Ann Arbor week-long trade conventions starting August 1 will bring 4,000 visitors and generate a $10 million economic impact.

Mary Kerr of the Ann Arbor Convention & Visitors Bureau said that this event is probably the most significant business over the year.

Ann Arbor’s hotel and restaurant will be very busy as visitors fill the hotel rooms for two straight weeks. This will give the establishments a chance to boost their income for the month of August.

The first group to come to the University of Michigan on August 1-7 is the National Training Institute for the National Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee.

The 20th annual visit from instructor training program of the national plumbing and pipefitting union will be conducting classes at Washtenaw Community College Aug. 8-14.

“Each group will have a tremendous economic impact on local businesses,” Kerr said.

Co-owner of Haab’s Restaurant Mike Kabar cultivated a relationship in the early years with the “UA” – United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry.

Kabat said that 20 years after the UA came to town, some members have already booked Haab’s for the second week of August all the way through 2015.

Kabat said that the business uptick is meaningful. He added, “It you take New Year’s Eve and the Ohio State/University of Michigan football game and Mother’s Day – and put them all together – that’s the plumbers (convention) and we do that seven days in a row.” It is the ongoing relationship for KAbat and his staff that’s important.

“We’ve got guys coming in for 20 years now,” he said. “… It really is like family now with the UA.”

The annual swizzle stick giveaway at Haab’s is the reason why people stop there. They are bought as Christmas gifts. Sticks from previous years can be bought in the store or online.

August is a particularly busy month. Staffs at the Holiday Inn will wear special NJATC shirts and welcome buttons.

Find an Ann Arbor Event in the Directory of Ann Arbor, MI.