Economic Impacts of AAG Conferences∗

Abstract

This paper estimates various economic impacts of the annual conferences of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) on the states in which they have been held, from 1983 to 1994. It uses data on the number of registrants at these conferences, the average expenditures and durations of stay of these individuals, and the sectoral distribution of these expenditures. Input‐output analysis was employed to estimate the indirect and induced impacts on each state or province. Aggregate expenditures ranged from $890,000 (Denver in 1983) to $2.5 million (Toronto in 1990), while the effect on statewide output ranged from $1.64 million to $4.67 million (same cities). On average, state or provincial output increased by $2.86 million, 90.9 jobs were created, and $717,000 in personal income was generated. These impacts have gradually increased over the time period in question.

Academic Jet-Setting in a Time of Climate Destabilization: Ecological Privilege and Professional Geographic Travel

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