Local Visitors Bureau releases estimates on economic impact from producer postponing 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show
Event slated for February 2-10 at PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in
Harrisburg was officially postponed today by event producer Reed Exhibitions.
Harrisburg, PA – The producers of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, a longstanding tradition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania dating back to 1951, announced today on the show’s Web site that the event was being postponed. See official notice from Reed Exhibitions issued on January 24, 2013 regarding postponement of Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.
Tourism Officials at the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB) have released updated estimates on what the postponement of the state’s largest outdoor sports show means to the region’s economy.
“With an estimated $44 million in direct spending from vendors and attendees alone we calculate the overall impact to be $80 million in losses to our local economy,” said Mary Smith, president of HHRVB. “Losing this particular show is especially devastating to our economy because of its 10 day duration during our shoulder winter season when hotels and local businesses need the business.”
The bureau estimate only factors in the direct and indirect spending for the 1,000 vendors and anticipated 250,000 attendees said Smith. The estimate which only accounts for lodging, dining and daily expenses for this group continues to be conservative without including any lost revenue at the complex from parking, food and beverage sales, and service and rental fees. The bureau did not have details on the lost revenue at the complex but said it could be in the millions considering the number of days and size of this show compared to other shows they have secured for the complex. The estimate also does not include secondary spending on conveniences such as gas and supplies or shopping. Estimates also do not calculate lost hotel tax revenue collected by Dauphin County.
Officials are not commenting on the producer’s postponement decision, nor are they aware at this time what Reed Exhibitions plans are for rescheduling.
“Our relationship with Reed Exhibitions has continued to strengthen and grow over the years and we are hopeful that the show will return,” said Sharon Altland, director of sales for HHRVB. “This is the largest privately produced show at the complex considering the PA Farm Show is a state organized event. Those two traditional events are truly pillars of our January and February tourism business. They are essential to many local businesses that rely on these events to make their first quarter numbers.”
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About the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB)
The Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB) is the official non-profit partnership-based Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) serving Pennsylvania’s Dauphin and Perry counties. This Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) accredited organization is committed to actively marketing the region locally, domestically, and internationally to leisure and business travelers, event organizers, sporting event producers and group tour leaders in order to stimulate the local economy and support tourism-related jobs. For more info go to VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org, or call 877-727-8573.
SIDEBAR:
FAQ
Days: 10
Vendors: 1,000
Attendees: 250,000
Room-Nights: 12,000 room-nights (estimated)
Economic Impact: $80 million in direct & indirect spending by vendors and attendees only.
Number of Hotels: 22 hotels were contracted with room blocks for this event.
Q: How long has this show been in our region?
A: 62 years, started in 1951.
Q: What does this show mean to the region?
A: This show is so significant from an economic impact standpoint because it’s a longer show than usual (10 days) and it is held in our shoulder winter season when hotels need the business.
Q: How is the $80 million a conservative estimate?
A: It is a conservative estimate because it does not factor in venue revenue from parking, food & beverage, service and rental fees. The estimate also does not include the lost room tax revenue collected by Dauphin County or the lost revenue at Harrisburg International Airport or other related facilities and service providers.
Q: What hotels were directly contracted for this event?
A: See attached.
Contacts
Rick Dunlap, Director of PR Communications
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
Cell: 717-884-3328
Scott Miller, Deputy Director, Marketing & PR
Harrisburg International Airport
Office: (717) 948-3900
Pat Kerwin, Executive Director
PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
Office: 717-787-5373
Reed Exhibitions
For media inquiries only – not for vendors or attendees
Main: (888) 276-6860
NOTE: If they need to speak to Reed because they are vendors – they should have their salespersons name and contact info.
