Los Angeles Hosts Its Largest Medical Meeting

November 24, 2012

The recent American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference (AHA), held Nov. 3-7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, broke a record as the largest medical meeting ever held in the city.

AHA attracted approximately 20,000 cardiovascular medical professionals from five continents and also was the second largest citywide convention overall in Los Angeles.

This year was a record year overall for medical conventions for Los Angeles with four shows, including American Association for Clinical Chemistry, American Academy of Periodontology, American Nurses Association and AHA. 

Together, the shows accounted for approximately 56,000 attendees, 96,000 total room nights and $126 million in estimated economic impact.

“Medical conventions are among the most coveted in the industry and LA is honored to earn the confidence of such an important show as AHA’s Scientific Sessions,” said Mark Liberman, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism). 

He added, “The ongoing developments around the Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles, especially the addition of the J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles and L.A. LIVE, and our position as a major international gateway, are making Los Angeles even more attractive to medical groups of all sizes.”

Fifty percent of AHA attendees at the Los Angeles show were from international destinations and stayed at more than 41 hotels in Los Angeles, including properties in downtown, Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Pasadena and around Los Angeles Airport LAX. 

Events took place at several venues, such as Dodger Stadium, ESPN Zone at L.A. LIVE and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown Los Angeles.

This was the first time that AHA hosted Scientific Sessions in Los Angeles. 

Previously, AHA held its 2011 International Stroke Conference, with 5,000 attendees, in L.A. in February 2011 and has committed to bringing back the International Stroke Conference to the cityin 2016 and 2020.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.