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The sound of phones ringing means money in the bank for Hilton general manager Tony Tam.

"On a typical night we're not always booked, but we are fairly busy during the week with conferences.  WIth this particular conference, we're booked to capacity," said Tam.

Tam isn't the only business that's seeing an increase in foot traffic this week.  More than a thousand attendees for the hydrogen conference need places to dine, shop and sleep.

One of those restaurants includes the Blue Marlin.

General manager Brian Dukes agrees that his foot traffic has increased.

"I hope our southern hospitality shines through and people who are vendors at the conference like Columbia and the people who work at USC.  I hope they decide to build their headquarters here," said Dukes.

Both Dukes and Tam know the economy is tough and say the conference couldn't come at a better time.

"Groups like this is not only good for our business, but good for the whole area.  Not only the dollar amount is good, but what they have to offer as well," said Tam.

Tam says the Hilton garage, which can fit 820 cars is full for Wednesday night.

Those cars, mainly hydrogen powered and possibly the wave of the future.