PHOENIX RANKED FIRST among the top 25 markets with 19.7 percent year-over-year growth in October, according to Cendyn’s Sales Intelligence platform, formerly Knowland. This was its first time at the top spot this year, driven by national associations, technology, healthcare and financial/banking events.
Las Vegas followed closely with 17.7 percent growth, placing it in the top five for the 10th consecutive month, Cendyn said. South Michigan and Florida’s Panhandle led secondary markets, while Kauai, Hawaii, saw significant year-over-year growth at 72 percent.
Phoenix averaged 5,612 square feet and 174 attendees, primarily driven by national association events, which made up 8.6 percent of event volume, the report said. Las Vegas remained in the top five, ranking second, supported by national association events and weddings. Across the top 25 markets, average space usage rose to 3,902 square feet with an average of 132 attendees.
Top drivers for growth in the top five markets were:
- Phoenix (up 7 percent): National association, technology, healthcare, financial/banking, and charity/non-profit/social services.
- Las Vegas (up 7 percent): National association, weddings, technology, pharmaceutical/biotechnology, and healthcare.
- Dallas (up 6 percent): Healthcare, national association, technology, pharmaceutical/biotechnology, and education.
- Atlanta (up 3 percent): Education, national association, charity/non-profit/social services, technology, and weddings.
- New York (up 3 percent): Technology, travel, financial/banking, education, and charity/non-profit/social services.
Michigan South saw 99.2 percent growth, likely driven by university football activities, the report said. Kauai, Hawaii, entered the top five secondary markets for the first time, with an average meeting size of 9,631 square feet and 316 attendees. Weddings were a key factor, with consulting, education, and national association events also contributing. Charity/non-profit/social services events were secondary drivers in three markets. Average space used was 3,841 square feet, with 128 attendees.
Top high-growth secondary markets and leading industries were:
- Michigan South (99.2 percent) – Education.
- Florida Panhandle (99.1 percent) – Retail/Online Retailer.
- Louisville, Ky./Ind. (98.2 percent) – National Association.
- Kauai, Hawaii (72 percent) – Weddings.
- New Mexico North (71.3 percent) – Travel.
Cendyn reported Las Vegas led the top 25 markets in September meetings and events growth, with a 34.2 percent year-over-year increase, marking its eighth consecutive month in the top five.
In October, Cendyn acquired Knowland to enhance sales prospecting and boost bookings in the MICE sector.
