DAYTON — A group of private and public partners are working to draw more convention and conference business to the greater downtown Dayton area by tapping into the community.

The “Host it at Home” campaign hopes to generate event leads from local professionals associations, religious groups and sports/hobby clubs.

“Your organization benefits from low-cost, convenient services at the Dayton Convention Center, and the community benefits from the economic spin-off that visitors bring to the area,” Bart Shaw, director of the Dayton Convention Center said.

Local businesses, associations or individuals interested in learning more about the benefits of holding events in Dayton can visit the “Host it at Home” website.

Shaw said an out-of-town convention visitor will spend an average of $290 during their visit for lodging, food, drink, shopping, entertainment and transportation.

“If even one new group with 100 attendees decides to host its event in Dayton instead of another location, the economic impact for the city is approximately $29,000,” he said.

Visitors generated about $1.7 billion in business activity in Montgomery County in 2007, with tourism generating about $444 million in personal income.

As an example of how one person can make a difference, Shaw cited the national Players Championship Scrabble Tournament that was held at the Dayton Convention Center in 2007.

“This national event attracted more than 500 scrabble players to Dayton for a four-day tournament,” Shaw said.

“Host it at Home” campaign partners include: the city of Dayton, the Dayton Convention Center, the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the Dayton-Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, Crown Plaza Hotel, Think TV and the Oregon District Business Association.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2362 or josmith@DaytonDailyNews.com.