By Nikki Courtney
Apr 29, 2021
The past year has been brutal for the Houston hotel industry. Normal occupancy in April is around 66%. Early last April it hit a low point of 22%, and has staged a comeback of around 60% as of last weekend.
The leisure industry is a top 5 employer in the city, and those service jobs were among those most dramatically impacted when hotels, restaurants and amusements were forced to close a year ago. More than 70% of jobs vanished quickly.
But a corner has been turned and in a vaccinated world the future is looking bright with the return of many large conventions headed for the George R. Brown.
Katie Fyfe | The Journal Gazette
Blush Bridal & Beauty Boutique holds a fashion show Sunday during the 14th annual Bridal Extravaganza at Grand Wayne Convention Center. Previous Next
Monday, April 26, 2021 1:00 am
Brides-to-be drawn to expo
ASHLEY SLOBODA | The Journal Gazette
Julie Helmkamp visited her downtown Fort Wayne wedding reception venue Sunday to tie up loose ends for her August ceremony. Other brides-to-be had similar ideas.
After all, Grand Wayne Convention Center was a one-stop shop with the 14th annual Bridal Extravaganza presented by Fort Wayne Newspapers and sponsored by Vera Bradley.
As in previous years, the event included a fashion show and rows of wedding professionals specializing in areas including entertainment, formal wear, photography and travel. Brides browsed the booths, sampled catering options and chatted with vendors.
Springfield s Original Bridal Show! wymg.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wymg.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
What you should do in Houston this weekend, March 19-21
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7:30 p.m. | March 26 | Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra | Tickets: $12
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | March 27-28 | Independence Park | Tickets: $10
Bud Light and Outlaw Nation present the 2021 Pearland Houston Music & Arts Festival featuring live music, concerts, a classic car show, and dozens of attractions. The Taste of Texas Food Garden will also be on hand featuring delicious cuisine and cold domestic and craft beers. When the work is outside, there s sun and wind and the unpredictable happens, so it s like you re creating this moment it time, Hayes said of her landscape art installationsRachel Hayes
This weekend, one of the most anticipated events in our area will be going on in-person.
The Bridal Extravaganza s organizers said they have specific safety measures in place, which are outlined on its webpage.
Meanwhile, the event manager for Houston First Corporation, the group that works to recruit large meetings and conventions to Houston, issued the following statement: Houston First s number one priority is the safety of its staff and participants at any event taking place at the facilities we manage. The Bridal Extravaganza event scheduled to take place at the GRB, January 9-10, 2021 has met all safety protocols established by Houston public health officials, including City Health Director, Dr. David Persse. The event organizer has modified its procedures to make sure the event is as safe as possible for its staff and attendees. The organizer is available to provide specific details on these modified procedures at this year s event. Additionally, Houston First Corp. (HFC)