Convention Site Selection Criteria Relevant to Secondary Convention Destinations

Abstract

Abstract This study utilizes a Likert scale attitudinal survey to assess the convention site selection preferences of association executives. The study looks at the importance of 31 site selection criteria and how the significance of these criteria is influenced by different association and convention characteristics. These analyses reveal a number of trends that are particularly relevant to smaller convention cities. The general finding suggests that while secondary convention destinations have advantages, they are not likely to be attractive to the more lucrative national and international gatherings unless they have an airport with direct flights from most major markets. Furthermore, those organizations whose geographic scopes are narrower might also be difficult to attract because they tend to have their conventions in the same, centrally located venue year after year.