11/4/03 Trade Shows, Special Events, Statewide Mee
News Release
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - (Nov. 4, 2003)
TRADE SHOWS, SPECIAL EVENTS AND STATEWIDE MEETINGS GIVE ANCHORAGE AN ECONOMIC BOOST IN NOVEMBER
Three large trade shows, more than a dozen statewide meetings and the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout will mean November is a busy month for Alaska's visitor industry. More than 40,000 delegates are expected throughout the month, resulting in an estimated economic impact to Anchorage of $7,196,559.88.
The Shootout alone will bring more than 450 players, coaching staff and families to Anchorage the end of this month. That does not count the number of fans and Alaskans from around the state who come to the city to be a part of the tournament.
"It's important to realize the overall impact sporting events, trade shows and conventions have on Anchorage businesses large and small - not just in the busy summer tourism months," said Bruce Bustamante, president and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB).
Three trade shows - the Alaska State Snowmobile Association annual meeting, Nov. 1 - 2, 2003, at the Egan Civic & Convention Center the Holiday Food & Gift Show, Nov. 7 - 9, 2003, at Sullivan Arena and the Crafts Emporium, Nov. 22 - 23, 2003, at the Egan Center and Alaska Center for the Performing Arts will attract nearly 33,000 people.
The city also will host 13 statewide, one regional and one international convention in November, attracting 7,630 delegates. Some of the larger conventions include the First Alaskans Institute Third Annual Alaska Native Education Summit at the Hilton Anchorage, Nov. 3 - 4, 2003, with 1,200 delegates, the Middle East Studies Association of North America Annual Meeting at the Egan Center Nov. 6 - 9, 2003, with 1,800 delegates and the Prevention Symposium at the Hilton Anchorage Nov. 17 - 19, 2003, with 800 delegates.
ACVB estimates that each delegate who attends a state meeting in Anchorage spends $405.39, national delegates spend $839.53 and those attending a trade show spend $1044.32. The numbers are based on the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau, Convention Income Survey Reports 1995, 1998. The numbers do not include pre- or post-event activities delegates may attend while visiting Anchorage.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau's mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB's marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by hotels. The other half goes the Municipality's general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.anchorage.net.
Erika Biringer, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
ebiringer@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net
Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net
