A recent study by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) revealed that travelers generated more than 1.16 billion trips to domestic locations within the United States in 2004. Of this number, 12% (140 million people) made the trips for either general business reasons or to attend a convention, conference or seminar. With the U.S. Census reporting 20% of the population with one or more listed disabilities (and 5 to 8% of those people with a mobility-related issue), this means that a potential 2.2 million convention attendees may have required mobility assistance at a convention event that year.

As U.S. convention business continues to increase and as the population continues to age, the convention industry is being asked to support the growing needs of this segment of the population. While the statistics may seem somewhat overwhelming to newcomers to the convention industry, this need is being seriously considered and accounted for by forward-thinking industry leaders.

Chicago's McCormick Place, North America's largest convention center, now provides year-round access to a complete list of mobility services for their valued attendees. Through an exclusive partnership with Scootaround Inc., North America's leading mobility solutions provider, McCormick Place now make these services available to all meeting planners for every event that occurs in the 2.2 million square foot facility.

"McCormick Place is a highly progressive convention center and it shows in their acknowledgment and support of their unique attendee needs." said Lee Meagher, Scootaround Inc. President and CEO. "With such a large segment of population requiring mobility services, McCormick Place is leading the way with their support and making a strong statement for the community at large."

Through the assistance of Scootaround Inc.'s Corporate Event Services division and the Chicago-based Open Doors Organization, who facilitate the on-ground service, event planners will have access to Scootaround's "Total Mobility Management" solution -- a comprehensive list of services including scooter and wheelchair rentals, assistive staffing and attendee shuttling for all types of events including conventions, meetings, seminars, and expositions.

"Our services will enhance the experience of attendees that require mobility assistance" said Tim Scott, Vice President of Sale and New Business Development. "We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service and to increase awareness for the needs of our services in the industry ".

Scootaround's Corporate Services team provides their expertise for dozens of events each month ranging in attendance from 1000 to 100,000+ attendees. They also offer the Facilitate rentals program that provides scooters that reside at a facility on a permanent basis with qualified staff to run the rentals program at larger events.

Article by Gerald Adams