Mayor Haslam, Mayor Ragsdale and officials with the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation (KTSC), announced that the American Quilter's Society (AQS) had signed a contract to bring its International Convention to Knoxville for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The convention will bring approximately 10,000+ visitors to Knoxville over the course of the four-day event which equates to representatives from more than 45 states and 15 countries. Additionally, officials with the KTSC project the convention will produce an economic impact of approximately $14.4+ million per year.
During a site visit to Knoxville in November 2007, AQS event planners toured various Knoxville venues, but the KCC's convenient downtown location, functional meeting space and overall appeal made it the resounding choice as the site for the AQS convention.
"Knoxville as three aces in its back pocket," said Gloria Ray, KTSC President and CEO. "The Knoxville Convention Center's amenities, combined with the area's accommodations, and our city's reputation as being genuinely hospitable to our visitors made the American Quilter's Society's decision to choose Knoxville as its convention's host city an easy choice," said Ray. "Knoxville and its convention center made a perfect fit for the AQS Quilt Expo," said Meredith Schroeder, AQS President. "Plus, Knoxville's convenient air and highway access made it the right choice for the thousands of quilters who travel from across the United States and around the world to attend the event," said Schroeder.
"We think Knoxville has a lot to offer visitors," said City of Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. "We have an inviting and historic downtown and we believe AQS convention attendees will enjoy exploring the great entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities across the city," said Haslam.
Over the course of the event, AQS convention attendees can participate in lectures, classes and contests appealing to the needlework enthusiast. More than 300 booths will be available for event attendees to patron.
According to Schroeder, the AQS is a dynamic membership organization with goals firmly set in future growth of the American quilting community. With members from all states and territories of the United States and 80 foreign countries, AQS has established itself as a voice within in the quilting community.
In addition to hosting many events and awarding talented quilters, the AQS also produces a bi-monthly magazine, American Quilter, which features quilting design tips, techniques, biographies, quilt history, photos of award-winning quilts and distinctive patterns.