RESURGENCE

From annual trade shows to new conventions to breakthrough events, the demand for in-person meetings was on full display at the Javits Center in 2022 as our halls teemed with an energetic fervor not seen since before the pandemic.

Industry-leading events returned to the convention center while new corporate-focused events took center stage throughout the year, introducing new audiences to the Javits Center and paving the way for future business opportunities

Since August 2021, nearly 50 events booked spaces in the expansion, now known as North Javits, and as a result of that business and the bookings ahead, we expect to reach pre-pandemic levels of activity by 2024 – a positive sign for our entire industry As New York’s largest convention center, the Javits Center serves as one of the state’s greatest economic assets, supporting thousands of jobs in the hotel, restaurant, transportation and tourism industries Prior to the pandemic, the Javits Center supported up to 18,000 jobs a year, directly and indirectly, generated up to $2 billion in annual economic activity and attracted more than 39,000 exhibiting companies each year

To get back on track, Javits Center management has implemented a back-to-basics program designed to encourage employees to complete outstanding projects and revisit pending tasks that could increase operational efficiency and further improve customer service New training sessions also have been implemented, including sensitivity and diversity training to create a safe and healthy environment, as well as management training for decision-makers and safety training for the labor workforce Several industry veterans have been hired to fill key managerial positions and add new resources to event operations, while public tours of the building have resumed, giving local corporations, non-profit groups and community members an inside look at the convention center

This comes as New York City recovered 85 percent of its record 2019 visitation, welcoming 56 4 million visitors in 2022 Strong demand for meetings, conventions and events in the City continued with 800,000 group nights on the books through the end of the year “We are pleased to say that New York City’s meetings industry is right on track With a busy conventions and events calendar still ahead this fall, and hotel performance consistently trending above 85 percent occupancy once again and more than 10,000 new rooms in the pipeline, we are confident in New York City’s ongoing tourism recovery and the continued comeback of the business travel sector,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company