BACKGROUNDER
Overview of Convention Centre Market Projections and Market Validation Findings - June 2010
Trade Centre Limited Market Projections for a Proposed New Convention Centre
- Over the first 10 years of operation, a new convention centre would host 6,800 events, 2.2 million visitors and inject $750 million into the local economy.
- The proposed new facility will allow for growth from:
- Hosting larger events of up to 3,000 attendees;
- Hosting more concurrent small and mid-size events;
- Increased growth in attendance at consumer shows; and,
- Hosting more national and international events.
Halifax Destination Analysis 2010 by Global Research and Intelligence Network
- Based on the size of the proposed new convention centre, Halifax is able to tap into more than 1,400 international conferences in areas such as education, health and medical sciences, innovation, business and finance, arts and culture, natural resources and clean energy.
- These conferences attract an estimated attendance of more than 1.1 million delegates – or an average of 765 delegates attending each of these conferences.
- Strong local host connections through Halifax’s post-secondary network can be further leveraged to grow international business with the proposed new facility.
Market Validation Report by Thinkwell Research
- 80 per cent of customers are likely to host future events at the proposed new convention centre.
- Size of facility is the most important factor when choosing where to host an event.
- Customers rate appropriate size of space and rooms, as well as quality of service, as the most important convention centre amenities.
- Customers generally rate the importance of facility amenities higher than the importance of destination characteristics.
Overview of Convention and Trade Show Demand by Red 7 Media Research and Consulting
- The proposed new convention centre in Halifax would allow local officials to market Halifax to “a significant increased segment of the North American convention, tradeshow and meetings industry.”
- This represents a 20 per cent increase in the number of events – approximately 250 additional events – that would be able to come to Halifax due to increased space from a new convention centre.
Corporate Research Associates Atlantic Quarterly Results
- 49 per cent of Nova Scotians agree with the statement: “Governments should invest in a new convention centre if there is a strong business case showing that the centre will attract visitors to Nova Scotia, create new jobs and generate economic benefits and tax dollars.”
- 73 per cent of Nova Scotians strongly or somewhat agree that government investments in projects that create employment and economic activity lead to increased tax dollars to fund health, education and roads.
- 42 per cent of Nova Scotians agree that a new convention centre is needed for Halifax so we don’t lose events, jobs and tax dollars to other centres in Canada and the United States.
- 46 per cent of Nova Scotians feel the existing convention centre is fine taking into account what we need and can afford as a province.
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For more information, contact:
Suzanne Fougere
Trade Centre Limited
902-421-7016
tclns.com