Meetings and conventions serve as a major economic engine for the Spokane region, generating tens of millions of dollars in visitor spending and supporting hotels, restaurants, retailers, entertainment venues, and other industries throughout the community, says Monica Kirn-Pea, vice president of convention sales and services at Visit Spokane.

Information from Visit Spokane, a nonprofit destination marketing organization, shows meetings and conventions generated 44,600 attendees in 2025, resulting in 76,350 contracted hotel room nights and an estimated $42.4 million in economic impact, Kirn-Pea says. Looking ahead, the organization already has 94,200 attendees and 148,400 contracted room nights on the books between 2026 and 2031, with an estimated $102 million in economic impact expected for the region.

Convention visitors inject outside dollars into the economy here, creating ripple effects that benefit workers, businesses, and residents across numerous industries, she says. Hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, entertainment venues, transportation providers, and event suppliers all see increased activity when conventions are in town.

"I live and work downtown, and I can see the difference when conventions are in town. There is more activity, more energy, and more business throughout the city," Kirn-Pea says.

In addition to generating immediate economic activity, conventions expose Spokane to thousands of first-time visitors each year, many of whom return later, she contends.

"Every convention is an opportunity to showcase Spokane to people from across the country and around the world," Kirn-Pea says. "Many visitors experience Spokane for the first time through a convention, and that can lead to future tourism, business investment, and additional events."