Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1498032
V O L . X X I X N O. I X M AY 1 , 2 0 2 3 14 H O S P I TA L I T Y / T O U R I S M F O C U S In terms of where planners are looking, demand is growing for cities and city centers, and hotels and resorts that can provide both meeting and lodging services, according to the report. At global level, in-person meetings and events "are roaring back," American Express says in its 2023 forecast report.. Two-thirds of 580 planners surveyed around the globe said they expect the number of in-person events to return to pre-pan- demic levels within one to two years. Even in North America where respondents reported the highest percentage of completely remote workforces, off- site staff meetings and retreats have already sur- passed 2019 levels. In Maine, Visit Portland President and CEO Lynn Tillotson says that "things are finally starting to pick up," amid a jump in queries from planners about Maine. As of mid-April, the nonprofit had assisted with 135 leads for Greater Portland, 15 of which are booked. 'Bucket-list' pitch As the state's only convention and visitors' bureau after Bangor's folded during the pandemic, VisitPortland teamed up with the Maine Office of Tourism for a campaign launched in 2021 to put Maine on the map as a conference and events destination. Efforts include a mainemeetings.com website plug- ging the state as a "one-of-a-kind destination." Put another way, as Tillotson relayed at Visit Portland's annual meeting last month: "Discover our bucket-list destination for your next meeting." » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E The National Governors Association meeting in Portland last June. P H O T O S / I A N WA G R E I C H P H O T O G R A P H Y 1 Figures for AdventureELEVATE are all estimates. S O U R C E : Visit Portland RECENT CONVENTIONS BY THE NUMBERS DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT BREAKDOWN National Governors Association, July 2022 Seagriculture USA, September 2022 AdventureELEVATE, May 2023 1 When July 13–15, 2022 Sept. 7–8, 2022 May 8–11, 2023 Overnight attendees 1,200 150 175 Day attendees 0 200 200 Direct economic impact $2,269,007 $118,189 $207,182 Total economic impact $4,204,579 $213,628 $374,404 Jobs supported (direct) 1,142 73 64 Jobs supported (total) 1,672 97 85 Estimated room demand 1,864 226 460 Visit Portland President and CEO Lynn Tillotson P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y V I S I T P O R T L A N D AdventureELEVATE, May 2023 1 Seagriculture USA, September 2022 National Governors Association, July 2022 Lodging Food & Beverage Business services Transportation Retail Recreation Space rental 23.9% 19.8% 47.4% 5.2% 42.4% 29.2% 12.0% 6.5% 41.4% 30.4% 12.8% 6.4%