This study assessed convention attendee motivations, performance evaluation, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions in a regional
conference setting. Data was collected from conference attendees in the southeast United States. The findings revealed a five-dimension
conference motivation: (1) activities and opportunities, (2) networking, (3) convenience of conference, (4) education benefits and (5)
products and deals. Furthermore, the relationships between attendee’s evaluation of conference performance, satisfaction judgment, and
behavioral intention were examined. The relationships between educational activities, overall satisfaction, word-of-mouth, and intent to
return were found to be significant. Recommendations to the meeting planners for conferences are provided based on the results.
r 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.