Chicago is booked solid during 2006.
A variety of factors, including the economic turnaround and an increase in domestic leisure travel to Chicago have significant impact of the success of this year. Hotels are also reporting that longer vacations are on the rise with reservations for five or more room nights being sold—a first since 9/11.
2006 is gearing up to be the strongest year for Chicago hotels since 2000 as more than 2.2 million room nights are on the books as a result of 39 citywide events this year.
New conventions, tradeshows and meetings and those returning to Chicago after a hiatus are also contributing to the strong growth.
As a result of Hurricane Katrina, three shows have been relocated to Chicago in 2006. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons hosted its 42nd annual meeting at McCormick Place in late January. More than 5,000 delegates attended and contributed an estimated $4.7 million to Chicago's economy. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons will bring 28,000 delegates to Chicago in March and The National School Board Association will host its 66th Annual Conference in April, bringing 13,000 delegates into the city.
The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) worked with these groups over the past few months to ensure attendance and exhibitor numbers were maintained utilizing the Bureau's industry-leading marketing and attendance building services.
The CCTB sales team is constantly working hard to bring in new shows to the city. Through their efforts two new shows are coming to Chicago in 2006—Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the National Business Travel Association (NBTA). These two shows, combined, are expected to draw more 25,000 delegates.
Returning shows include The Association of Manufacturing Technology, with 90,000 delegates, returning to Chicago on a biennial basis. Other biennial shows returning this year include the Packaging Machinery Manufacturer's Institute, with 72,000 delegates and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show with 50,000 delegates. The American College of Surgeons, with 16, 5000 delegates, and ISSA Interclean, with 20,000 delegates are returning this year on a triennial basis. The American Heart Association, with an expected attendance of 30,000, returns this year as part of a four-year rotation.