Study Released Following Alzheimer’s Association International 2024 Conference Reinforces Philadelphia’s Status as Premier Destination for Meetings and Conventions
submitted by Jaime Martorana, Discover Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024 (AAIC24) made a remarkable impact on Philadelphia last summer, drawing more than 12,000 attendees from over 102 countries. Booked by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), this record-breaking success story underscores not only the critical role conventions play in strengthening Philadelphia’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem, but also the significance of the city’s life science resources, which proved critical for Alzheimer’s research and global collaboration.
AAIC24 delivered substantial economic benefits to the region, filling 11 hotels to 93% capacity and generating millions in revenue for local businesses. The conference was key to Philadelphia’s record-breaking summer travel season, with over 1.6 million Center City 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.”
Major conventions like AAIC24 serve as a catalyst for Philadelphia’s broader tourism ecosystem and elevate the city’s global profile, attracting future conferences, international visitors, and business investments. In 2024, Philadelphia was named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit, one of only two U.S. destinations to make the list, further cementing its appeal to international audiences.
The premier Pennsylvania Convention Center provided an ideal platform for AAIC24. With almost half of the conventions booked in Philadelphia being life sciences-related, and as the only CVB in the county with a dedicated life sciences division, PHLCVB leveraged its expertise to connect the Alzheimer’s Association with local resources, foster collaboration, and attract record attendance (+20% increase over 2023). The conference’s success reflects Philadelphia’s growing status as a global leader in hosting complex, high-profile events.
“Successfully hosting large conventions like AAIC brings unparalleled economic impact to the Greater Philadelphia region. These big events drive tourism, create jobs and support local businesses, all while showcasing our community as a vibrant destination for innovation and collaboration. Big conventions don’t just fill the convention center and other venues—they energize 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 program, 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.”
Through its PHL Life Sciences division, the first and only one in the country, PHLCVB harnessed the vast wealth of life sciences connections of Greater Philadelphia to attract and support AAIC24. Science and other medical-related meetings constitute approximately 40% of conventions booked in Philadelphia.
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.
As Philadelphia continues to attract global conventions, the region reaps the benefits of increased tourism, economic development, and cultural exchange, solidifying its reputation as a world-class destination.
“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 honored 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. The event illustrates the city’s ability to collaborate seamlessly, deliver tangible benefits to local taxpayers, and maximize the creative potential of its facilities.
Learn more about the AAIC24 success story through a step-by-step case study at: discoverphl.com/blog-post/aaci/
About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit www.discoverPHL.com.
