Kokomo Measures Conference Impact
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau has detailed the economic impact of a recent statewide conference held in the Howard County city. The organization estimates the 2015 Preserving Historic Places conference last month pumped about $50,000 into the local economy. May 19, 2015
News Release
KOKOMO, Ind. (May 18, 2015) – The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau has announced preliminary economic impact numbers from its hosting the 2015 Preserving Historic Places conference from Indiana University, Indiana Landmarks, and the Department of Natural Resources' Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology April 22 through 24.
The conference, hosted in partnership between the Visitors Bureau and the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association, provided preservationists, historians, and architects with three days of sessions led by industry experts and tours of historic places and attractions in Kokomo.
In addition to highlighting the many historic places and attractions in the community, hosting Preserving Historic Places generated economic impact for Kokomo in the form of 183 conference registrations and 196 hotel nights during the conference. Local restaurants, attractions, and retailers also reported an uptick in sales and foot traffic during the 3-day event, particularly those in downtown Kokomo in close proximity to where conference sessions and tours were held.
“Hosting Preserving Historic Places brought 183 conference attendees to the community, many of whom had never been to Kokomo previously,” says Visitors Bureau Board President Kirk Daniels. “Beyond showcasing the excellent tourism and hospitality service we offer here, the successful execution of this event has truly shown that we have an alliance of community organizations working together to stimulate economic development in Kokomo and Howard County. The partnership between the Visitors Bureau and the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, in conjunction with city and county government, strengthens our ability to bring new events, conferences, and economic dollars to our community.”
The exemplary service and welcoming environment in Kokomo was not lost on conference attendees, including Associate Director of Indiana University Conferences' Drew Norris: “The Visitors Bureau and Downtown Association became integral partners in the process, not just service providers. Preserving Historic Places has convened its annual meeting in communities across the state, but the service provided by Kokomo has 'raised the bar.'”
About the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau strives to attract corporate and public tourism to Kokomo and Howard County through the promotion of the area's many attractions, amenities, and historical significance. The Visitors Bureau facilitates group visits, festivals and events, corporate meetings, sports tournaments, and personal visits for individuals and families, while also providing programs and information to engage current residents. The Visitors Bureau is a division of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. To learn more, visit www.VisitKokomo.org.
Source: The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau