"From San Francisco to Boston, from Chicago to New Orleans, our nation's major cities have sustained a boom in the development of convention centers over the last two decades which is nothing less than remarkable," writes industry observer Heywood Sanders.

People differ as to whether this activity is worthwhile or not, some saying projections of lucrative convention business coming to town in many of these cities has not come to pass.

In Salt Lake City's case, however, the numbers indicate that — financially, at least — convention space expansion is worth it. Organizers of the Outdoor Retailer trade show, an event that pumps $32 million into the local economy each year, this week announced that they plan to stay in Salt Lake City for the next five years, due primarily to the current Salt Palace expansion plans.

Five years of the Outdoor Retailer show adds up to $160 million, easily paying the cost of the $52 million expansion. Plus, that's not taking into account the $40 million per year of additional convention business planners estimate Salt Lake City will generate with a roomier Salt Palace.

"It's a clean industry," Binger said. "It creates jobs, and there is a huge return on investment."

Local officials have been mulling over another Salt Palace expansion for some time, though it took the Outdoor Retailer's threat to leave because of space constraints to make it happen.

The Salt Palace, while still among the also-rans when it comes to total convention space (Las Vegas, the heavy-hitter in this area, has millions of square feet), does enjoy a significant advantage: It still has room to grow, unlike other convention centers that are landlocked.

And, yes, the Schwarzeneggerian convention center plans to keep hitting the gym.

"Is an additional expansion likely?" Binger said. "Yes, I think so."

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E-mail: aedwards@desnews.com