WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Recognizing an opportunity to tap the largest association market in the nation -- Washington, DC -- and in response to the great success experienced by the new 540,000 square-foot Connecticut Convention Center, the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) has opened a Washington, DC office. The new office is located at 1211 13th Street and is managed by National Sales Manager, Karen Staples.
"Our experience in this market, which represents more than 59 percent of our convention business, has shown us that we need to have a day-to-day presence," according to Michael Van Parys, Vice President of Sales for the GHCVB. "Karen will be able to reach more meeting planners and attend the necessary conferences and events that will make the difference in our success going forward."
Numerous Washington-based organizations have held, or are planning to hold, conferences in Hartford, Van Parys added. Some of these organizations include National Science Teachers Eastern Regional; National Math Teachers Eastern Regional, MENC -- Eastern Divisional -- Music Educators; Airline Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); Pediatric Oncology Nurses; Eastern Outdoor Reps Association; American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); and the Snow and Ice Management Association, among others.
"We consider Hartford an ideal location in Southern New England and we provide meeting planners with access to over 23 million people within a two-hour driving radius. Hartford is undergoing a complete transformation as a convention city and the Connecticut Convention Center, located on the riverfront at Adriaen's Landing in Hartford, has drawn trade shows, conventions and business meetings from across the country."
"In its first year alone, the Connecticut Convention Center hosted 380 events and more than 260,000 visitors, generating approximately $60 million in economic impact for the region," said Jeanne O'Grady, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Connecticut Convention Center. "This far surpassed original projections of 167 events and 192,000 attendees for the first year."
Van Parys added that the GHCVB has seen a substantial increase in bookings throughout the region since the opening of the convention center. "From June 2005 until May 2006, the sales force booked an increase of 33,471 room nights and 19,392 attendees than the year earlier. The average convention delegate spends $278 per day and stays 3.6 days, according to industry estimates."