According to Knowland’s sales intelligence platform, Nashville saw an uptick in meetings and events in April, growing 38.0 percent year-over-year, according to Knowland. Las Vegas continued a steady climb with 22.8 percent year-over-year growth.
Overall meeting volume growth was flat for the industry at a 1.3 percent increase year over year. The average space used for meetings in the Top 25 markets was 3,768 square feet and secondary markets were at 3,684 square feet. Average attendees also grew slightly to 133 in the Top 25, while secondary markets averaged 127 attendees.
Top 5 Markets by YOY Growth in Event Volume
Nashville was a favorite meeting spot in April, ranking highest growth in the top 25 U.S. markets with an average space use of 3,885 square feet for 131 average attendees. National associations were the key driver with events such as the Association of Physical Plant Administrators. Below is additional insight into the top industry drivers for these markets.
- Nashville (+38 percent): National association, technology, healthcare, financial/banking and charity/non-profit/social services.
- Las Vegas (+22.8 percent): Technology, national association, wedding, healthcare, and training/education.
- New York (+20.2 percent): Education, financial/banking, healthcare, technology and travel.
- Seattle (+15.2 percent): National association, charity/non-profit/social services, technology, education and consulting.
- Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. (+11.1 percent): Wedding, national association, healthcare, financial and manufacturing.
Top 5 Secondary Markets by Year-over-Year Growth in Event Volume
Louisville, Ky.-Ind. saw an uptick of 188 percent in event bookings, with charity/non-profit as the leading industry driver. The five high-growth secondary markets and top industries were:
- Louisville, Ky.-Ind. (188 percent): Charity/non-profit/social services
- Maui Island, Hawaii (87.1 percent): Insurance
- Greensboro-Winston Salem, N.C. (79.7 percent): Training/education
- Michigan South (78.5 percent): Charity/non-profit/social services
- Florida Keys, Fla. (72.8 percent): Arts/performing arts