Jehovah's Witnesses convention won't return to Tri-Cities in 2014

[Musky]

This is the convention I attended when I lived in Washington state for several years. It was a very nice and comfortable convention center. Very hot in July and August! I wonder where they got the information that in 2014 we will be "consolidating" our conventions from 400 down to 100?

 

Jehovah's Witnesses convention won't return to Tri-Cities in 2014

 

For years the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses has held a regional convention in the Tri-Cities, attracting about 16,000 of the faithful who spend an estimated $8.6 million while in town.

 

But they won't be coming in 2014.

 

"What they told me is the decision has been made nationally to downsize the number of conventions from 400 to 100. They're simply consolidating," said Kris Watkins, president and CEO of the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau in Kennewick.

 

But it's business as usual this year. Almost 5,500 Jehovah's Witnesses begin the first of their three conventions today at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. Another 11,000 are expected to attend the Aug. 9-11 and 16-18 three-day conventions.

 

Watkins was told by her contacts within the Jehovah's Witnesses organization that they have no complaints with the local accommodations, she said.

 

"They're pleased with Tri-City area hotels and restaurants and the venue," she said.

 

Multiple calls Thursday to the Jehovah's Witnesses were not returned.

 

Watkins expects the district convention to return to the Tri-Cities in 2015.

 

"We were surprised, but not shocked," she said. "They've done this in the past. It's one of the larger groups to come to the Tri-Cities and really does affect many levels of our economy -- retail shopping, hotels, dining, sightseeing. All those activities have a major impact."

 

The Visitor & Convention Bureau is actively seeking alternative conventions and sporting events to fill Tri-City hotels and restaurants in 2014, Watkins said. They've enticed the 2014 Amateur Softball Girls National Championship organizers to hold their event here, bringing 80 teams and their families to town.

 

"That's a new piece of business for us," Watkins said.

 

They also are working with wineries and golf courses to plan special campaigns of weekend getaways, tying them into other events happening in the region and advertising them on the West side, mainly in the Puget Sound area. "We have our game plan in place and are making great strides in bringing in new business," Watkins said.

 

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/08/01/2709850/jehovahs-witnesses-convention.html#storylink=cpy

[Miss Bea]

I went to the Kennewick area for convention several times. Nice host city. Sort of sad.

[Lance]

We got a letter back in January .. Announcement to the congregation...

"We are pleased to announce that large international conventions will be held in various locations throughout the earth during the 2014 calendar year in addition to the normally scheduled district conventions. Specific locations will be announced later. .."

They say large international conventions.. I assume in volume .. Not in quantity ... Other than I have no idea...

[Musky]

We got a letter back in January .. Announcement to the congregation...

"We are pleased to announce that large international conventions will be held in various locations throughout the earth during the 2014 calendar year in addition to the normally scheduled district conventions. Specific locations will be announced later. .."

They say large international conventions.. I assume in volume .. Not in quantity ... Other than I have no idea...

Yes, the announcement was for the International conventions to be "in addition" to the normally scheduled district convention, not "instead of" so that would not account for the drop from 400 to 100 conventions. But as I said in the other thread about this. The "Tri-city herald" is notorious for getting their facts wrong. 

[mserskine]

That's where I will be going this year. It may not be true, but if the locals believe it and are looking for other things to fill our spot, then we might be going to another place.

[disneytrav]

That's where I will be going this year. It may not be true, but if the locals believe it and are looking for other things to fill our spot, then we might be going to another place.

I'm also headed there in a few weeks; sure wouldn't mind the Idaho Center next year! 

[mserskine]

What week are you going disneytrav? I am going the 16th to the 18th.

Yes the Idaho Center would be great! Do you live in the Nampa Idaho area?