Summer keeps steady with events, Portland leading in growth
For the week ending August 10, 2024, the growth of U.S. meetings and events was flat compared to the previous week. Lazy days of summer show event volume steady this week. Corporate events share volume was 59.9%, with National Association and Education segments leading growth with 25.8% and 21.0% share respectively, of the top five segments. At 65%, Portland, OR showed the largest week over week growth of the top 5 “mover and shaker” markets.
The average number of attendees for the week was 85, while the average square footage used was 2,045 per event, and square feet used per person was 24.
The top five segments for the week were: National Association, Education, Charity/Non-Profit/Social Services, Technology and Healthcare.
The full list of top growth market movers and shakers were: Portland, Ft. Worth-Arlington, Houston, San Diego, Columbus and Kansas City for the largest week over week volume change.
| Market | Avg Group Size | Avg Space Used Sq Ft |
| Portland, OR | 114 | 2,080 |
| Ft Worth-Arlington, TX | 163 | 3,598 |
| Houston, TX | 92 | 1,950 |
| San Diego, CA | 102 | 2,600 |
| Columbus, OH – tied | 88 | 2,298 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS – tied | 109 | 2,880 |
These numbers and markets change weekly based on market dynamics and social trends.
Knowland tracks the weekly event activity across 166 U.S. markets with more globally and is expanding coverage regularly.