Columbus to tout its ‘cool’ factor at convention

Next year’s convention of the American Society of Association Executives is expected to attract about 5,000 visitors to Columbus, a fraction of the 200,000 who attend the Arnold Sports Festival.

But despite the relatively modest attendance, dozens of Columbus leaders met this week to figure out how to dazzle the group a year from now.

The reason: A successful ASAE convention could pay dividends far beyond the convention itself.

The Washington, D.C.-based ASAE represents association executives from around the country. About three-fourths of those who attend the convention call the shots in where to book their own group’s meetings.

So even though next year’s four-day convention will generate about $16 million in spending, it could allow Columbus to attract an estimated $500 million in future bookings in the five years following.

To figure out how to make the most of the opportunity, Brian Ross, CEO of the convention and visitors bureau Experience Columbus, gathered Columbus leaders at COSI this week.

“I want to make sure everyone understands how cool of a city Columbus is,” said Frederic Bertley, who moved to Columbus two years ago to take over COSI.

Joining Ross and Bertley at the gathering were Columbus hotel and restaurant representatives, executives from local businesses, colleges and nonprofit organizations, and politicians, including Shannon Hardin, president of Columbus City Council, and Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown.

Marjory Pizzuti, president and CEO of Goodwill Columbus, said she wants to offer On the closing day of the American Society of Association Executives meeting earlier this month in Chicago, 2,500 people attended a lunch hosted by Experience Columbus to promote the event coming here in 2019. Columbus meeting attendees the chance to get hands-on with charity projects at settlement houses, food banks or other institutions where they can make an impact on the local community. Charity projects have become an important and expected part of big conventions.

According to a handout given to the meeting attendees, Columbus wants to showcase “the

city’s uncommon collaboration, innovation and diversity” along with its meeting facilities and visitor attractions.

The remaining $1 million of a $4 million commitment for the

convention must still be raised to go toward things such as food and beverage service, shuttle service and facility fees.