Strong convention tourism expected in 2012

The city of Minneapolis expects strong convention business in 2012.

At this point, 218 conventions will be coming to the city, bringing nearly 300,000 visitors with them. Among the biggest conventions will be those of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the American Association of Museums.

"We have a fairly strong year ahead of us. And we're also really expecting that people are going to start spending and doing more things while they're here," said Kristen Montag, marketing communication manager for the Meet Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association.

"Spending more money, going to the restaurants and attractions in town and shopping and those sorts of things. Those are the things that bring up that economic impact number."

The conventions currently scheduled for Minneapolis are expected to bring about a $225 million economic boost to the city and region.

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