Competition to Boost South Bend Economy
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMore than 400 people from Indiana, Michigan and Illinois are in South Bend this week for a regional round of the Student Advertising Competition. Visit South Bend Mishawaka says the American Advertising Federation event will have a more than $300,000 impact on the local economy.
April 8, 2015
News Release
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – For the second consecutive year, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) will be holding the District 6 National Student Advertising Competition at South Bend’s Century Center. The competition will bring more than 450 attendees from across Indiana, Michigan and Illinois to the area Wednesday, April 8 through Saturday, April 11 with an expected impact of $315,244 on the local economy.
“It is always rewarding to know that a new event for South Bend has been so successful the organizers plan to stay with us for years to come,” says Carolyne Wallace, director of sales for Visit South Bend Mishawaka. “As a bonus, showcasing our city to young adults headed for a career in marketing promises to have a positive long-term impact on tourism in our community.”
The competition is already tentatively planned for a return to South Bend in 2016. Each year a national corporation sponsors the competition, during which student teams prepare marketing strategies for that corporation. This year’s sponsor is Pizza Hut. Various advertising agencies are expected to be on hand searching for “new talent.”
“After 18 years in Chicago and 14 in Detroit, we were thrilled to begin a new long-term relationship in South Bend last year,” says Allison Beggs, AAF District 6 chair and AAF Central Region chair. “Visit South Bend Mishawaka, Century Center, DoubleTree and the entire community did not disappoint and we are well on our way to establishing a new legacy in Northern Indiana.”
The winner of the tournament will then advance to the national competition. Last year’s winning team from the District 6 competition took the top spot at the national competition after their advancement.
All economic impact quantities were calculated using the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Event Impact Calculator. All information is based on local market size and other information specific to St. Joseph County to generate the most accurate numbers possible.
Please contact Carolyne Wallace, director of sales for Visit South Bend Mishawaka, at 574.400.4023 with any additional questions.
Source: Visit South Bend Mishawaka