Pueblo Convention Center Finally Knows its Economic Impact

A Chicago-based consulting firm says the convention center is positively impacting Pueblo, despite an operating loss

A draw up of what the expanded Pueblo Convention Center is to look like in the future.

At a regular board meeting this week C.H. Johnson Consulting — a Chicago-based firm — presented an economic impact study commissioned by the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority that found the direct spending associated with the Pueblo Convention Center is around $7 million each year — that includes $2 million in operating costs.

While the convention center operates at a loss each year, it was unknown how valuable the convention center — before its planned expansion — is to the community.

The main takeaway that the Pueblo Convention Center runs pretty middle of the pack for its size and market.

Among the other findings:

• If the convention center were to close its doors today, Pueblo would lose over 100 jobs.
• Locals make up most of the visits at the convention center, this also means most visitors don’t spend money on hotel rooms.

C.H. Johnson Consulting

• The consulting firm said the convention center has “helped from a nucleus for downtown.” But more hotels nearby with meeting space would be a good compliment to the convention center.
• The convention center’s direct impact on Pueblo is $7 million, the indirect and induced impact is also substantial, according to the firm. The study, which focused on the last three years, shows the convention center creates around $13 million in spending each year.