More than 4,500 Jehovah's Witnesses are in Charleston this weekend for their annual district convention at the Charleston Civic Center.
The 2017 Convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses, which brings Jehovah's Witnesses from several churches in West Virginia, southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky, began Friday and runs through the weekend. The convention has been held on and off at the Civic Center for several years.
John Robertson, Charleston Civic Center executive director, said the event is different than many other events held at the Civic Center because entire families attend the convention.
"Usually they're looking for the best, affordable deals," Robertson said. "Charleston can provide that."
Robertson said Charleston, and the Civic Center, is a prime location for the event for several reasons - lower cost hotels, parking in city garages and convenience to downtown.
"While they have a schedule during the day, they're free at night," Robertson said. "They can grab dinner downtown, take their kids to the mall or go to events like Live on the Levee."
While they explore, Robertson said, they spend money at various businesses throughout the city. He estimates that more than half of the people attending the convention also are staying in local hotels.
"They're coming here, and it's new money that otherwise we wouldn't see in the city," Robertson said.
Tim Brady, the Charleston Convention and Visitors' Bureau's vice president of sales and services, said events like the convention make a huge impact on the city's economy. He estimates that visitors will spend about $2.8 million this weekend.
"That estimate is on the conservative side," Brady said.
He said as the families explore the city, they're looking for ways to spend time. Brady said they often take trips downtown, but also will visit other landmarks like the state Capitol and the Clay Center.
"We're really looking to set up a great experience for the people visiting," Brady said.
The convention is just one of 27 being held nationwide this weekend. Nearly 160 conventions are scheduled to be held through September, according to the Jehovah's Witness Convention schedule.
The district convention isn't the only religious event coming to Charleston this summer. The Hearts on Fire Youth Conference, an evangelical Christian conference for middle and high school students, is scheduled for Aug. 18-19 at the Municipal Auditorium.
Brady said the CVB estimates somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 people will be attending that conference.
Reach Ali Schmitz at ali.schmitz@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @SchmitzMedia on Twitter.
