Jehovah’s Witness Convention Not Returning to Tri-Cities Anytime Soon

Reports indicate it has nothing to do with the facility, service or other negative issues.

While the 2014 convention schedule has not been formally released,  officials with the Jehovah's Witnesses convention organizing branch have reportedly told Tri-Cities officials they won't have their annual gatherings here next summer.

Officials with the faith indicate they are considering downsizing the number of gatherings next year, possibly by half, and that could affect their gathering at the Toyota Center. Business and tourism officials say the Witnesses have been very happy with all aspects of their conventions held in Kennewick, but the downsizing could keep them from coming.

This year, some 16,000 total attendees came to the Toyota Center, and annually, they bring in nearly $8.5 million to the economy. Some reports indicate they have already decided Tri-Cities won't be one of the stops next year, however, organizers at the event last weekend said their 2014 plans have not been finalized.