Downtown San Jose business owners are welcoming 10,000 software developers to the area for the WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2026, highlighting a broader ongoing struggle to maintain economic momentum between major conventions, according to local reports. While large influxes of visitors provide a temporary financial boost, business owners and city officials report that ordinary weekday traffic continues to lag significantly behind pre-pandemic levels.
The Economic Impact of Tech Conventions in San Jose
Major technology conventions provide a vital source of revenue for downtown establishments. According to the article, restaurant owner Adolfo Gomez noted that large events like the WeAreDevelopers convention bring immediate business, including large groups from artificial intelligence startups. Gomez stated that such events are essential for driving customers through the door at his restaurant, Mezcal.
However, Gomez pointed out that the primary difficulty lies in sustaining business on ordinary days. Since the pandemic, Mezcal has shortened its weekly operating schedule and remains closed on Mondays. Marketing organization Visit San Jose reports that convention center economic impact has grown and is projected to increase by another 10% this year, with hotel room bookings expected to rise further next year.
Shifts in Daily Workforce and Downtown Foot Traffic
The daily rhythm of downtown San Jose has shifted noticeably over recent years. According to Gomez, while evening nightlife remains active, the traditional weekday lunch crowd has not recovered. He noted that office-driven lunch traffic is virtually nonexistent because fewer corporate employees are working from downtown offices in person.
Sead Ahmetović, CEO and co-founder of WeAreDevelopers, stated that San Jose was selected for the organization’s first North American convention because of its prominent role in the technology industry. “You have all the big companies here,” Ahmetović said, according to the article. “I think that San Jose is indeed the capital of Silicon Valley.” Despite this global reputation, Gomez observed that public perception of downtown cleanliness and safety does not always match the reality experienced on the ground.
City Strategies Beyond the Experience Economy
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan acknowledged the economic hurdles facing downtown merchants, emphasizing that the city cannot rely solely on the experience economy to sustain local commerce. According to the article, Mahan stated that the municipal government is pursuing a broader strategy that pairs major convention marketing efforts with initiatives to spur housing development.
Mahan expressed optimism that unlocking new housing options will help revitalize downtown foot traffic by bringing more permanent residents into the urban core. For business owners like Gomez, the ultimate objective is to transform downtown San Jose into a destination that attracts visitors and local patrons consistently throughout the entire week rather than only during major industry summits.
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