3 min read April 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, delved into Houston’s evolving landscape in travel, hospitality, and business attraction. Heckman highlighted the city’s economic growth, strategic initiatives for attracting global events, and the transformative impact of these developments on Houston’s status as a major business and event destination.
What makes Houston an attractive destination for business and events?
Houston’s appeal in the competitive landscape of U.S. cities for attracting large-scale events and conventions is multifaceted. The city’s economic growth, characterized by a low regulatory and tax environment, is crucial. Its air connectivity, with two major international airports and carriers like United and Southwest Airlines, enhances accessibility.
The hospitality sector here is expansive, featuring an impressive hotel package and a renowned convention campus. This includes two connected hotels and a 12-acre park adjacent to the Convention Center, appealing to convention clients. Additionally, Houston’s diverse culture, celebrated culinary scene, and warm hospitality contribute to its allure for top-tier events.
Houston’s youthful and diverse demographics mirror the future of the United States. The city offers a variety of amenities and facilities, making it not only a business and investment hub, but also a prime venue for events. This drives growth in business relocation, expansion, tourism, and major sporting events.
What is your vision for Gastech 2024 in Houston and its expected economic impact?
For Gastech 2024, we anticipate significant economic benefits, with an estimated impact in the millions and around 14,000 global attendees, including ministers and CEOs. The quality of attendees is a focal point. The expo floor at the George R. Brown Convention Center is already sold out, which is a testament to the event’s success. Houston’s position as the energy capital of the world, covering sectors from cleantech to hydrogen, makes it an ideal host.
How is Houston First Corporation securing winning bids for major events, and how do these efforts promote Houston’s economic prosperity?
Tourism, conventions, and meetings open doors to economic development. Business leaders often consider cities they’ve visited for expansions. We strive to secure such events, which are planned years ahead. The Republican National Committee’s selection of Houston, for instance, was based on our business-friendly environment, organized convention campus, and strong public safety. We’ve also secured nearly $2 billion from the state of Texas for transforming our Convention District. This will include new amenities, entertainment options, and a comprehensive renovation of our Convention Center, which hasn’t been fully updated since 1997. This project will be transformative for Houston’s competitiveness.
With Houston hosting various events, how does Houston First leverage these to attract new businesses, particularly in the energy sector?
We work with local organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership to highlight our innovation ecosystem during major energy events. CERAWeek, for example, has expanded from a single hotel to include the Innovation Agora program at the Convention Center, attracting over 8,000 attendees annually. It features policy speeches from high-level officials and showcases significant players in technology and innovation, from AWS to clean tech and hydro. This exemplifies Houston’s role in the energy industry and the event’s growth.
What are some new opportunities being explored in travel and hospitality?
We’re looking into how to diversify our hotel offerings, particularly in the luxury segment. We don’t have many five-diamond hotel offerings, although we have leading hotels like the Post Oak Houston, which is the top hotel in Texas and consistently ranked among the best in the country. This sector has shown interest and expanding it will enhance our market competitiveness.
What strategies are in place to engage new markets and attract visitors and business?
Our international market strategy is evolving, when one considers how it looked pre-COVID versus today. Markets like India present significant opportunities. We’re opening agencies and representation in these countries, allocating resources for marketing and direct selling. We’re adapting to the changing landscape, not overlooking markets like China but focusing on emerging opportunities. Collaborations with the city of Houston and the Houston Airport System aim to increase air service and routes, especially from India, in response to growing demand.
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