More than 19,000 medical professionals are expected to convene at the San Diego Convention Center, Dec. 4-7, for the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 46th Annual Meeting and Exposition. The event is estimated to generate $57.8 million in economic impact for the San Diego region and more than $1.2 million in tax revenues for the City of San Diego. A full-facility user, ASH is the second largest medical convention the Center has hosted in as many months. Just 6 weeks ago, the Society of Neuroscience was held, our largest medical convention in the building since opening in 1989. That event generated historical high attendance for a medical convention with 30,000 attendees, brought in $102.7 million in economic impact and $2.2 million in tax revenues. Combined, these two blockbuster conventions generated $160 million in economic impact and $3.4 million in tax revenues that the City of San Diego uses to help pay for necessary city services. Approximately 40% of ASH delegates are international attendees. Medical meetings such as ASH and Society of Neuroscience are highly prized by convention cities because they are more lucrative. Medical meetings attract a higher socio-demographic attendee with more disposable income who is more likely to bring family and extend their stay to enjoy the city. In addition, these meetings are resilient, performing well even during economic downturns. "Medical shows like ASH are the types of events that contribute greatly to our local economy. This group is a long-time client who is also holding future dates with us, and I am extremely pleased that they have chosen to return to San Diego again," said Carol Wallace, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
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