LOUISVILLE — When Peter Rosenstein started looking for a place to hold a 4,000-delegate convention, he wanted a facility with certain amenities.

        That's why he chose the newly expanded Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville for a 2005 convention over centers in Charlotte, N.C., Salt Lake City and Pittsburgh.

        “It has everything a group our size needs,” said Mr. Rosenstein, executive director for the National Association for Gifted Children. “Its meeting space is superb. It's architecturally beautiful. The staff was incredibly helpful.”

        Since its $72 million renovation and expansion, the center has drawn 46 more conventions through 2006 than the old Commonwealth Convention Center could have accommodated. That means it is on track to pay for itself within seven years in economic spinoff.

        The additional conventions will generate $102 million in spending on hotels, transportation, entertainment, food and other items, according to the Kentucky State Fair Board, which runs the center.

        In its first year, the center had 1,089 events, including corporate functions and receptions, drawing 288,000 people. In 1999, it drew 648 events with 216,000 people.

        This year, officials project 1,300 events will bring 325,000 people to Louisville for conventions.

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