The weather is a little nicer for walking in those cities (Chicago excepted, which has three rail transit lines to/near McCormick Place from downtown and the airports). While we in Cleveland can tough out the walking in winter, that's a tough sell to others throughout the country who seem to think we cease to function as a city six months out of year and our only activity is sleeping in our igloos. When I inform other people around the country that our airport rarely closes because of snow, even in our snowiest winters, they're astonished.

The weather is a little nicer for walking in those cities (Chicago excepted, which has three rail transit lines to/near McCormick Place from downtown and the airports). While we in Cleveland can tough out the walking in winter, that's a tough sell to others throughout the country who seem to think we cease to function as a city six months out of year and our only activity is sleeping in our igloos. When I inform other people around the country that our airport rarely closes because of snow, even in our snowiest winters, they're astonished.

 

I'll have to disagree again.  You claim the weather is better, but just as people will complain about the snow, there are many that will complain about the oppressive heat and humidity in NoLa, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas and S. Fla/Miami.  It's a wash.

My cousin, who is a pretty intelligent man, was a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and wrote several books, was surprised to learn that Hopkins Airport isn't regularly shut down each winter. People may complain about heat or snow, but when intelligent people living in other cities have a false notion that our city is inaccessible in the winter time does not aid your convention business.

 

Sorry, but that's just one of many stigmas Cleveland has to overcome to be a contending convention city. In fact, other than Detroit or Buffalo, I can't think of any other cities that have more stigmas to overcome than Cleveland. Certainly not New Orleans or Miami, even though they have their own challenges! Any of those cities you mentioned surely blow away Cleveland's ability to attract convention business.

Speaking as someone who lived in the oppressive heat...I have to agree!!  Very few people used public transit in Florida unless they had to. You spend months out of the year running from air conditioned place to air conditioned place, not sitting outside waiting for a bus or light rail. The only problem I have with Cleveland in the winter is the lack of snow/ice removal on sidewalks. 

The weather is a little nicer for walking in those cities (Chicago excepted, which has three rail transit lines to/near McCormick Place from downtown and the airports). While we in Cleveland can tough out the walking in winter, that's a tough sell to others throughout the country who seem to think we cease to function as a city six months out of year and our only activity is sleeping in our igloos. When I inform other people around the country that our airport rarely closes because of snow, even in our snowiest winters, they're astonished.

 

I'll have to disagree again.  You claim the weather is better, but just as people will complain about the snow, there are many that will complain about the oppressive heat and humidity in NoLa, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas and S. Fla/Miami.  It's a wash.

Agree.  Just imagine 4-5 straight month's of heat like we had in Ohio yesterday; that'd pretty much be what you would have to deal with in any of the above cities.

My cousin, who is a pretty intelligent man, was a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and wrote several books, was surprised to learn that Hopkins Airport isn't regularly shut down each winter. People may complain about heat or snow, but when intelligent people living in other cities have a false notion that our city is inaccessible in the winter time does not aid your convention business.

 

Sorry, but that's just one of many stigmas Cleveland has to overcome to be a contending convention city. In fact, other than Detroit or Buffalo, I can't think of any other cities that have more stigmas to overcome than Cleveland. Certainly not New Orleans or Miami, even though they have their own challenges! Any of those cities you mentioned surely blow away Cleveland's ability to attract convention business.

 

And why do they blow us away?  It has nothing to do with stigma or weather, it's options! Options in air carriers, convention services/(major) event planning & hotel brands.  Plain and simple.

I consider all of those part of what creates a stigma. And what is being done to address them?

 

Of course others here, who are Ohioans, would prefer to be cold than hot. LOL  Ask those who live in the rest of the country where it doesn't snow 60 inches a year on frigid winds and I'm sure we'll get different opinions!

I consider all of those part of what creates a stigma. And what is being done to address them?

 

Of course others here, who are Ohioans, would prefer to be cold than hot. LOL  Ask those who live in the rest of the country where it doesn't snow 60 inches a year on frigid winds and I'm sure we'll get different opinions!

 

I agree in the difference of opinions, as we have on this topic, but we - as a region - must put a stop to using "cold weather" as a crutch.

I consider all of those part of what creates a stigma. And what is being done to address them?

 

Of course others here, who are Ohioans, would prefer to be cold than hot. LOL  Ask those who live in the rest of the country where it doesn't snow 60 inches a year on frigid winds and I'm sure we'll get different opinions!

Having lived in both Phoenix & Houston, I "for one" would take Cleveland's Dec thru March over either of those two's May thru September's.  As would most people living in northern cities with similar climate's like Boston, New York, Chicago, & Minneapolis.

 

I agree in the difference of opinions, as we have on this topic, but we - as a region - must put a stop to using "cold weather" as a crutch.

 

Yeah, but it still sucks.

So if we're not using cold weather as a clutch anymore, why do we need an 800 room monstrosity sitting right on the space where (hopefully) the Medical Mart would expand, once the concept proves to be successful?

 

It sounds like from what you're saying, MTS, that people want a lot of boutiquey options, and don't necessarily want to be crammed all into the 800 room Hy-Marri-lton concept you were talking up before.

So if we're not using cold weather as a clutch anymore, why do we need an 800 room monstrosity sitting right on the space where (hopefully) the Medical Mart would expand, once the concept proves to be successful?

 

It sounds like from what you're saying, MTS, that people want a lot of boutiquey options, and don't necessarily want to be crammed all into the 800 room Hy-Marri-lton concept you were talking up before.

 

800 Room monstrosity?  An 800 room hotel isn't that big, in the grand scheme of things.

 

We should not use that as the weather here isn't that bad compare to other Northern cities.  Also, there are southern cities with super hot temperatures, which is why Memorial day thru Columbus day, very few  convention are held in the SW/Nevada along with Texas, gulf coast and Florida and room rates are dirt cheap.

 

AJ93 that is not what im saying at all.  We need 1) at least one convention size hotel property and 2) a better menu of properties here in the city.

 

Example:

I'm a meeting planner for The MTS is Fabulous Foundation.  The foundation would like to have meeting in Cleveland, Minnie, Boston, St. Louis or Dallasat the end of October.  The foundation has corporate rates with SPG (W, Westin, Luxury Collection, Sheraton, etc.), Hyatt (Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, etc.) and Inter-Contenental Group (Holiday Inn, Intercontinetnal, Crown Plaza, etc.)

 

Minimum Requirements

 

13k rooms downtown - Guarantee 7k (for four days) at $x.xx within 30 of booking, 3k at x.xx within 60 of booking.  Premium room $30 more.

No direct or master bill.  Individuals book and pay, using conference rates

 

What city do you NOT look at in this equation? and why?

Example:

I'm a meeting planner for The MTS is Fabulous Foundation. 

 

 

I think that's the only foundation I know of where you have to apply for the privilege to pay them! 

But also MTS doesnt a "big convention hotel" near a convention center often host co/host conventions as a host hotel (in that they are large and co-manage larger converntion functions).... 

 

So the actual convention/main events might be held in the convention center and the connected/near by convention hotel might have a preferred convention rate where convention goers might stay and go to seminars and classes and receptions in the many spaces located at the the hotel.

 

Boutique hotels wouldnt be able to offer this space but would offer the other hotel options that peole would be looking for as well.

But also MTS doesnt a "big convention hotel" near a convention center often host co/host conventions as a host hotel (in that they are large and co-manage larger converntion functions).... 

 

So the actual convention/main events might be held in the convention center and the connected/near by convention hotel might have a preferred convention rate where convention goers might stay and go to seminars and classes and receptions in the many spaces located at the the hotel.

 

Boutique hotels wouldnt be able to offer this space but would offer the other hotel options that peole would be looking for as well.

 

Not always.

 

Again, when you have options the event producer can arrange to have space at various properties.

 

Where did I say anything about "boutique" hotels.  Im specifically speaking about brands that are apart of a chain.

I didnt say you said anything.  Im talking about what is proposed for Clev..  as in smaller hotel properties.... and why in order to draw larger conventions reasons that convention planners might want a convention sized hotel. 

 

I thought I was on the same page as you, but nevermind................

I didnt say you said anything.  Im talking about what is proposed for Clev..  as in smaller hotel properties.... and why in order to draw larger conventions reasons that convention planners might want a convention sized hotel. 

 

I thought I was on the same page as you, but nevermind................

 

LOL.

 

I wasn't saying you said, but you mentioned "boutique" properties and so did AJ93.  We dont have any "boutique" properties opening up. 

 

All the properties we have are chains.  Boutique hotels are properties that typically have less than 200 rooms and some unique quality and are not affiliated with a chain or loyalty program.

 

Not having a convention size property is only a small part of the problem.  Again, we dont have choice so hotel planner or marketers cannot bring large conventions here and house everyone in a central location.

Whatever... I havent seen where the possibly 2 new Kimpton's (Klimpton's) were not referred to as boutique hotels (likely especially due to they would be individual and not part of any of the already established names Kimpton has) even though they would still carry the Kimpton name (or the Aloft for that matter). 

 

Its fine if you want to disagree with how the defination has been thrown around, but realize that the majority of people do consider these boutique hotels..

Whatever... I havent seen where the possibly 2 new Kimpton's (Klimpton's) were not referred to as boutique hotels (likely especially due to they would be individual and not part of any of the already established names Kimpton has) even though they would still carry the Kimpton name (or the Aloft for that matter). 

 

Its fine if you want to disagree with how the defination has been thrown around, but realize that the majority of people do consider these boutique hotels..

 

Kimpton's have a boutique hotel feel.  But the brand in meeting planner and convention space is not a boutique brand.  they are expanding.

 

Two Kimptons in Cleveland?  Where?

 

The Aloft is not a boutique hotel its not even a full service hotel brand.  It's a second tier brand in the SPG group along with Four Points and Element brands.

 

So if we're not using cold weather as a clutch anymore, why do we need an 800 room monstrosity sitting right on the space where (hopefully) the Medical Mart would expand, once the concept proves to be successful?

 

It sounds like from what you're saying, MTS, that people want a lot of boutiquey options, and don't necessarily want to be crammed all into the 800 room Hy-Marri-lton concept you were talking up before.

 

800 Room monstrosity?  An 800 room hotel isn't that big, in the grand scheme of things.

 

We should not use that as the weather here isn't that bad compare to other Northern cities.  Also, there are southern cities with super hot temperatures, which is why Memorial day thru Columbus day, very few  convention are held in the SW/Nevada along with Texas, gulf coast and Florida and room rates are dirt cheap.

 

AJ93 that is not what im saying at all.  We need 1) at least one convention size hotel property and 2) a better menu of properties here in the city.

 

Example:

I'm a meeting planner for The MTS is Fabulous Foundation.  The foundation would like to have meeting in Cleveland, Minnie, Boston, St. Louis or Dallasat the end of October.  The foundation has corporate rates with SPG (W, Westin, Luxury Collection, Sheraton, etc.), Hyatt (Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, etc.) and Inter-Contenental Group (Holiday Inn, Intercontinetnal, Crown Plaza, etc.)

 

Minimum Requirements

 

13k rooms downtown - Guarantee 7k (for four days) at $x.xx within 30 of booking, 3k at x.xx within 60 of booking.  Premium room $30 more.

No direct or master bill.  Individuals book and pay, using conference rates

 

What city do you NOT look at in this equation? and why?

 

First, I just used boutique as a term for a smaller hotel than the 800 room biggun you mentioned. Let's forget that term for now.

 

Now, let's presume we built to meet the MTS Foundation's capacity needs. After the convention is over, and we've cleaned up all the glitter, what's filling these rooms during the in between periods? Can we generate sufficient annual demand to keep 3 or 4 new hotels, on top of the existing ones, open? If the answer is yes, then I say build away. If not, then I think we need to take baby steps.

So if we're not using cold weather as a clutch anymore, why do we need an 800 room monstrosity sitting right on the space where (hopefully) the Medical Mart would expand, once the concept proves to be successful?

 

It sounds like from what you're saying, MTS, that people want a lot of boutiquey options, and don't necessarily want to be crammed all into the 800 room Hy-Marri-lton concept you were talking up before.

 

800 Room monstrosity?  An 800 room hotel isn't that big, in the grand scheme of things.

 

We should not use that as the weather here isn't that bad compare to other Northern cities.  Also, there are southern cities with super hot temperatures, which is why Memorial day thru Columbus day, very few  convention are held in the SW/Nevada along with Texas, gulf coast and Florida and room rates are dirt cheap.

 

AJ93 that is not what im saying at all.  We need 1) at least one convention size hotel property and 2) a better menu of properties here in the city.

 

Example:

I'm a meeting planner for The MTS is Fabulous Foundation.  The foundation would like to have meeting in Cleveland, Minnie, Boston, St. Louis or Dallasat the end of October.  The foundation has corporate rates with SPG (W, Westin, Luxury Collection, Sheraton, etc.), Hyatt (Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, etc.) and Inter-Contenental Group (Holiday Inn, Intercontinetnal, Crown Plaza, etc.)

 

Minimum Requirements

 

13k rooms downtown - Guarantee 7k (for four days) at $x.xx within 30 of booking, 3k at x.xx within 60 of booking.  Premium room $30 more.

No direct or master bill.  Individuals book and pay, using conference rates

 

What city do you NOT look at in this equation? and why?

 

First, I just used boutique as a term for a smaller hotel than the 800 room biggun you mentioned. Let's forget that term for now.

 

Now, let's presume we built to meet the MTS Foundation's capacity needs. After the convention is over, and we've cleaned up all the glitter, what's filling these rooms during the in between periods? Can we generate sufficient annual demand to keep 3 or 4 new hotels, on top of the existing ones, open? If the answer is yes, then I say build away. If not, then I think we need to take baby steps.

 

thats where i said, regular city events, concerts, special events, staycations etc. comes into play.  The city then has to market the city to leisure travelers.  Which is easier when you have options.

 

Also remember, we already have conventions going on, the new center is adding to that number, plus meetings in downtown.

 

Forget this being about one large convention but conventions, meetings, family reunions, etc.  this is where the city and region have to up its game.

 

This thread is going to stay locked for a little while.

3000 people...not bad:

 

The Manufacturing EXPO, February 14-15, 2012 in Downtown Cleveland

 

First-of-Its-Kind Event Will Put a Face on Manufacturing Experts in North America

 

CLEVELAND, Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural Manufacturing EXPO, Putting a Face on Manufacturing, is prepared to change the way manufacturers, design engineers and purchasing agents view production and product selection. On February 14-15, 2012, more than 3,000 industry-related professionals from Canada and the United States are expected to gather at The Galleria in Downtown Cleveland to gain insights and build important relationships the old-fashioned way: through in-person contact.

 

More than 175 exhibitors will be showing off their know-how at The Manufacturing EXPO, and some of the most established names in manufacturing will be sharing valuable information with attendees. At the same time, this is designed to be an intimate, easily accessible event, one in which manufacturers, design engineers and others experts in the industry can realize first-hand how impressive and vital manufacturing continues to be in North America.

 

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-manufacturing-expo-february-14-15-2012-in-downtown-cleveland-136584213.html

That could also go in the Manufacturing Mart thread. :)

 

Don't worry -- I forgot about that thread too, as it's in the developments section. This thread is fine for that article though, and you can post the whole thing if you want since it's actually a press release.

Another article on the new Westin hotel.

 

Westin Hotels to Make Debut in Cleveland, Ohio: The Westin Cleveland Convention Center opens in summer 2013 in Prime Downtown Location

 

In the News :: January 18, 2012

 

FROM THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (Jan. 18, 2012) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announced plans to introduce its popular Westin brand to Cleveland, Ohio. The Westin Cleveland Convention Center will open in summer 2013 in a prime location, adjacent to the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center complex. Owned by Sage Hospitality, the former Crowne Plaza will undergo a $64 million renovation prior to re-opening as a Westin. The Westin Cleveland Convention Center will offer 481 luxurious rooms, a full-service restaurant, 26,000 square feet of meeting facilities and the full suite of Westin signature amenities and services.

 

"We look forward to debuting the Westin brand in Cleveland, where we will offer travelers a restful urban retreat in an unbeatable downtown location," said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. "Here, guests will enjoy Westin's signature programs and amenities, designed to bring to life the brand's emphasis on wellness and renewal and send them home feeling even better than when they arrived."

 

http://www.clevelandmedicalmartonline.com/clevelandmedicalmart/index.cfm/news/westin-hotels-to-make-debut-in-cleveland-ohio-the-westin-cleveland-convention-center-opens-in-summer-2013-in-prime-downtown-location/

 

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20120118-906401.html?mod=WSJ_qtpressrel_pressrel

 

^My God..is that a Wall Street Journal article (as purported) or an advertisement (press release).  Also, somebody has to get their facts straight....It states it is close to the Cleveland Clinic (really) and the offices of EASTON (sic) corporation (I assume they mean Eaton Corp.) which we all know will have moved to Beachwood by the time the hotel opens.

That's what happens when you use a second-rate business wire service to write your PR. I cringed.

That's what happens when you use a second-rate business wire service to write your PR. I cringed.

That was produced by Starwood.  Shame on them!

Cross-posted from the Cleveland Events page since it effects both categories: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,22979.0.html

 

Cleveland is already hosting the Men and Women MAC Basketball tournaments from Mar 7-10, and now there seems to be a great chance we will host the Men's Horizon League Tournament from Feb 28-Mar 6...that is if CSU can stay in 1st Place.

 

Think about it...that would mean over two dozen college teams staying and playing Downtown from Feb 28-Mar 10!  Not to mention, all the thousands of traveling fans from all over. 

 

EDIT: Even noticed something else too.  Both the Cavs and Monsters have games during this stretch. Downtown is going to be rockin with sports fans during this time period...!

 

Cleveland Cavs:

Feb 28: vs Boston Celtics

Mar 2: vs Chicago Bulls

Mar 5: vs Utah Jazz

 

Lake Erie Monsters:

Mar 3: vs Charlotte

Mar 4: vs Charlotte

Cross-posted from the Cleveland Events page since it effects both categories: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,22979.0.html

 

Cleveland is already hosting the Men and Women MAC Basketball tournaments from Mar 7-10, and now there seems to be a great chance we will host the Men's Horizon League Tournament from Feb 28-Mar 6...that is if CSU can stay in 1st Place.

 

Think about it...that would mean over two dozen college teams staying and playing Downtown from Feb 28-Mar 10!  Not to mention, all the thousands of traveling fans from all over. 

 

EDIT: Even noticed something else too.  Both the Cavs and Monsters have games during this stretch. Downtown is going to be rockin with sports fans during this time period...!

 

Cleveland Cavs:

Feb 28: vs Boston Celtics

Mar 2: vs Chicago Bulls

Mar 5: vs Utah Jazz

 

Lake Erie Monsters:

Mar 3: vs Charlotte

Mar 4: vs Charlotte

 

The first-place team in the Horizon hosts the tournament? There is no fixed spot?

Cross-posted from the Cleveland Events page since it effects both categories: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,22979.0.html

 

Cleveland is already hosting the Men and Women MAC Basketball tournaments from Mar 7-10, and now there seems to be a great chance we will host the Men's Horizon League Tournament from Feb 28-Mar 6...that is if CSU can stay in 1st Place.

 

Think about it...that would mean over two dozen college teams staying and playing Downtown from Feb 28-Mar 10!  Not to mention, all the thousands of traveling fans from all over. 

 

EDIT: Even noticed something else too.  Both the Cavs and Monsters have games during this stretch. Downtown is going to be rockin with sports fans during this time period...!

 

Cleveland Cavs:

Feb 28: vs Boston Celtics

Mar 2: vs Chicago Bulls

Mar 5: vs Utah Jazz

 

Lake Erie Monsters:

Mar 3: vs Charlotte

Mar 4: vs Charlotte

 

The first-place team in the Horizon hosts the tournament? There is no fixed spot?

 

Correct.  For whatever reason, that is how the Horizon League operates for basketball -- the number one seed is the host.

^ and the top seed is only guaranteed to host the quarterfinals (which they get a bye through) and the semifinals.  If they lose in the semis, the tournament moves to the higher remaining seed for the championship.  It's all about drawing the highest attendance possible by making sure the host team is still playing.

^ and the top seed is only guaranteed to host the quarterfinals (which they get a bye through) and the semifinals.  If they lose in the semis, the tournament moves to the higher remaining seed for the championship.  It's all about drawing the highest attendance possible by making sure the host team is still playing.

 

I didn't realize the first round is not held at the host city.  So similar to last year with Milwaukee being the #1 seed, Cleveland would host rounds 2, 3, and 4, correct?  EDIT: nevermind, answered my own question -- thanks.

 

http://horizonleague.org/2011mbbchampionship

^ Yup, CSU as the #1 seed would host rounds 2, 3 and (provided they win in round 3) round 4 (the championship).  But if they lose in round 3, the tournament moves to site of the highest remaining school.  So, looking at last year's results, if Milwaukee had lost to Valpo, the championship would have been at Butler.  (Or, if Milwaukee and Butler both lost, CSU would have hosted the championship against Valpo).

Here's regionalism for you: Don't stay in Downtown Cleveland or eat at those restaurants or hold your meeting there, come to Beachwood instead!

 

http://beachwood.patch.com/articles/beachwood-city-council-hears-details-of-convention-and-visitors-bureau-proposal#photo-9109431

Here's regionalism for you: Don't stay in Downtown Cleveland or eat at those restaurants or hold your meeting there, come to Beachwood instead!

 

http://beachwood.patch.com/articles/beachwood-city-council-hears-details-of-convention-and-visitors-bureau-proposal#photo-9109431

 

I think you're taking this out of context. 

 

The key words are

Secondary Convention and Tourist Markets

 

This is a non issue and other cities around the country do this as well.  This does not hurt Downtown and keeps business who aren't a fit (location, budget, size, etc.) for Downtown in the region.

 

They also know, once the Casino is in and TC/Euclid Avenue fill up with Retail.....Beachwood Malls (along with that lifestyle center) will become the 2nd place mall/retail area.

 

Whats troubling to me is that they will not sign the anti poaching agreement.

 

^LOL! Yeah that would be interesting...  "Come eat at our Chipotles, Red Lobster, or Bahama Breeze while enjoying our great suburban skyline"! I think Beachwood knows it's place, it mentioned the city as secondary in the article.

Minority Biomedical Entrepreneurship Conference

 

CLEVELAND, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- First-In-Nation Conference Addresses Underrepresented Innovators

 

The nation's first Minority Biomedical Entrepreneurship Conference (MBEC), will convene May 21-22 in Cleveland. MBEC offers a unique platform for minority professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, students and industry leaders to engage, network, collaborate and exchange ideas.

 

"Cleveland, with its rapidly growing biomedical industry and nationally recognized research, clinical and educational institutions, is the ideal location for the first-ever Minority Biomedical Entrepreneurship Conference," said Baiju R. Shah, President and CEO of BioEnterprise and Co-Chair of MBEC. "The entrepreneurial environment is one that embraces and provides an unparalleled support network to biomedical innovators."

 

The Minority Biomedical Entrepreneurship Conference tackles many challenges minorities face in the biomedical industry. Attendees will be offered mentoring opportunities with industry leaders and investors, entrepreneurship education, and practical advice on starting and growing a biomedical company. Entrepreneurs looking for funding are afforded the opportunity to present before a group of seasoned biomedical investors. To view the complete conference agenda and register, visit http://www.minoritybiomedical.org .

 

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/minority-biomedical-entrepreneurship-conference-2012-03-19

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame teams up with City of Cleveland on airport `Induction 2012' banners

Published: Thursday, March 29, 2012, 3:50 PM    Updated: Thursday, March 29, 2012, 4:01 PM

  By Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer

 

For anyone who didn't already know that Cleveland rocks, they'll find out as soon as they land in town.

Thanks to a partnership between the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the city and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, visitors and folks coming and going will see banners proclaiming just that.

 

Rock Hall president Terry Stewart and Cleveland's chief of government affairs Valerie McCall held a news conference Thursday at the airport to show off Cleveland Rocks banners and signage and to talk about plans and events for the Rock Hall induction ceremony at Public Hall on Saturday, April 14.

 

"In 2009 the induction ceremony brought in $13 million in revenue to the city of Cleveland," said Stewart, standing in the baggage-claim area with "Cleveland Rocks" banners hanging over the walkway.

 

"We had a week of events leading up to the event, and folks from New York said it was the best induction they'd ever seen. This year we believe it will bring in $20 million to the city, there will be 10 days of events, and we think it will be bigger and better than what we did in 2009."

 

McCall highlighted the partnership between the Rock Hall, city and airport.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/rockhall/index.ssf/2012/03/rock_and_roll_hall_of_fame_tea.html

The downtown visitor center looks really great right now and has been redecorated for the Rock Hall Induction.

PRESS RELEASE:

 

Cleveland to Host Great Lakes Week in 2012

 

Release Date: 05/03/2012

Contact Information: Peter Cassell, 312-886-6234, [email protected]

 

CHICAGO (May 3, 2012) – An unprecedented effort to restore the Great Lakes will be highlighted in Cleveland this September when hundreds of advocates, scientists, public officials and conservation leaders gather for Great Lakes Week 2012. The theme of this year’s event, to be held Sept. 10-13 in downtown Cleveland, is “Taking Action, Delivering Results.” It will focus public attention on efforts to rid the Great Lakes of toxic hotspots, reduce polluted runoff, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the lakes.

 

Great Lakes Week advances the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades. The special week also gathers the annual meetings and conferences of various U.S. and Canadian organizations in one place, making it one of the most wide-ranging Great Lakes summits. Leaders will explore issues of importance to citizens on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border.

Great Lakes Week 2012 will feature the following events:

 

•Sept. 10: International Joint Commission Meeting.

•Sept. 10-11: Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting.

•Sept. 10: Great Lakes Week Town Hall.

•Sept. 11-13: Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition’s 8th Annual Great Lakes Restoration Conference.

•Sept. 12: A joint session with U.S. and Canadian federal officials and organizations participating in Great Lakes Week.

•Sept. 12-13: Great Lakes Areas of Concern Annual Conference.

 

Quotes from Great Lakes Week partner groups:

 

“We’re excited to be coming to Cleveland, a city which has been at the center of some of the nation’s most urgent environmental challenges—and greatest comeback stories,” said Jeff Skelding, Director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Restoration projects are producing results. And even though a lot of work remains, we are eager to showcase our successes in Cleveland.”

 

“We all have a vision for what we want the Great Lakes to be for the region’s economic and environmental future,” said Cameron Davis, EPA’s Senior Great Lakes Advisor. “Great Lakes Week is the chance for leaders from both countries to come together to demonstrate what they’ve done and will continue to do to keep pushing for that vision to become a reality.”

 

“Great Lakes Week will help build upon the enormous energy that now exists to restore the Great Lakes and keep invasive species like Asian carp and others from colonizing the lakes," said Tim Eder, executive director of the Great Lakes Commission.

 

“Communities across the basin witness daily how Great Lakes restoration benefits both the environment and economy,” said Dave Ullrich, Executive Director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. “Cities are the front lines of the restoration effort and are working to ensure our binational commitment to the Lakes continues.”

 

“In Cleveland, the IJC will be reporting on our priority research work, highlighted by our focus on Lake Erie,” said Lana Pollack, U.S. Chair of the International Joint Commission. “Supported by a new Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the U.S. and Canada can work together to make real progress on the challenges facing Lake Erie."

 

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/90264A334B76441B852579F30064A8B2

Spread the word -- time to showcase Cleveland  :wink:

 

Cleveland tourism boosters call on residents to help capitalize on $2 billion in visitor-related tourism infrastructure

Published: Wednesday, May 09, 2012, 6:34 PM    Updated: Wednesday, May 09, 2012, 6:34 PM

Marcia Pledger, The Plain Dealer By Marcia Pledger, The Plain Dealer

 

Positively Cleveland, the regions' tourism and economic development group, is putting together a campaign to attract visitors and turn residents into Cleveland Champions.

 

For the first time in more than a decade, Cleveland has a lot of projects under way and there is a renewed interest in the city, said Positively Cleveland chief David Gilbert at their annual meeting.

 

"With more than $2 billion in tourism developments headed to Cleveland over the next five years, it's imperative that our organization follow strategies that capitalize on the impact of these opportunities and ultimately bring more visitors to Cleveland," Gilbert said.

 

Positively Cleveland is encouraging residents to become members of the Professional Cleveland Championship program and gain access to resources and information that will assist them in selecting and setting up a meeting in Cleveland.

 

Specifically, the new Cleveland Champions program is targeting people who are presidents, leaders or board members in regional and national associations or local organizations with a national affiliation that frequently hosts meetings.

 

"There are 400 people in this room today. So, if every person in this room were to tell 10 friends or family members about what a great city Cleveland is to visit, we'd be able to reach 4,000 people with our message," Gilbert said. "That significantly impacts the budget we'd need to spend to reach those folks through traditional marketing. We need everyone's help."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/05/cleveland_tourism_boosters_cal.html

If Dan Gilbert really wants this, I get the feeling he'd be the man to pull this off -- how cool would this be to finally host the All-Star game??

 

Cleveland Hoping to Host NBA All-Star Weekend

May 16, 2012 By Scott 10 Comments

 

Having not hosted All-Star festivities since the opening of the Gateway District in Cleveland, Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers are hoping to build off of the momentum from the recent opening of the Horseshoe Casino and be a destination for the NBA’s best at some point in the near future.

 

”That is something definitely that we are interested in,” Gilbert said on Tuesday afternoon following the crowning of point guard Kyrie Irving as NBA Rookie of the Year. “‘I hope in the next few years we’d be able to get it. ‘I’m going to do our best and I’ll talk to the commissioner (David Stern). We’ll be talking to the league very shortly.’”

 

The earliest Cleveland could be in the mix for the All-Star festivities would be 2015.

 

http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/05/cleveland-hoping-to-host-nba-all-star-weekend/

Well we hosted both the NBA and MLB All-Star games in 1997 when both stadiums were still pretty new. It was cool then, sure it'd be cool again!

Well we hosted both the NBA and MLB All-Star games in 1997 when both stadiums were still pretty new. It was cool then, sure it'd be cool again!

 

Yep, those were fun times. I wrote an article for Sun about the business impacts from the NBA all-star game and all that I remember from it is how many limousines were in demand for the NBA all-star weekend. They were pulling them in from as far away as Pennsylvania!

Hotels are BOOKED all over:

 

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/245412/110/Downtown-Cleveland-booked-with-weekend-events

Hotels are BOOKED all over:

 

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/245412/110/Downtown-Cleveland-booked-with-weekend-events

 

Things are looking good for downtown. Hopefully this momentum continues!

Not only is it good that the casino and hotels are booked, it's even more telling that other places that aren't directly tied to the casino are booked. Restaurants being booked as well means people aren't just staying at the casino and whatever hotel they are staying at. Things are looking quite good for Cleveland right now. I can only imagine what it will be like when there are also conventions in town. Hopefully all this momentum sticks around.

^now wait for a huge, 10,000 person convention to come to town.  The people who invested in Cleveland before this all happened will be rewarded very handsomely.

time for a nice tall hotel/residential combo tower to go up!