Religious Market Uplifts More Than Spirits in the City With Soul

The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. convened in Jackson, Mississippi to hold their 116th Congress of Christian Education Annual Session from June 20-24, 2022 at the Jackson Convention Complex, the Mississippi Trade Mart, the Hilton Jackson and The Westin Jackson.

While educating themselves to significantly impact each community the delegates represent, the convention uplifted more than spirits in the city of Jackson and surrounding communities. The event garnered an estimated economic impact of nearly 3 million dollars with almost 4000 national delegates in Mississippi’s capital city.

During fiscal year 2022, Visit Jackson and its industry partners have booked meetings resulting in over 6 million dollars in estimated economic impact for Jackson, Mississippi.

“Visit Jackson works to identify peak market segments when recruiting conventions and meetings for the capital city,” said Dr. Rickey Thigpen, President & CEO of Visit Jackson. “The religious meetings market continues to be one of our city's strongest markets, resulting in consistent growth opportunities.”

The influence of resident local ministerial leadership who hold state, regional and national positions, has been a critical component in increased meetings. The increased number of sessions and conferences is is due to their influence on meeting destination decisions.

Spiritual champions like Dr. Jerry Young, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Reginald Buckley, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of MS, Inc., Iris Barnes, MS Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction COGIC, and Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, African American Episcopal Church are examples of local ministers responsible for securing these impactful meetings.

About Planning a Religious Meeting
Jackson affords meeting planners the ability to offer your delegates a host of options through our rich musical heritage, cultural offerings, culinary delights and sporting events, not to mention our friendly people and culinary charm. A growing number of meeting planners looking for state-of-the-art facilities find Jackson full of exceptional service and superb venues while lowering your bottom line.

Contact Sherri Ratliff, Senior Tourism & Convention Sales Manager, to plan your religious conference or meeting, at sratliff@visitjackson.com. She will assist you in discovering an authentic setting for your meetings in Jackson, Mississippi, the City With Soul.