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Anchorage Hosts 25 Conventions In 14 Days

Anchorage, Alaska – Oct. 31, 2005– Twenty-five conventions during a two-week period (Oct. 25 – Nov. 7, 2005) are generating an estimated economic impact (EEI) of $2,987,707 for the Anchorage economy. More than 5,000 delegates are expected to attend. The majority of the organizations are state organizations, which account for nearly 55 percent of Anchorage’s convention business but varies on an annual basis.

These groups include the State of Alaska Department of Health & Social Services: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Summit 2005, with an expected attendance of 800; the Alaska Miners Association – Annual Conference and Trade Show, with an expected attendance of 750; the Association of Alaska School Boards: 52nd Annual Conference, with an expected attendance of 300 and the Alaska School Activities Association – Athletic, with an expected attendance of 362.

Several larger conferences recently exceeded the expected attendance numbers, including the American Fisheries Society (AFS) Annual Convention, held Sept. 11 – 15. Initially, 1,500 to 1,700 were expected. However, this week, AFS reported that more than 2,800 registered for the convention. The ACVB has been seeing a trend of convention delegates bringing family members and choosing to extend their trips to experience Anchorage.

“Having 2,800 registered delegates and guests for the American Fisheries Society convention was much greater than any of us could have anticipated,” said Bruce Bustamante, President and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The record attendance is testimony to the great effort and collaboration by ACVB and the local AFS committees. It also shows what a great draw Anchorage and Alaska is to national conventions.”

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.anchorage.net.

Media Contacts:

Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax

Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct