An analysis of the convention center market and implications for the planned expansion of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

Abstract

The proposed expansion of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center was approved by the Massachusetts legislature in 2009. In 2010, the governor put the expansion on hold citing an overstated economic impact. Proponents argue that expanding the convention center will lead to increased occupancy and significant economic benefits. But do the benefits outweigh the costs? The first part of this thesis provides an overview of the convention center market in the US as well as two case studies of convention centers that have undergone expansions. The second part closely examines the history and performance of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center using data from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority along with data from various other sources to project realistic economic costs and benefits of the expansion as currently proposed.