There are ample reasons why cities would want to enter the meetings and
exhibitions sweepstakes, and probably all cities that do so benefit in some
way–often substantially. But the terms of the competition must be carefully
assessed; otherwise, it is certain that some cities will spend more public money
than is justified. Already in a chronic fiscal bind, some cities may find themselves
worse off than before, especially if they have foreclosed other possible
public ventures with a huge commitment to a newer and bigger convention
center. One size does not fit all. But in the virtual war raging among cities for a
share of the meetings pie, cities are rarely in a position to make their own assessment.
The one certainty is that the experts to whom they turn to for advice
always think that more is magnificent and bigger is better