News Release
February 23, 2011

Contact: David Blandford
Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau
(206) 461-5806/dblandford@visitseattle.org

Countdown to Seattle’s Biggest Convention in Two Decades
Lions Clubs International Roars Into town this Summer

SEATTLE – Seattle will host the highly-coveted Lions Clubs International 94th Annual Convention July 4-8, 2011, attracting more attendees and creating greater economic impact than any other convention since the American Dental Academy annual meeting in 1991.

Lions Clubs International will bring more than 15,000 attendees from 206 countries to Seattle and generate an estimated economic impact of more than $34 million, depending on actual attendance. 

More than 40 Seattle area hotels have reserved room blocks for the group. An estimated 42,000 total room nights will be used by Lions Clubs International during the 4th of July week, a period that has traditionally experienced dips in Seattle’s otherwise strong summer occupancy. Given the size of the Washington State Convention Center and Seattle’s hotel room inventory, a typical citywide convention (using the convention center and at least 1,000 guestrooms on peak night), will generate between 5,000 and 6,000 room nights. 

A highlight of the convention – for both attendees and local hosts – is a parade planned along 5th Avenue between Seattle Center and Westake Park on July 5. The parade will showcase the Lions’ renowned service values and contributions and honor Seattle as its 2011 convention host city.  

Seattle was chosen as the site of the 2011 Lions Clubs International convention in 2005, despite several highly competitive bids from other U.S. cities. The final decision was made between Honolulu and Seattle. Lions Club officials indicated an edge for Seattle because of its reputation as a highly desirable meeting destination and one that had not previously hosted the group’s annual convention.  Additionally, the 2001 expansion of the Washington State Convention Center and the current expansion of the Sheraton Seattle Hotel (which became the city’s first 1,000-room hotel with the opening of its second tower expansion in 2007) contributed to Seattle’s winning bid. 

“Our city really won this convention based on our shear enthusiasm and an incredible partnership throughout our hospitality community and regional Lions Clubs,” said Tom Norwalk, SCVB President & CEO.

SCVB began an aggressive bid process targeting the 2011 meeting in December 2003. In addition to the commitment of the Washington State Convention Center and competitive rates and generous room blocks offered by Seattle area hotels, a wide range of venues, attractions, transportation suppliers and the City of Seattle played critical roles in addressing the complex logistical needs of Lions Clubs International. SCVB also identified food and beverage options and created a complete conference itinerary. The convention bureau highlighted the city’s typically superb July weather, making statistical comparisons with competing cities, and positioned Seattle’s unique meeting venues and downtown walkability as competitive advantages.  

Lions Clubs International is the largest convention to visit Seattle in two decades. Here’s how the city’s biggest meetings of the past two decades stack up:

Alcoholics Anonymous, 1990

• 48,000 attendance
• 76,000 room nights
• $40.5 million economic impact

American Dental Academy, 1991

• 25,000 attendance
• 42,000 room nights
• $31.6 million economic impact

American Thoracic Society, 2003

• 14,000 attendance
• 40,000 room nights
• $31.8 million economic impact

American Association of Orthodontists, 2007

• 14,600 attendance
• 27,400 room nights
• $29.8 million economic impact

American Academy of Neurology, 2009

• 12,000 attendance
• 30,000 room nights
• $25 million economic impact

Lions Clubs International, 2011

• 15,000-20,000 anticipated attendance
• 42,000 room nights estimated
• Between $34.5 million and $46 million (depending on actual attendance)

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, a private, nonprofit marketing organization, has served as Seattle/King County’s official destination marketing organization (DMO) for more than 50 years. The goal of these marketing efforts is to enhance the employment opportunities and economic prosperity of the region.

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