of the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, proximity of hotels and other downtown developments.
Estimated Attendance: 1,000
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
April 30-May 1
Smarter Shows Ceramics Expo
About: The Ceramics Expo gathers engineers, decision makers and buyers from a variety of sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the ceramics industry. The free-to-attend event offers more than 300 exhibits, 45+ speaker sessions and discussions focused on ceramic materials, manufacturing and technological solutions and the latest innovations in the industry.
Significance: The Ceramics Expo is returning to Cleveland for its fifth consecutive year, and Cleveland's central Midwest location and accessibility for attendees appealed to the meeting's planners.
Estimated Attendance: 3,500
Primary event venue: I-X Center
May 1-9
Python Software Foundation - PyCon Annual Convention
About: Python Software Foundation’s annual PyCon Convention brings together users and developers of the Python programming language. PyCon will feature nearly 100 talks on topics like data science, an education summit, a job fair and an area dedicated to startup companies. Tutorials are also offered to both beginners and experienced developers in order learn new technologies and increase their skills. Attendees can go to dinners at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center.
Significance: Python Software Foundation is returning to Cleveland for the second consecutive year to host its annual convention.
Estimated Attendance: 3,100
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
May 8-9
Compounding World Expo 2019
About: The Compounding World Expo is the international exhibition for plastics additives and compounding. The event features speakers, live demonstrations, industry debates, training seminars and real-world applications and innovations from international suppliers of polymer additives, compounding machinery and equipment. Attendees can also go to a networking party at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Significance: This is the first time this international show will be hosted in the United States. Cleveland’s manufacturing history and continued economic focus influenced the decision.
Estimated Attendance: 3,000
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
May 13-15
Cleveland Clinic 2019 Patient Experience Summit
About: The Patient Experience Summit is the world’s largest, independent conference devoted to improving the patient experience. This annual national event brings together patient experience leaders, healthcare CEOs, nursing leaders and other major medical stakeholders to discuss industry topics, listen to expert speakers and panel discussions and participate in workshops.
Significance: The Patient Experience Summit is returning to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland for the fifth year.
Estimated Attendance: 1,000 attendees
Primary meeting venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
May 19-23
Association of State Floodplain Managers Annual National Conference
About: The Association of State Floodplain Managers gathers flood-risk professionals from around the world. Conference-goers can participate in policy discussions and training workshops, attend technical field tours and learn about materials, equipment, accessories and services vital to flood loss reduction in the conference’s exhibit hall. A networking reception will also be held at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Significance: Planners believe that the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and hotels are a good fit for this conference and were pleased with the package offered to the group.
Estimated Attendance: 1,300
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
May 21-23
Forging Industry Association Forge Fair 2019
About: The Forge Fair is North America’s largest event dedicated to the forging industry. This manufacturing process forms metal into high strength parts known as forgings, which are used by a variety of trades including aerospace, automotive, construction and national defense. This year’s event will bring together the industry’s top forging professionals including executives, plant managers, forging industry suppliers and engineering and maintenance supervisors. Attendees have the chance to learn about advancements in forging, meet with industry producers and suppliers from around the world and listen to exhibitor presentations.
Significance: The Forge Fair represents return business for Cleveland.
Estimated Attendance: 1,500
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
June 1-5
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting
About: The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons’ scientific program offers in-depth and up-to-date knowledge relative to surgery and improving the quality of care of patients with diseases of the colon and rectum. The meeting also features workshops and seminars for attendees. The group will host a reception at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and an event at Hilton Cleveland Downtown.
Significance: Cleveland was chosen as the location for the meeting based in part on a local champion who advocated for the event to be hosted here.
Estimated Attendance: 1,600
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
June 7-10
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Exchange
About: AAMI Exchange aims to connect health technology professionals like biomedical and clinical engineers, technicians, hospital administrators and managers and the industry’s leading service and solution providers. Attendees can choose from education sessions including key lessons for early career development, virtual reality and HTM education and cybersecurity solutions for medical devises. Attendees can also meet with employers at a career fair and go to a reception at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Significance: AAMI chose Cleveland as the location for this event based in part on the value of the healthcare institutions in the area and how they could become an important part of the meeting’s education content.
Estimated Attendance: 2,500
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
June 14-18
Special Libraries Association 2019 Annual Conference
About: The Special Libraries Association annual conference gathers special librarians and information professionals from around the country for 100+ education sessions, networking opportunities and meetings with information product and service providers. Attendees can participate in tours at the Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives. The group will also host special events at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Blue Point Grille and the International Women’s Air and Space Museum.
Significance: Planners believe that the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and hotels are a good fit for this conference and were pleased with the package offered to the group.
Estimated Attendance: 4,000
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
June 19-23
National NeedleArts Association Summer Trade Show
About: The National Needlearts Association will host its 2019 Summer NeedleArts Trade Show for individuals in the counted thread, crochet, embroidery, knitting, needlepoint and spinning and weaving segments. This event includes a fashion show, technical and business education sessions, insights into the newest styles and a tradeshow that will feature more than 100 exhibitors.
Significance: The National NeedleArts Association is returning to Cleveland for the second consecutive year to host its summer trade show.
Estimated Attendance: 1,000
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland’s destination marketing and management organization. This private, non-profit organization’s mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes 18.5 million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com.