Factors Affecting Convention Participation Decision-Making: Developing a Measurement Scale

Abstract

The study developed a measurement scale to examine factors affecting convention participation decision-making. The scale development process started with a review of extant literature and personal interviews, followed by data collection through a Web survey of selected association members. Data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and unidimensionality tests via subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. These procedures yielded a five-factor measurement scale with acceptable levels of reliability and validity. Five underlying dimensions of convention participation decision-making were labeled: (a) destination stimuli, (b) professional and social networking opportunities, (c) educational opportunities, (d) safety and health situation, and (e) travelability. The implications of the scale are discussed for future research as well as convention marketing strategy.

Exploring Intentions to Attend a Convention: A Gender Perspective

“…Some respondents commented that the next convention would provide them with an opportunity to "keep abreast of what's new in internal medicine," "gain professional experience," "update my scientific knowledge," and to "exchange information and news about medicine." Consistent with the themes and/or motivators identified in previous empirical studies, respondents expressed the desire to learn and gain professional development in the area of internal medicine (Bauer et al, 2008;Deery et al, 2005;Mair & Thompson, 2009;Ngamson & Beck, 2000;Severt et al, 2007;Yoo & Chon, 2008. This perceived outcome of attending the next convention was cited by both the men and women respondents fairly frequently in this study.…”

“…Where qualitative methods have been used, they are usually followed by an in-depth quantitative phase (e.g., Jarumaneerat et al, 2007;Severt et al, 2007;Yoo & Chon, 2008). There is merit in conducting further qualitative convention tourism studies to produce meaningful interpretations and provide the story behind the statistics from the data collected.…”

“…A number of studies to date have sought to identify the drivers of convention attendance (e.g., M. J. Lee & Back, 2007b;Yoo & Chon, 2008), yet we cannot truly claim to understand convention atten dee behavior because the influence of gender on these drivers has not been explored. This gap in the literature initiated the present study, which seeks to contribute to the literature on convention travel decisions from a gender perspective.…”

“…In particular, visiting the convention destination is undoubtedly perceived to be a positive outcome of attending a convention for attendees (Bauer, Law, Tse, & Weber, 2008;grant & Weaver, 1996;; M. J. Lee & Back, 2007a;Ngamson & Beck, 2000;Oppermann & Chon, 1997;Rittichainuwat et al, 2001;Yoo & Chon, 2008zhang et al, 2007). Since convention attendees prefer to visit certain destinations over others, registration numbers tend to be higher in some destinations because of their perceived image (M. J.…”

“…The main facilitators identified include the involvement of the attendee with the association, the opportunity to present or disseminate knowledge, the ability to receive funding to cover the costs of attending, accessibility, and travel distance to the convention location and the attendee's time availability (Jarumaneerat, Al-Sabbahy, & Jones, 2007;Oppermann, 1998;Yoo & Chon, 2008). The factors that could inhibit future convention attendance comprise the health of the attendee, concerns with the safety and security at the convention location, the distance of the trip, time conflicts with work or personal commitments, and the monetary costs associated with convention travel, such as registration accommodation and transport expenses (Jarumaneerat, Jones, & Al-Sabbahy, 2009;Oppermann & Chon, 1997;Yoo & Chon, 2008;zhang et al, 2007).…”