Summer festivals beautiful music to convention-goers

Convention business is strong and should be even brisker in the future in Cincinnati.

The CVB reported a 78% increase in conventions over the same time in 2004.

“The number of confirmed room nights is up over 11% over 2004’s pace and expected to grow,” the bureau said.

The city has improved its image and made substantial investments in both downtown and the waterfront, said CVB CEO Alan Welch.

The city is also doing a $160 million expansion and renovation of the convention center. It’s due to be completed in mid-2006.

Groups now coming to the city are slightly larger and represent more room nights per meeting, noted Mr Welch.

Also helping to draw visitors was the recently completed “Music Fusion 2005,” a convergence of concerts, festivals, sporting events and related entertainment functions in mid-August that drew 250,000 visitors.

Report by David Wilkening