$1.4 Million Local Economy Boost From Upcoming Convention

“Every full-service hotel in Pasadena is being utilized and is sold out during that period,” said Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Operating Company, which manages the Pasadena CVB and Pasadena Convention Center.

These include the Hilton Pasadena, Old Pasadena Courtyard by Marriott, The Langham Huntington, Sheraton Pasadena, and The Westin Pasadena. Because of the demand, overflow from the convention is also filling hotels in nearby Monrovia and Glendale.

The Gathering’s delegates will generate revenue by spending money in Pasadena’s hotels, restaurants, shops and museums, just to name a few. All told, they are expected to impact Pasadena’s economy to the tune of $1.4 million. Those staying in Glendale and Monrovia will positively impact those communities’ economies as well.

“With attendance expected at more than 5,400, this is also the largest convention ever held at the expanded Pasadena Convention Center,” Ross said. “The city, surrounding businesses and Pasadena Operating Company are now starting to reap the rewards of the Center’s 2009 expansion.”

The coffers of the Pasadena Convention Center’s partners will also benefit. Centerplate, the exclusive food and beverage provider for the Center, will cater more than 25 meal functions during the convention. This includes six catered services for 4,000 attendees, one for 5,000 attendees, and an offsite tea for 2,500 at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

“Salvation Army is the biggest client we’ve had during our 12-year partnership with the Center,” said Doug Finney, Centerplate’s general manager. “It will be a pleasure and a welcome challenge to execute that many food functions for so many people.”

The Gathering is a reunion of the Salvation Army’s U.S.A. Western Territory past and present members. The celebration will feature dynamic speakers and challenging workshops. The event only takes place every 15 years and draws people from the entire world. It was last held at the Long Beach Convention Center.

“We’ve succeeded in luring The Gathering away from Long Beach and National Contract Management Association away from Phoenix for their 2013 World Congress,” Ross said. “We are definitely proving that Pasadena is a world-class city for meetings and conventions.”

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs without discrimination. For more information about the U.S.A. Western Territory, visit http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org.

About the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Pasadena CVB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to marketing Pasadena as a desirable meeting, convention and leisure travel destination. For details, log on to VisitPasadena.com.

About the Pasadena Convention Center

From meetings, conventions and trade shows to corporate galas, fundraisers and weddings,� the Pasadena Convention Center can host an array of events with 55,000 square feet of exhibit space,� a 25,000-square-foot ballroom, 29 breakout rooms, and the always enticing 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium. For further information, visit PasadenaCenter.com.