2006 MULTICULTURAL CONVENTIONS BRING BIG DOLLARS TO PHILADELPHIA
Upcoming multicultural conventions total more than $52 million in economic impact
PHILADELPHIA…February 9, 2006…The latest research shows that the annual buying power of U.S. multicultural groups will reach $1.5 trillion by 2009 and will collectively reign with the largest buying power of any other groups. Realizing the value of this untapped market, it is no wonder why with assistance from its Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC), the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) seeks to bring more multicultural meetings and conventions to the City with a passion.
“Multicultural meetings and conventions account for as much as 12.5 percent of the total PCVB booked consumed room nights,” states Tom Muldoon, president of the PCVB. “It is important for us to recognize and attract the growing multicultural market segment, while devoting our energy and resources to ensure each convention’s success.”
MAC assists the PCVB in increasing Philadelphia’s share of the $90 billion national multicultural convention and tourism market and focuses on the African American, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American communities. During MAC’s 19 year history, PCVB-booked multicultural conventions and meetings have increased more than 8 fold and in result, Philadelphia has been rated numerous times as the number 1 city for African American travelers, Top 10 cities for African American family visitors and Top 10 cities for Hispanic travelers. To date, MAC and the PCVB have worked to book more than $750 million in multicultural meetings and conventions to Philadelphia.
“Last year was a remarkable year for the multicultural meetings and conventions market,” said Yolanda Bullock Cooper, VP of Short-Term Multicultural Sales. “Our success in hosting the National Council of La Raza in 2005, showcased the value of the multicultural travel
market which represents approximately 32% of visitor spending in the region overall.”
The Philadelphia region welcomes the incoming 2006 multicultural conventions, totaling more than an impressive $52 million in economic impact. These African American, Hispanic and Asian conventions range from religious and social groups to educational, trade and business organizations.
This year’s largest multicultural convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., will convene in Philadelphia July 28th through August 4th. This annual convention will bring more than 16,000 women to the City, resulting in nearly $19 million in economic impact alone.
Leading 2006 conventions reported by attendance include:
· Black Alliance for Educational Options, March 12-19, 2006; 1,000 attendees
· Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., May 4-7, 2006; 450 attendees
· Praise Power, May 24-29, 2006; 5,000 attendees
· Links Incorporated, June 24-July 1, 2006; 5,000 attendees
· Rhythm & Blues Foundation-Pioneer Awards, June 27- 30, 2006; 2,000 attendees
· Organization of Chinese Americans, July 16-23; 850 attendees
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., July 28- August 4, 2006; 16,000 attendees
· United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, September 19-23, 2006; 5,000 attendees
· Society of Hispanic Engineers, October 25-30, 2006; 2,000 attendees
http://www.pcvb.org/pressroom/view_article.asp?ID=653
at the Omega's projected number. Is it a state meeting or did they leave off a zero?
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