Industry generated over $845 million for Denver’s economy in 2024, $66 million attributed to Colorado Convention Center’s 2024 expansion 

 

Denver (April 3, 2025) -- Today is Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) — an International Day of Advocacy recognized in Denver to spotlight how professional meetings and events, such as those held at the Colorado Convention Center, provide extraordinary economic value and benefits to both participants and host communities. Denver 

 

Attendees at business meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions help drive our region’s travel economy, while their spending powers many other industries. For participants, these events also spur new ideas and professional growth and form valuable business connections. 

 

"The meetings industry does more than support gatherings — it is a powerful economic engine that drives revenue to local businesses, creates jobs and fosters innovation," said Richard Scharf, CEO and president of Visit Denver. "As we celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day, we recognize the immense impact of the meetings industry in Denver and beyond, celebrate those who work in the industry and remain committed to maintaining the Mile High City as a world-class destination." 

 

The meetings industry generates billions in travel spending and directly supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in the United States each year, playing a crucial role in business success. In 2024, Visit Denver was responsible for booking meetings that drove over $845 million in revenue throughout the local economy and attracted more than 380,000 overnight meeting attendees. Denver benefited in 2024 from the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center, enabling Denver to book seven meetings resulting in $66 million that would not have been possible without the expansion. Additionally, Visit Denver has booked 19 future groups only feasible because of the expansion, with an anticipated $310 million in economic impact and a total of more than 200,000 room nights. These revenue and employment opportunities are critical to the success of our local economy. 

 

Visit Denver joins the annual worldwide recognition of GMID and champions the benefits and impact of professional meetings and events held in Denver. GMID, fueled by the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, spotlights the proven value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows and exhibitions bring to businesses, workers and the economy. 

 

The Meetings Matter theme highlights the economic contributions and significance of 

face-to-face meetings, emphasizing the many benefits that professional in-person gatherings create – extending far beyond the events.