Destination drives annual business; recovers from storm

May 2, 2008

During the first quarter of 2008, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) netted 16 tradeshow events, rebooked several annual meetings and recovered from the March 14th tornado.

Confirmed business included the medical, religious, sports and education sectors. Efforts also included confirming three annual meetings for the 2011 calendar year estimated to attract 160,000 attendees and $78 million in economic impact.

"Bookings for future years continue to remain strong because our city works as a team in driving and keeping business in Atlanta," said Mark Vaughan, ACVB Executive Vice President & Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. "The tornado was a clear example of Atlanta's ability to work together."

Just one month after the storm, all of Atlanta's attractions are open for business, less than 600 of the city's 91,000 hotel rooms are in need of repair and the Georgia World Congress Center is fully operational. Since the storm, several events have been held at the convention facility including DECA International Career Development Conference (15,000 attendees), International Window Coverings Expo (8,000 attendees) and National Propane Gas Association (4,000 attendees).

Established in 1913, ACVB is a private, nonprofit organization created to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism.