When you think of meeting and conference locations, cities like; Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Toronto may come to mind. And rightfully so. These cities have top notch venues and meeting facilities while offering world class dining, attractions and entertainment. Oh and they’re very easy to get to (meaning nonstop and direct flights). In the meeting and events industry, these cities (along with a few of the other biggies) are commonly referred to as tier 1 cities. They are typically cities with the biggest convention centers.

However tier 2 cities such as; Oklahoma City, San Jose, Reno, Charlotte, Minneapolis and Quebec City (Canada) are becoming increasingly popular, and busy, as many meeting planners take advantage of the savings these cities can offer without comprising (too much) on many of the amenities that the so-called 1st tier cities offer.

What Constitutes a Tier 1, 2, or 3 Convention City?

Good question. And depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different set of qualifications. For some industry professionals it’s the amount of direct flights to the destination airport that matters most. For others it may be the amount of continuous convention center square feet that matters most.

The Top 5 Attributes of Tier 1 Cities

International airports with ample nonstop access – 69% Multiple brand hotel choices – 60% Amount of local restaurants, entertainment and attractions – 57% A minimum of 10,000 sleeping rooms – 47% Convention Centers with a minimum of 500,000 gross square feet – 44%

The Top 5 Attributes of Tier 2 Cities

Affordable, better value – 59% Attracts a regional drive market – 49% Convention Centers with less than 500,000 gross square feet – 36% Regional Airports with less nonstop or direct flights – 36% Productive local industries and businesses – 32%

The Top 5 Attributes of Tier 3 Cities

Regional airports with less nonstop or direct flights – 37% Largest convention facility is generally a single hotel or conference center – 20% Convention Centers with less than 500,000 gross square feet – 16% Attracts a regional drive market – 13% Affordable, better value – 12%

* Source: Convene 2015 Reader Panel, April 2015 – based on industry professionals preferences

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While the meeting and events industry does not have a set of specific guidelines when it comes to tier 1, 2 or 3 tier convention cities, there are some common attributes that seasoned meeting planners consider when determining a meeting’s location.