Canada’s London Convention Centre (LCC) in Ontario says the venue generated over CAN$17m (US$12.72) worth of economic activity to the city last year.
Ontario’s Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model produced the figure for 2016 and also estimated that $306 was spent daily by convention delegates on accommodation, transport, food, beverages, and shopping. Events held at LCC since 2008 have contributed over $159m in local economic impact.
The convention centre hosted 274 events last year, producing an estimated 117,361 ‘delegate days’.
The LCC registered a 59% building utilisation rate, despite coping with a main floor renovation that was completed in August 2016.
Major bookings over the past 12 months included the Canadian Country Music Association Conference and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness Conference.
“Our $5m investment created an exceptional product that is competitive with any other meeting facility in Ontario,” said Lori Da Silva, LCC CEO and general manager.
Darrin Pollard, LCC director of business development, said the economic impact figures for 2016 boded well for future success, “especially when we are bidding on national scope conferences and events”.
The LCC is an internationally certified AIPC Gold Standard venue offering over 6,500sqm of meeting and exhibition space.
