Print

2011 Set Records For City Venue

Attendance, Revenue Increased Significantly Compared With 2010

By Kenneth R. Gosselin

January 19, 2012

Attendance at Connecticut Convention Center events in Hartford increased by 50 percent in 2011, compared with the previous year -- setting a record for the venue that opened in 2005.

More than 333,570 visitors attended events at the convention center last year, the Capital City Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday. Records also were set for total revenue, up 29 percent compared with 2010; and hotel room nights increased 24 percent in the same period.

CCEDA said the milestones were reached even though the economic recovery remains slow, generating sales and room night occupancy taxes for the city and state. The record attendance also meant more business at local restaurants and other attractions in the region.

The convention center has events booked out as far as 2017.

CCEDA said its approach to sales, building on its existing base of business, while working to fit corporate events into space that is left over has helped keep the cost of operating the venue down for all groups.

"We continue to find ways to be of value to our patrons and are aggressively pursuing opportunities that bring value to Adriaen's Landing, Hartford and the state," said Mike Costelli, the convention center's general manager.