No question that centers that have significant/quality hotel inventory within walking distance (1/4 mile or less) have an advantage. Often times, shuttle costs are minimized and attendees have less commute time and inconvenience…they often have a more pleasant experience.

In the winter months, the stakes are much higher. Most hotels and centers North of the Mason-Dixon line find it a challenge to entice citywides to their destination. In these cases, cities with a good amount of connected hotel inventory within that 1/4 mile will often outperform those with less. Cities with limited connectivity will attempt to make a buck or two off of public/consumer shows during the winter months.