56,000 Dentists Descend on New York City as Holiday Shopping Season Begins

56,000 Dentists Descend on New York City as Holiday Shopping Season Begins

Greater New York Dental Meeting Brings in Dentists from More than 113 Countries, Economic Impact is $11.4 Million for Six-Day Convention

New York City � November 25, 2008 On Friday Nov. 28, this year�s start to the traditional holiday shopping season, NYC & Company, the City�s marketing and tourism organization, will welcome 56,000 dentists, who will be in New York City for the 84th Annual Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM). With record-breaking attendance anticipated, the six-day convention and expo, which takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, will bring in health care professionals from more than 113 countries around the world. The gathering, taking place Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, will use 37 hotels across the City and is expected to generate 15,284 total room nights and $11.4 million in economic impact.

�New York City�s convention and meetings industry is stronger than ever,� said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. �When companies look to cut costs, they know that bringing a meeting or convention to New York City is still a great value and will yield a significant return on their investment. We�re glad the GNYDM will generate record-breaking attendance again this year.�

The largest dental congress and exposition in the United States and one of the largest in the world, the GNYDM will bring in dental professionals from around the world to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Over six days, attendees will see more than 1,500 technical exhibits showing off the latest technology in the dental profession, speak to more than 500 exhibitors, and take part in top-notch educational programs featuring some of the most highly regarded educators in the dentistry field.

�We are excited to have New York City as the backdrop for our Greater New York Dental Convention and especially appreciate this year�s anticipated record breaking attendance,� said Dr. Robert R. Edwab, Executive Director, Greater New York Dental Meeting. �This weekend, New York City will literally be the world�s second home for the more than 56,000 attendees, who are traveling here from all 50 states and more than 113 countries around the world.�

Last year, international attendance to the Greater New York Dental meeting grew 45% to more than 4,100 attendees. Overall attendance grew 3% to 55,687.

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In 2007, New York City welcomed 4.3 million convention delegates, who contributed $3.13 billion, about 11% of total visitor spending, to the New York City economy. Delegates attended events at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Piers 92 and 94, major hotels, and other venues across the City.

For more information on attending or exhibiting the 84th Annual Greater New York Dental Meeting, visit gnydm.com.

About NYC & CompanyNYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.

ContactsKimberly SpellNYC & Companytel 212 484 1270kspell@nycgo.comChris Heywood
NYC & Companytel 212 484 1270
cheywood@nycgo.com