Hawaii’s Economy Benefiting From Annual Convention
One of Hawaii’s largest association meetings this year is underway with the 121st American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention at the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC) through Aug. 4. APA’s 2013 annual convention has brought 8,000 attendees to Hawaii from throughout the world, representing all areas of specialization in psychology, and from research, practice, education, and policy. “We’re very pleased to welcome APA’s annual convention back to Hawaii and we encourage its members to enjoy all the advantages of meeting, networking, and advancing their professional expertise in this inspiring setting,”said Brian Lynx, vice-president of Meetings, Conventions and Incentives for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The APA convention is a boon for Hawaii’s economy this week with the 8,000 attendees generating an estimated $37.8 million in visitor spending, $3.7 million in state tax revenue, and 64,320 booked room nights. In addition, many attendees have brought family members along with them and are extending their stay in the islands, furthering the economic impact to Hawaii’s visitor industry. APA has a full convention schedule in place, with participants able to choose from more than 800 presentations, seminars, and continuing education sessions, as well as 80 networking events during the five-day conference. This marks the second time the Hawaii Convention Center has hosted APA for its annual gathering, with the previous one taking place in 2004. (http://www.apa.org)
