Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Knowland: Nashville meetings and events rose 38 percent YOY in April

Little size difference in meetings size, attendance between top 25 and secondary markets

Knowland: Nashville meetings and events rose 38 percent YOY in April

NASHVILLE RECORDED A 38 percent year-over-year increase in meetings and events in April, according to Knowland. Meanwhile, Las Vegas maintained a steady ascent with a 22.8 percent year-over-year growth. Overall, the industry saw a marginal 1.3 percent year-over-year increase in meeting volume.

Among the top 25 markets, meetings averaged 3,768 square feet, compared to 3,684 square feet in secondary markets, the report said. Average attendance in the top 25 rose slightly to 133, while secondary markets saw an average of 127 attendees.


Top five markets with highest YOY event volume growth

Nashville stood out as a meeting destination in April, leading in growth among the top 25 U.S. markets, the report added. It recorded an average space use of 3,885 square feet with 131 average attendees, largely driven by national associations such as the Association of Physical Plant Administrators.

  • Nashville (up 38 percent): National association, technology, healthcare, financial/banking and charity/non-profit/social services.
  • Las Vegas (up 8 percent): Technology, national association, wedding, healthcare, and training/education.
  • New York (up 2 percent): Education, financial/banking, healthcare, technology and travel.
  • Seattle (up 2 percent):  National association, charity/non-profit/social services, technology, education and consulting.
  • Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. (up 1 percent): Wedding, national association, healthcare, financial and manufacturing.

Top five secondary markets by YOY event volume growth

Louisville, Kentucky and Indiana saw a 188 percent rise in event bookings, led by charity/non-profit industries.

The top five growing secondary markets and their leading industries were:

  • Louisville, Kentucky-Indiana (188 percent): Charity/non-profit/social services
  • Maui Island, Hawaii (87.1 percent): Insurance
  • Greensboro-Winston Salem, North Carolina (79.7 percent): Training/education
  • Michigan South (78.5 percent): Charity/non-profit/social services
  • Florida Keys, Florida (72.8 percent): Arts/performing arts

Knowland reported Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida, leading meetings and events growth among the top 25 markets in February with a 20 percent year-over-year increase. Denver and Boston ranked second and third, respectively, with National Associations and Technology groups leading in four of the top five markets.

More for you

American Franchise Act announced in U.S. Congress to protect hotel franchising and jobs

House unveils act to boost franchise business

Summary:

  • House introduces AFA to boost franchise model and hotel operations.
  • The act establishes a joint employer standard.
  • AHLA backs the bill, urging swift adoption.

THE HOUSE Of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act, aimed at supporting the U.S. franchising sector, including 36,000 franchised hotels and 3 million workers nationwide. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, backed the bill, urging swift adoption to boost the franchise model and clarify joint employer standards.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group Inc. 5000 2025

Peachtree receives two recognitions

Summary:

  • Peachtree recognized by Inc. and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
  • Named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third year.
  • Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing companies.

PEACHTREE GROUP ENTERED the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year. The company also won the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Awards as one of the city’s fastest-growing private companies.

Keep ReadingShow less
Olympic Wage ordinance 2028
Photo credit: Unite Here Local 11

Petition fails to stop L.A. hotels wage increase

Summary:

  • Failed petition clears way for Los Angeles “Olympic Wage” to reach $30 by 2028.
  • L.A. Alliance referendum fell 9,000 signatures short.
  • AAHOA calls ruling a setback for hotel owners.

A PETITION FOR a referendum on Los Angeles’s proposed “Olympic Wage” ordinance, requiring a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers by the 2028 Olympic Games, lacked sufficient signatures, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar. The ordinance will take effect, raising hotel worker wages from the current $22.50 to $25 next year, $27.50 in 2027 and $30 in 2028.

Keep ReadingShow less
TBO acquires Classic Vacations

India's TBO to buy U.S. Classic Vacations for $125M

Summary:

  • India-based TBO will acquire U.S. wholesaler Classic Vacations for up to $125 million.
  • The deal combines TBO’s distribution platform with Classic’s advisor network.
  • Classic will remain independent while integrating TBO’s global inventory and digital tools.

TRAVEL BOUTIQUE ONLINE, an Indian travel distribution platform, will acquire U.S. travel wholesaler Classic Vacations LLC from Phoenix-based The Najafi Cos., entering the North American market. The deal is valued at up to $125 million.

Keep ReadingShow less
AHLA Foundation expands hospitality education

AHLA Foundation expands hospitality education

Summary:

  • AHLA Foundation is partnering with ICHRIE and ACPHA to support hospitality education.
  • The collaborations align academic programs with industry workforce needs.
  • It will provide data, faculty development, and student engagement opportunities.

THE AHLA FOUNDATION, International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration work to expand education opportunities for students pursuing hospitality careers. The alliances aim to provide data, faculty development and student engagement opportunities.

Keep ReadingShow less