Orem

Orem, Utah offers a highly favorable business environment characterized by a thriving tech-driven economy, often referred to as part of the "Silicon Slopes" region. The city benefits from Utah's business-friendly policies, including low corporate tax rates, minimal regulatory barriers, and consistently pro-growth government initiatives that make it one of the easiest places to do business in the United States. Key economic factors include a highly educated workforce bolstered by nearby Brigham Young University, a diverse economy spanning technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services, and strong entrepreneurial culture with robust support for startups and established businesses alike.

The overall business climate is enhanced by Utah's stable fiscal management, modern infrastructure, competitive operating costs, and a quality of life that attracts skilled professionals. Orem's strategic location along the I-15 corridor provides excellent connectivity to Salt Lake City International Airport and major Western markets, while the city maintains a collaborative relationship between government and business sectors, offering various incentives and support programs for companies looking to establish or expand their operations in the region.

Orem, Utah boasts a diverse and robust economic landscape anchored by several key sectors that drive the region's prosperity. The city is prominently positioned within the Silicon Slopes technology corridor, featuring a thriving tech industry with major companies in software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and SaaS solutions. Higher education plays a significant role with Utah Valley University serving as both a major employer and talent pipeline, contributing to workforce development and research innovation.

The healthcare and life sciences sector is substantial, with numerous medical facilities, biotech firms, and health services companies providing quality care and employment opportunities. Manufacturing maintains a strong presence, particularly in aerospace, electronics, and advanced manufacturing, while professional and financial services continue to expand with numerous corporate headquarters and regional offices choosing Orem for its business-friendly environment. The retail and hospitality sectors benefit from the city's strategic location along the Wasatch Front, supporting both local commerce and tourism.

Additionally, Orem's entrepreneurial ecosystem is bolstered by startup incubators, venture capital access, and a culture of innovation, making it an attractive destination for business events focused on technology, education, healthcare innovation, and economic development.

Orem, Utah hosts several key business institutions that support its thriving economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Orem City Economic Development department actively works to attract and retain businesses while fostering innovation in the city. The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital connector for local businesses, providing networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources for growth across Orem and neighboring communities.

Zions Bank and America First Credit Union are among the prominent financial institutions with significant presence in the area, offering comprehensive banking and lending services to businesses of all sizes. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Utah Valley University provides crucial consulting, training, and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Additionally, Silicon Slopes (though headquartered nearby) influences Orem's tech sector development, while the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) provides state-level support for business expansion and relocation.

These institutions collectively create a supportive environment for business events, meetings, and conferences by offering expertise in finance, regulatory guidance, business development resources, and extensive professional networks essential for successful business gatherings.

Orem's major business center is primarily concentrated along University Parkway and State Street, forming the city's central business district where corporate offices, financial institutions, and professional services converge. The area around the Shops at Riverwoods serves as a significant commercial hub, blending retail, dining, and office spaces that attract both business professionals and event attendees. Additionally, the Geneva Road corridor has emerged as an important business zone, hosting technology companies, healthcare facilities, and regional headquarters that capitalize on Orem's position in the Silicon Slopes technology corridor.

The proximity to Utah Valley University creates a vibrant intersection of education and commerce, with research parks and innovation centers supporting entrepreneurial ventures and established businesses alike. These business centers benefit from excellent accessibility via Interstate 15 and are complemented by modern infrastructure, making Orem an attractive location for business events, conferences, and corporate meetings within the greater Provo-Orem metropolitan area.

Orem, Utah is home to Utah Valley University (UVU), one of the largest public universities in the state with over 40,000 students, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs that significantly contribute to the city's educational and cultural vitality. The university serves as a major intellectual hub for the region, providing workforce development, research opportunities, and cultural events that enrich the community. Additionally, Orem benefits from its proximity to Brigham Young University (BYU) in neighboring Provo, one of the nation's largest private universities with renowned programs in business, engineering, and technology.

The area is also supported by various technical colleges and training centers that focus on healthcare, technology, and business education, creating a robust educational ecosystem that attracts conferences, academic symposiums, and corporate training events. This concentration of educational institutions ensures access to cutting-edge research facilities, expert speakers, and a highly educated workforce, making Orem an attractive destination for business events seeking academic partnerships and intellectual engagement.

Orem, Utah offers robust networking opportunities centered around its thriving tech corridor, known as "Silicon Slopes," which hosts regular industry meetups, startup pitch events, and technology conferences throughout the year. The Orem Chamber of Commerce organizes monthly business mixers, luncheons, and "Business After Hours" events that connect local professionals across various industries. Key networking venues include the Utah Valley Convention Center and local coworking spaces like Kiln and Neutron, which regularly facilitate entrepreneur gatherings and professional development workshops.

Business professionals can also engage with organizations such as the Technology Association of Utah (TAU), BYU's Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology events, and the Utah Valley Business Q, which hosts quarterly forums addressing regional economic development. Additionally, the city's proximity to Provo and the broader Utah Valley provides access to an extended network of professional associations, including industry-specific groups in software development, manufacturing, healthcare technology, and outdoor recreation industries, making Orem an ideal destination for event planners seeking meaningful business connections in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.

Orem, Utah continues to strengthen its business appeal through strategic infrastructure and development initiatives. The city has benefited from Utah's robust fiber-optic network expansion, providing high-speed internet connectivity essential for modern business events and conferences. Key developments include ongoing enhancements to the Utah Valley Convention Center area and improvements along University Parkway, which serves as a vital commercial corridor connecting to neighboring Provo and the I-15 corridor.

The city's proximity to the Provo-Orem Metropolitan Statistical Area's tech sector growth, often called "Silicon Slopes," has spurred investment in modern business facilities and co-working spaces. Recent transportation improvements, including better access to Salt Lake City International Airport via I-15 upgrades and expanded UVX Bus Rapid Transit service, have enhanced regional connectivity. Additionally, Orem has seen expansion in its retail and commercial districts, particularly around University Place and The Shops at Riverwoods, creating contemporary venues suitable for business gatherings and corporate events, while ongoing smart city initiatives are improving municipal services and digital infrastructure to better serve the business community.

Orem, Utah is experiencing significant growth as a business events destination, driven by the booming tech corridor known as "Silicon Slopes," which has attracted major companies and startups, creating increased demand for corporate meetings, conferences, and innovation summits. The destination is adapting to the trend of hybrid and technology-enabled events by investing in enhanced digital infrastructure and modern venue capabilities that support both in-person and virtual attendees. Sustainability has become a key focus, with local venues and DMO partners implementing eco-friendly practices and promoting Orem's proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities as part of bleisure (business + leisure) offerings that appeal to modern event attendees seeking work-life balance.

The city is also capitalizing on the growing trend of smaller, more frequent meetings by highlighting its accessible location between Salt Lake City and Provo, competitive pricing compared to larger metros, and family-friendly amenities that support extended stays. Additionally, Orem is leveraging Utah's strong tourism brand and outdoor assets to position itself as an attractive destination for incentive travel and team-building experiences, while continuing to develop its convention infrastructure and culinary scene to meet the evolving expectations of today's business travelers and event planners.

Orem, Utah offers a vibrant arts and culture scene anchored by the SCERA Center for the Arts, a cornerstone institution featuring live theater productions, concerts, and outdoor summer performances that draw audiences from across the region. The city celebrates its creative identity through public art installations, including murals and sculptures that dot the downtown area, reflecting both pioneer heritage and contemporary mountain-west aesthetics. Orem's proximity to Brigham Young University enriches the cultural landscape with world-class performances at the BYU Museum of Art and various campus venues, while local galleries and artisan studios showcase works from Utah's thriving community of painters, potters, and craftspeople.

The city hosts annual cultural events that blend Mormon pioneer traditions with diverse contemporary expressions, and its creative industries benefit from a growing tech sector that supports digital arts, design, and multimedia production. The dramatic Wasatch Mountain backdrop not only inspires local artists but has also cultivated a distinctive outdoor recreation culture that influences everything from photography and landscape painting to outdoor gear design and adventure filmmaking, making Orem a unique intersection of traditional western heritage and modern creative innovation.

Orem, Utah offers a unique culinary heritage that blends pioneer traditions with contemporary Southwestern influences, reflecting the state's Mormon settlement history and diverse cultural evolution. The destination showcases traditional comfort foods like funeral potatoes, fry sauce, and honey-glazed rolls that originated from resourceful early settlers, while modern dining establishments incorporate locally-sourced ingredients from nearby Utah Valley farms and orchards. The area's culinary scene features distinctive elements such as Utah's famous scone bread (a deep-fried dough different from British scones), locally-produced honey products, and cherry specialties celebrating the region's fruit-growing heritage.

Event planners can access authentic Western-style barbecue, farm-to-table restaurants highlighting seasonal mountain produce, and family-friendly establishments that emphasize the community's values of hospitality and generosity. The proximity to Provo and the broader Utah Valley also provides access to an emerging craft food movement, artisanal bakeries, and diverse international cuisines brought by the area's growing multicultural population, offering meeting and event attendees a genuine taste of Utah's evolving food culture.

Orem, Utah offers several notable cultural institutions that showcase the area's artistic and historical heritage. The city is home to the Covey Center for the Arts, a premier venue featuring rotating art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and community cultural events in a beautifully restored historic building. Nearby, the Utah Valley University campus houses the Woodbury Art Museum, which presents diverse collections of regional and contemporary art, along with educational programming.

The SCERA Center for the Arts in neighboring Orem provides additional cultural experiences with its theater productions and art galleries. For those interested in local history, the Orem Heritage Museum offers insights into the city's pioneer past and development. Additionally, event planners can take advantage of Orem's proximity to Provo's museums, including the BYU Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the western United States, featuring impressive collections of American art, and the BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures, which explores global cultural heritage through anthropological exhibits.

Orem, Utah offers stunning natural attractions set against the dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountain Range, with Mount Timpanogos being the most iconic landmark featuring hiking trails, alpine lakes, and breathtaking summit views. The city provides easy access to Provo Canyon, a scenic corridor offering year-round recreational opportunities including rock climbing, fishing, and wildlife viewing along the Provo River. Cascade Springs, located nearby, showcases a series of beautiful limestone pools and waterfalls connected by boardwalk trails through lush vegetation.

Utah Lake, just minutes from Orem, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the western United States, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and bird watching with spectacular mountain vistas. The area also features numerous city parks and the Murdock Canal Trail system, providing accessible green spaces and paths for outdoor activities, while the nearby Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers extensive wilderness areas with diverse ecosystems, making Orem an ideal destination for event planners seeking to combine business gatherings with exceptional natural beauty and outdoor experiences.

Orem, Utah experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, making it an adaptable destination for business events year-round. Summers (June-August) are warm and dry with average temperatures ranging from 75-95°F (24-35°C) and low humidity levels, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor networking events and activities. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer mild, pleasant weather with temperatures between 50-75°F (10-24°C), ideal for conferences and meetings with occasional spring rain showers.

Winters (December-February) are cold with temperatures typically ranging from 20-40°F (-7 to 4°C), featuring moderate snowfall that creates a picturesque mountain backdrop while rarely disrupting business operations in the valley. The destination benefits from over 220 sunny days annually and low humidity throughout the year, with the majority of precipitation occurring during spring months, making Orem a reliable choice for event planning with predictable weather patterns that allow for both indoor and outdoor event components depending on the season.

Orem, Utah experiences distinct seasonal patterns for tourism and business events, with peak activity occurring during two primary periods. Summer months (June-August) see the highest tourism volume, driven by warm weather, outdoor recreation in nearby Wasatch Mountains, and family vacations coinciding with school breaks. The spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) shoulder seasons are particularly attractive for business events and conferences, offering mild temperatures and lower accommodation costs, with many corporate meetings and industry conferences scheduled during these months to avoid extreme weather.

Winter (December-March) brings a secondary peak due to proximity to world-class ski resorts in the surrounding area, though business event activity tends to slow during holiday periods and harsh weather conditions. The destination experiences its slowest period for both tourism and business events during late winter (January-February), excluding ski-related tourism, making this an opportune time for competitive pricing and availability at venues and hotels.

For business events in Orem, Utah, attendees should adopt a business casual to business professional dress code that reflects the city's conservative and professional corporate culture while accounting for the region's climate and local customs. Men typically wear dress slacks or khakis with button-down shirts or polo shirts, adding blazers or suits for more formal events, while women often opt for dress slacks, skirts, or dresses paired with blouses or sweaters, keeping hemlines modest. Due to Utah's semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters, layering is recommended year-round, as indoor venues are typically climate-controlled while outdoor temperatures can vary significantly.

Business attire should be conservative and modest, respecting the predominantly LDS (Latter-day Saint) cultural influence in the area, which means avoiding revealing clothing, excessive jewelry, or overly casual items like shorts or flip-flops. For tech industry events, which are common in Utah's Silicon Slopes region where Orem is located, smart casual attire may be acceptable, though it's best to err on the side of being slightly overdressed. Comfortable, professional footwear is essential, especially if events involve facility tours or extended standing periods, and bringing a light jacket or cardigan is advisable for air-conditioned meeting spaces.

In Orem, Utah, casual attire reflects the area's relaxed mountain-valley lifestyle while being mindful of the conservative cultural atmosphere and variable climate. During warmer months (late spring through early fall), comfortable options include jeans or khakis paired with polo shirts, casual button-downs, or neat t-shirts, along with walking shoes or clean sneakers suitable for exploring the city and nearby outdoor attractions. For cooler months, layering is essential—add sweaters, hoodies, or light jackets to accommodate temperature fluctuations between morning and evening, especially given Orem's proximity to the Wasatch Mountains.

While the dress code is generally informal for most business-casual venues, restaurants, and events, it's advisable to avoid overly revealing clothing, extremely distressed items, or beach-style attire out of respect for local preferences. Business event attendees will find that smart-casual attire—such as neat jeans with blazers or dress pants with collared shirts—strikes the right balance for most professional and social occasions in Orem.

When packing for a business event in Orem, Utah, attendees should prepare for the city's high-altitude climate (approximately 4,800 feet elevation) and variable weather conditions. Essential items include layers of professional business attire that can accommodate temperature fluctuations between day and night, with temperatures varying significantly by season—warm clothing for winter months (November-March) when snow is common, and lighter business casual wear for summer, along with a light jacket for air-conditioned venues and cool evenings. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes for navigating conference venues and potential outdoor networking events, sunscreen and sunglasses for the strong high-altitude sun, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated in Utah's dry climate.

Required documents should include valid photo ID, business cards, meeting confirmations, and any necessary presentation materials or technology like laptops, chargers, and adapters. If your event includes outdoor activities in nearby mountain areas or Utah Valley attractions, pack appropriate casual attire and comfortable footwear. Personal items like any necessary medications, lip balm for dry conditions, and hand lotion are also recommended for comfort during your stay in this mountain-adjacent business destination.

Orem, Utah is generally considered a very safe city with low crime rates and a family-friendly atmosphere. As with most destinations, visitors should exercise normal precautions in areas with less foot traffic during late evening hours, particularly around some commercial zones along State Street where occasional property crimes have been reported. While there are no specific neighborhoods that require avoidance, event planners should note that some older commercial areas on the western edge of the city may appear less maintained but remain relatively safe.

The downtown core, university area near UVU (Utah Valley University), and business districts are well-patrolled and highly suitable for visitors. Overall, Orem maintains its reputation as one of Utah's safest cities, and there are no significant areas that would pose safety concerns for business event attendees, though standard urban awareness is always recommended when traveling at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Orem, Utah offers excellent healthcare facilities that meet international standards, with primary access to Utah Valley Hospital, a major 395-bed regional medical center located in neighboring Provo (just minutes away) that provides comprehensive emergency services, advanced surgical capabilities, and specialized medical care. The facility is part of Intermountain Health, one of the nation's top-ranked healthcare systems known for its quality outcomes and patient safety protocols. Additionally, Orem is served by several urgent care centers and medical clinics that can accommodate international visitors with professional medical staff, modern equipment, and interpretation services available for non-English speakers.

The proximity to multiple hospitals in the Provo-Orem metropolitan area, including timpanogos Regional Hospital in nearby Orem, ensures that event planners and international attendees have reliable access to quality healthcare services meeting rigorous accreditation standards, with facilities equipped to handle everything from routine medical needs to complex emergency situations.

Orem, Utah offers comprehensive language services to support international business events through a network of professional translation and interpretation providers. The city's proximity to several major universities, including Brigham Young University, provides access to a diverse pool of multilingual professionals skilled in various languages, with particular strength in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and other languages commonly spoken by missionaries returning to the area. Local language service providers offer simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, document translation, localization of marketing materials, and multilingual technical support for conferences and corporate events.

Many venues and event facilities in Orem can coordinate with these professional language service providers to ensure seamless communication for international attendees, including equipment rental for interpretation systems and translation of event materials. The city's strong international business community and cultural diversity have fostered a robust infrastructure for language support services, making it well-equipped to host multilingual business events of various sizes.

Orem, Utah has demonstrated strong event performance capabilities through its diverse portfolio of successful gatherings, from business conferences at venues like the Orem Conference Center to community-scale events that consistently draw both regional and national attendees. Recent events have benefited from the city's strategic location along the I-15 corridor in Utah County, providing easy access for participants from across the Wasatch Front metropolitan area. The destination has shown particular strength in hosting technology sector events, reflecting the area's "Silicon Slopes" reputation, as well as sports tournaments and cultural festivals that leverage nearby Utah Valley University's facilities and the city's well-maintained parks and recreation infrastructure.

Post-event surveys typically reflect high satisfaction rates due to Orem's affordable accommodation options, reliable transportation access, professional venue management, and the welcoming atmosphere of this family-friendly community. The economic impact of events in Orem contributes significantly to local hospitality, retail, and service sectors, with attendees often extending their stays to enjoy nearby attractions such as Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Sundance Mountain Resort, thereby amplifying the destination's return on investment for event organizers.

Orem, Utah hosts several significant annual business events that attract professionals and industry leaders throughout the year. The city benefits from its proximity to major venues in the Provo-Orem metropolitan area, including events at Utah Valley University's conference facilities and the UCCU Center. Notable recurring business gatherings include technology and entrepreneurship conferences that leverage Utah's "Silicon Slopes" ecosystem, educational conferences hosted by UVU that draw educators and administrators from across the region, and various industry-specific trade shows and networking events organized by local chambers of commerce and business associations.

The area also hosts annual real estate and development summits, healthcare industry conferences, and small business expos that capitalize on Utah County's robust business community and growing economy. These events typically take place during spring and fall months, offering event planners access to modern facilities, competitive pricing, and easy accessibility via nearby Provo Airport and Interstate 15.

Orem, Utah has successfully hosted numerous business events that have earned high praise from organizers and attendees alike. Event planners consistently highlight the city's strategic location between Salt Lake City and Provo, providing easy accessibility while offering excellent value compared to larger metropolitan areas. The destination has received particular acclaim for its modern conference facilities at venues like Utah Valley Convention Center, complemented by a robust selection of quality hotels and reliable tech infrastructure.

Corporate groups have praised the seamless coordination provided by local tourism staff and the unexpected variety of team-building opportunities, from outdoor adventures in nearby Provo Canyon to innovative experiences at technology companies in the Silicon Slopes corridor. Testimonials frequently emphasize the professionalism of local service providers, the walkability of the downtown area, and the destination's ability to deliver sophisticated business amenities within a welcoming, mountain-backdrop setting. Meeting attendees have specifically noted high satisfaction rates due to the clean, safe environment, diverse dining options, and the refreshing combination of urban convenience and natural beauty that makes Orem an increasingly popular choice for associations, corporate meetings, and regional conferences.

Orem, Utah's featured event of the year is the annual Summerfest celebration, typically held in early June at Scera Park, which draws over 50,000 attendees throughout its multi-day run. This flagship community festival showcases the city's vibrant culture through live entertainment on multiple stages, a popular carnival with rides and games, local food vendors, artisan markets, and a spectacular fireworks display. The event kicks off with a parade along State Street featuring local organizations, businesses, and community groups, setting a festive tone for the weekend.

Additionally, Orem hosts other significant annual events including the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre summer series (June-August) featuring Broadway-style productions in an intimate amphitheater setting, and various cultural celebrations at the SCERA Center for the Arts. These events, combined with Summerfest as the centerpiece, position Orem as an engaging destination for business events, offering planners the opportunity to enhance their programs with authentic local experiences that highlight the city's strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere.

Orem, Utah demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in business events through its partnership with environmentally conscious venues and adoption of eco-friendly practices. The city benefits from Utah's clean energy initiatives and works with local venues that implement green practices such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation systems, and comprehensive recycling and composting programs. Many event facilities in Orem prioritize sustainable catering with locally-sourced ingredients, reduce single-use plastics, and offer digital event materials to minimize waste.

The destination leverages its proximity to natural attractions to promote outdoor and hybrid events that reduce carbon footprints, while several venues pursue or maintain sustainability certifications and green building standards. Orem's commitment extends to encouraging event planners to utilize public transportation options, support local sustainable businesses, and incorporate environmental responsibility into their meeting agendas, aligning with Utah's broader goals for environmental stewardship and making it an attractive choice for organizations prioritizing sustainable event practices.

Orem, Utah demonstrates strong commitment to environmental protection through comprehensive initiatives aimed at preserving its natural surroundings at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. The city maintains robust recycling and waste management programs, including curbside recycling services and special collection events for hazardous materials and electronics. Orem actively works to protect local water quality through storm water management programs and watershed protection efforts, recognizing the importance of Utah Lake and mountain watersheds to the region.

The city has invested in expanding its trail system and green spaces, which not only provides recreation but also helps preserve natural habitats and reduce carbon footprints. Energy efficiency initiatives in public buildings and support for sustainable business practices further demonstrate Orem's dedication to environmental stewardship. Additionally, the city participates in air quality improvement programs, particularly important given Utah's periodic air quality challenges, and promotes water conservation measures essential in the semi-arid climate.

These coordinated efforts reflect Orem's understanding that protecting its natural environment is crucial for maintaining the quality of life for residents and ensuring a sustainable, attractive destination for business events and visitors.

Orem, Utah has strategically invested in sustainable infrastructure that positions the city for long-term growth across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The city has made significant commitments to renewable energy through its participation in regional clean energy initiatives and energy-efficient upgrades to municipal buildings, reducing operational costs while decreasing carbon emissions. Orem has invested heavily in expanding its trail systems and green spaces, including the development of multi-use paths that connect neighborhoods and business districts, promoting active transportation and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors.

The city has modernized its water management infrastructure with smart technologies and conservation programs to ensure resource security in Utah's semi-arid climate. Additionally, Orem has focused on economic sustainability through investments in fiber-optic broadband infrastructure, creating a technology-friendly environment that attracts innovative businesses while supporting the local Utah Valley University partnership for workforce development. The city's commitment to sustainable urban planning includes mixed-use development zones that reduce sprawl, preserve natural landscapes, and create walkable communities that support both local business growth and environmental stewardship, positioning Orem as an attractive destination for business events that align with corporate sustainability values.

Orem, Utah demonstrates strong commitment to local economic and community impact through its strategic support of business events and sustainable development initiatives. The city actively partners with Utah Valley University and local business associations to create networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing events that strengthen the regional economy. Orem's thriving tech corridor, part of the Silicon Slopes ecosystem, benefits from innovation-focused gatherings and conferences that attract investment and talent to the area.

The city prioritizes sustainable growth through its emphasis on mixed-use developments and smart city initiatives that enhance quality of life while supporting business expansion. Local economic development is further bolstered by Orem's investment in infrastructure improvements, small business support programs, and workforce development partnerships that ensure business events contribute meaningfully to community prosperity. The city's convention and meeting facilities are designed to showcase local businesses, with catering preferences given to local vendors and services, thereby ensuring that business tourism dollars circulate within the community and support local employment and entrepreneurship.