BOSTON – The convention business is booming in Boston, with more events scheduled over the next three years than ever before, according to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center are nearly sold out through 2012, with 139 trade shows and conventions expected to generate 1.7 million hotel room nights – defined as one room occupied one night –and $1.25 billion in overall economic impact.

This demand further demonstrates the need to expand the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, said James Rooney, executive director of the convention center authority. The state wants to double the size of the center to a million square feet, a project that could top $1 billion. The 25-member committee considering the expansion recently held its first meeting.

“I expected Boston to be a winner in the convention and meetings industry,’’ Rooney said. “I did not expect it to happen as quickly or as dramatically as it has.’’

For the full story, see http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/01/28/more_events_heading_to_hub