CLEVELAND (Oct. 8, 2019) – Northeast Ohio’s meeting and convention hosting in 2019 will end on a strong note with more than 24,000 expected meeting and convention visitors throughout October, November and December. Many of the meetings and conventions throughout the fourth quarter are returning to Cleveland as the host city for their events.
“As a meetings and conventions host, Destination Cleveland works with meeting planners and event organizers to create positive, memorable experiences for attendees; our goal in doing so is two-fold: to generate consideration of Cleveland for future hosting opportunities as well as to encourage visitors to share their experiences with their networks,” said Gordon Taylor III, vice president of convention sales and services, Destination Cleveland. “When groups repeatedly select Cleveland as their host city, it underscores to other planners that we offer an interesting experience to attendees while meeting the logistical needs of the organizers. Creating these perceptions further solidifies the city’s reputation as a respected and fun meetings destination.”
Highlighted below are several meetings throughout the fourth quarter that have significant attendance, chose Cleveland as a host city because of visitor-related developments in Downtown Cleveland and/or are returning to Cleveland to host a meeting or event. The estimated economic impact of the events listed below is more than $12 million.
Oct. 8-10 International Elastomer Conference
About: The International Elastomer Conference gathers a variety of professionals ranging from chemists to engineers, technicians, scientists and others in the rubber, polymer or related fields. The conference will feature an expo with more than 200 industry-related exhibitors, a career fair, educational symposiums, presentations in the “Expo Theater” and a student outreach program where students in grades 9-12 can participate in hands-on experiments and learn more about the rubber industry.
Significance: The conference, which brings in attendees from around the world, is returning to Cleveland for the second time.
Estimated Attendance: 5,000
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Oct. 12-13 Cat Fanciers Association International Cat Show
About: The CFA International Cat Show is one of the largest cat shows in the nation, bringing in nearly 1,000 cats of 45 unique breeds from around the U.S., Europe and Asia. The competition will include 16 categories as cats vie to become the “best in show.” Attendees can shop at the show’s Meow Mall, listen to pet education sessions, check out the cat costume contest, meet and greet famous felines or adopt a cat of their own.
Significance: This event is returning to Cleveland for the second consecutive year.
Estimated Attendance: 750
Primary event venue: I-X Center
Oct. - Dec. Hockey Time Productions Youth Hockey Tournaments
About: Hockey Time Productions will host its Rock ‘N Roll Cup Tournament Series over five weekends this fall. The Rock ‘N Roll Cup Tournament Series brings boys teams from Detroit, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Erie, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati and Southern Ontario to Cleveland.
Significance: The Hockey Time Productions’ tournament series provides a stream of business throughout the year; fourth quarter tournament dates are Oct. 11-13, Oct. 25-27, Nov. 8-10, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-8.
Estimated Attendance: 1,000 per tournament (5,000 total)
Primary event venue: Various arenas throughout Northeast Ohio
Oct. 17-19 Ohio Optometric Association Annual State EastWest Eye Conference
About: The EastWest Eye Conference is one of the leading optometric conferences in the Midwest, attracting attendees from across the U.S. and Canada. The conference will feature 75 exhibitors showing the latest innovations and tools in eye care, as well as a job fair and sessions that focus on topics like children’s vision, breakthrough technologies on the horizon, medical imaging, social media for the optometry practice and team building. The group will host an evening event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Significance: The Ohio Optometric Association continues to choose Cleveland as the site for its meeting year after year.
Estimated Attendance: 1,500
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Oct. 20-21 Beauty Systems Group Fashion Focus Cleveland 2019
About: At Beauty Systems Group Fashion Focus, beauty professionals can learn from more than 70 beauty brands through demonstrations and classes. Sessions range from men’s grooming, including a “Barber Battle Competition,” haircut and coloring techniques, nail art, esthetics and makeup, social media marketing and business development.
Significance: Beauty Systems Group is returning to Cleveland for the fourth consecutive year.
Estimated Attendance: 4,600
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Oct. 21-23 Cleveland Clinic 2019 Medical Innovation Summit
About: Cleveland Clinic Medical Innovation Summit brings together thought leaders and decision makers in the healthcare community to discuss the state of medical innovation and look at future developments. This year’s summit will specifically focus on “Caring for Every Life through Innovation,” and sessions will include the “Plug and Play Health Expo,” the top medical innovations of 2020, a pitch competition for startup companies, augmented and virtual reality in healthcare and philanthropy in innovation. An evening reception will be held at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Significance: The Medical Innovation Summit is repeat business for Cleveland.
Estimated Attendance: 750
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Nov. 6-8 Door and Hardware Institute 2019 DHI conNextions
About: The DHI conNextions conference and tradeshow serves the non-residential door and hardware industry in North America and brings in attendees from around the world. Meeting-goers can participate in educational sessions focused on topics like school security, industry technology and business management; see the latest products and technology in their field; and attend an evening event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Significance: Planners chose Cleveland based on the city’s overall meeting package, including the meeting space available at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the city’s walkability.
Estimated Attendance: 1,000
Primary event venue: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
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