Ann Arbor’s meetings and events sector saw a major economic boost in 2024, thanks to three national union training programs hosted annually in Washtenaw County. According to a study by Future Partners, an independent research firm based in San Francisco, the programs collectively generated $23 million in total economic impact—anchored by nearly $18 million in direct visitor spending.
The featured programs include the Annual Instructor Training Program of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada; the Annual Instructor Training Program of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers; and the National Training Institute of the Electrical Training Alliance.
Hosted at Washtenaw Community College, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Michigan, the one-week events bring thousands of skilled trades professionals from across the U.S. and Canada. The influx of visitors filled more than 20,000 hotel room nights, supported 180 local jobs, and generated more than $790,000 in tax revenue total.
“This economic impact study reaffirms the immense value these training programs bring to our community,” says Sarah Miller, president and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, in a prepared statement. “Not only do these programs create jobs and drive visitor spending, but they also strengthen our reputation as a hub for skilled workforce development while providing lasting benefits to the local economy.”
The long-standing relationships between the unions and local institutions have made Ann Arbor a preferred destination for these training events. Union leaders cited the area’s state-of-the-art facilities, community hospitality, and reliable partnerships with Destination Ann Arbor as key reasons for returning year after year.
