However much this arrangement may have contributed to the extraordinary
pace of convention center construction and expansion in recent decades, it is
important to acknowledge that in recent years, conventions, meetings, and
business travel have been essential for local economic vitality and the revitalization
of downtowns. In the first sections of this paper, we offer compelling
evidence on this point in order to emphasize that our critical perspective on
convention center politics is not built upon any doubts about the importance of
conventions and meetings to urban economies.