The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is reporting the “remarkable impact’ made by The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024 (AAIC24). The event drew 12,000 attendees from 102 countries and gave a major boost to the city’s life science resources, critical for Alzheimer’s research and global collaboration.
AAIC24 filled 11 hotels to 93% capacity and generated millions in revenue for local businesses. The conference was key to Philadelphia” record-breaking summer travel season, with over 1.6m city centre room nights sold between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2024 – the highest ever recorded.
“Big conventions are a cornerstone of success for our hotels, filling rooms, driving extended stays, and boosting demand for dining and shopping, and other activities that help to stimulate the economy,” said Ed Grose, executive director, Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association. “The events booked by the PHLCVB, in addition to sustaining hotels, create opportunities for job growth in the hospitality industry.”
In 2024, Philadelphia was named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit, one of only two US destinations to make the list. Almost half of the conventions booked in Philadelphia are life sciences-related, and the PHLCVB is the only convention bureau in the county with a dedicated life sciences division.
“Big conventions don’t just fill the convention centre and other venues –they energise our economy and inspire growth across every sector,” said John J. McNichol, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.
The Alzheimer’s Association delivered an exceptional programme, featuring groundbreaking research presentations, networking opportunities, and community engagement through the ‘AAIC for All’ event. Maria Carillo, the Alzheimer’s Association’s chief science officer, reflected on the experience: “The PHLCVB and the city itself enabled us to provide a warm welcome and hospitality,” says Carrillo, “It’s important for the science.”
Other AAIC highlights included the city’s iconic landmarks illuminated in purple – the official color of the Alzheimer’s awareness movement, a welcome reception at The Franklin Institute, and the popular ‘Rocky Run’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“AAIC24 offered our city the chance to highlight our cutting-edge innovation and life sciences expertise while playing a vital role in advancing the search for a cure – a contribution we are truly honoured to support,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO, PHLCVB.
The convention exemplified the far-reaching impact of a citywide event, not only by reaching historic highs in hotel room occupancy but also by unlocking new pathways for future business with the sales team actively booking events for 2032 and beyond.
Learn more about the AAIC24 success story through a step-by-step case study at: discoverphl.com/blog-post/aaci/
