Convention and Exhibition Center Development in Korea

Abstract

As Korea comes increasingly into the spotlight with globally recognized events and its heightened importance as an international business destination, the demand for the modern and innovative convention and exhibition facilities has increased. This paper provides an overview of Korea's convention and exhibition industry, with a special focus on the development of convention and exhibition centers. Following the delineation of the boom of convention and exhibition center development, it concludes with some pertinent issues.     

China's Convention and Exhibition Center Boom

Abstract

There was one mega C&E center (over 50,000 square meters of indoor space) in China in 1992, totaling 160,000 square meters. By 2003, there were 16 mega centers, totaling 1,288,000 square meters-a growth of 805% in 11 years (Table 1). This paper records the history of the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry in China and examines the prevailing optimistic view of its prospects. The profit criterion and motives behind the establishment of C&E centers in China are explored. Potential developments are discussed and future research directions are identified.     

So You Want to Build a Convention Center

ABSTRACT

This is a case study of a convention center development project in the university town of Flagstaff, Arizona. The case answers the question: What can a project management team planning a complex public/private/public convention center project realistically expect in the first phase of the project? Hope is presented as city leaders' probable initial preparation using linear planning through the Project Management Process Model. Reality is presented as Phase I of the model unfolds and intended plans quickly diverge from expectations. The Hope/Reality Gap offers lessons-learned.     

Exploring Content and Design Factors Associated with Convention and Visitors Bureau Web Site Development

Abstract

Convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) have become important organizations within the tourism industry. The International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (IACVB) reported that it represents approximately 500 destination management organizations in 30 countries (IACVB, 2003). As one of the most important components of the tourism industry in the United States, the Convention and Visitors Bureau performs various activities to facilitate destination marketing and development, with the aim of enticing leisure and convention customers to their particular city or region. Meanwhile, meeting planners are using technology to enhance their ability to produce and execute meetings that demonstrate a high return on investment. Consequently, CVBs' websites have enormous potential in selling a destination and facilitating the meeting/convention planning process. This paper explores the content and design factors associated with convention and visitors bureau web site development. It also demonstrates how planners utilize the Internet and CVB websites.     

The Effect of Basic,Performance and Excitement Service Factors of a Convention Center on Attendees' Experiential Value and Satisfaction: A Case Study of the Phoenix Convention Center

This study investigates how the various services provided by a convention center and its service quality affects attendees’ experiential values, and in turn, leads to the attendees’ overall satisfaction and loyalty. The sample consisted of 217 convention attendees in Phoenix, AZ, representing a response rate of 54%. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used for analyses. Results indicate that basic and excitement service factors have a positive influence on individual experiential values. Also, the study shows that enhanced individual experiential values have an impact on raising overall satisfaction with the convention center.     

Convention center operations: some questions answered

Convention centers continue to be built or expanded, worldwide. But, with all these new and expanded centers coming on-line, which ones will succeed and which will fail? Is there an optimum sized city that would do well to have a convention center? Is it only the large sized centers that can compete effectively? What type of management structure works best and helps insure the success of a center? The current study answers some of these strategic questions in convention center planning and development.     

Convention Services Management in Sydney Four to Five Star Hotels

Abstract

Little empirical research has been conducted in the field of Convention Services Management within the hotel sector. The purpose of this paper is to report on a study that sought to investigate the role and function of the convention services department and the convention services manager in four and five star hotels in Sydney.

It identifies the role of convention services and convention services management within this sector of the hotel industry. From a convenience sample of four and five star hotels within Sydney City District, data was obtained through face-to-face taped interviews supported by the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data reveals a trend towards increasingly shorter lead times for conference bookings, an eclectic mix of personnel assuming the responsibility of the convention service department. The study confirmed, from those interviewed, that convention services management within these organisations remains firmly entrenched in the traditional structures; hierarchical with clearly segregated divisions by occupational specialisation.     

How a More Competitive Market Is Influencing Public Investments in Convention Centers

Abstract

This dialectic analysis looks at the strategy of using public money to build and subsidize the operating costs ofconvention centers in light of emerging trends in the U.S. convention market. Among the changes occurring are a dramatic increase in the amount of convention space, the rising costs associated with building and maintaining modern convention facilities, and tighter convention budgets. These trends, along with decision making processes that do not lend themselves to adequate scrutiny, are putting some communities at unnecessary financial risk.     

Issues in Dedicated Convention Center Development with a Case Study of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Center,Western Australia

ABSTRACT

Development of Dedicated Convention Centers (DCC) generates significant economic, political, and social issues for theoretical and applied studies, yet there is limited literature in this area. These issues include feasibility and funding, design and construction, and operations and marketing. To increase our understanding of the developmental and operational dimensions of these facilities, the limited literature in these areas is reviewed and a case study of the design and development of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Center (PCEC) in Western Australia is presented. The case study is chronological and describes the development of the facility from pre-feasibility stage, through design and contracting, funding and approvals to construction and pre-marketing.     

Operational and Financial Characteristics of Convention and Visitors Bureaux

Abstract

Convention and visitors bureaux (CVBs) have become a dominant type of destination marketing organization since the very first bureau was founded in Detroit in 1895. Nowadays, about 1,000 CVBs are operating in major and secondary metropolitan and resort areas in the United States. Dozens of bureaux can be found in the rest of the world, as well. The aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the management and funding of CVBs especially from a European perspective. The paper is based on a benchmark survey conducted by the author among 100 bureaux throughout the world, with responses secured from 29 CVBs. The analysis of the questionnaire sheds light on several aspects of CVB operations, such as geographic scope, types of shareholders controlling the CVB, membership of individual tourist businesses in the CVB, annual budget, sources of income, main expense categories, target markets, and Staffing.     

Convention Center Wars and the Decline of Local Democracy

ABSTRACT

Convention centers have emerged as a focal point in an intense competition among cities for a share of the economically important meetings and exhibition market. In this paper, we present abundant evidence to show that cities can substantially benefit by capturing a share of this market. However, the cost and size of the meetings facilities that are appropriate for particular cities will vary with local circumstances. We argue that such local considerations are ignored because of the political influence that the meetings industry now exerts when cities make decisions about building or expanding convention centers.     

Evaluation of Web Site Performance: Korean Convention Centers

With strong government support for the convention industry, several international-scale convention centers have been established in major cities in Korea. The convention centers have developed Web sites as an online marketing tool for meeting planners. The purpose of the study is to identify and compare the current performance level of the Korean convention centers' Web sites and to provide useful strategies to improve Web site performance. The results revealed that the Korean convention centers should improve the customer- and marketing-related aspects on their Web sites among four perspectives in Web site performance evaluation. Recommendations are made on how the Korean convention centers can improve the effectiveness of the Web sites.     

Convention Site Selection Criteria Relevant to Secondary Convention Destinations

Abstract

This study utilizes a Likert scale attitudinal survey to assess the convention site selection preferences of association executives. The study looks at the importance of 31 site selection criteria and how the significance of these criteria is influenced by different association and convention characteristics. These analyses reveal a number of trends that are particularly relevant to smaller convention cities. The general finding suggests that while secondary convention destinations have advantages, they are not likely to be attractive to the more lucrative national and international gatherings unless they have an airport with direct flights from most major markets. Furthermore, those organizations whose geographic scopes are narrower might also be difficult to attract because they tend to have their conventions in the same, centrally located venue year after year.     

Tourists’ online reviews of convention centers

Investigating both the valence of online reviews and convention centers’ performance is an effective approach towards understanding convention center visitors’ needs, wants, and expectations. Understanding convention center experiences from the customer perspective can improve venue services and event products for both convention centers and event organizers in a business-to-business context. This study examined TripAdvisor online reviews using a combined automated and non-automated content analysis to explore the dynamic experiences of convention centers. The dual analysis of qualitative and quantitative characteristics resulted in the identification of key concepts, satisfaction/dissatisfaction factors, center-and event-related complaint issues, and tips/suggestions.     

Convention tourism modelling

This paper introduces an approach for identifying the determinants of convention attendance at alternative cities. This approach permits planners to evaluate the relative importance of accessibility and attractiveness variables as determinants of convention attendance for each site. Four major convention sites in the USA are analysed to illustrate the procedure. In this example, accessibility was found to be far more important than attractiveness.     

What Is the Priority of Research in the Marketing and Promotional Efforts of Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the United States?

Abstract

A convention and visitors bureau (CVB) is the primary tourism marketing organization for cities and counties throughout the United States. A step in the process of planning and managing marketing is research: assessing or analyzing marketing and evaluating marketing efforts. The purpose of this study was to describe the priority of the research managed by CVBs by examining the types of research being conducted, the individuals conducting the research, and their research situation at the bureaus. A survey instrument was designed, tested, and implemented with 153 respondents being used in the analysis. It was found that total budgets averaged approximately $10 million with the research budget ranging from $5,000 to $49,000. The research managed by the respondent is primarily conducted by the CVB, but ten percent or less time is spent on research. Research was seen as important and essential to making the CVB more productive, but the bureaus do not seem to be putting time and money into research and not enough is being completed. The implications of these results have ramifications to many constituencies as studies are inconsistent and standardization is nonexistent. There is opportunity for leadership in creating a wide data base, form, and forum for coordination of tourism research.     

Convention and Conference Facilities

Abstract

A rigorous statistical analysis indicates that large group bookings are a dominant source for errors in convention and conference facilities. This study demonstrates that the accuracy of the quantitative forecast can benefit from human judgment when an explicit structured process is applied to the judgmental adjustments. It develops and fits a correcting model that simulates managers' predictions. The results suggest that this approach can improve the accuracy of quantitative forecasting models when applied and calibrated to the hotel's specific characteristics.     

Perceptions of Convention Destinations

Abstract

This paper discusses the perceptions of North American convention destinations as held by association meeting planners. Based on a primary survey of meeting planners, it reveals distinct differences between the destinations. The comparative analysis of large-half and small-half meeting planners discloses a few significant differences with respect to which decision attributes are important in choosing a convention destination. However, hardly any differences exist in the perceptions of the destinations themselves between the two groups of meeting planners.