by Peter Panepento
The Erie Bayfront Convention Center has three new conferences booked for 2009, according to VisitErie.
The Erie Kennel Club will play host to the AKC All-Breed Dog Show in January. The show is expected to create 600 room nights at local hotels and bring in about $420,000 to the community.
In June, the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association will bring its annual convention (and about 500 people) to Erie. The estimated economic impact is about $394,000.
Finally, the Celiac Spruce Association’s national convention will bring about 500 people to Erie in late October, 2009. It is also expected to generate about $450,000 in economic activity.
Total tally (according to VisitErie): $843,750.
As always, I plan to keep providing updates on new events as information becomes available.
After more than six years working as a journalist in Erie, I'm now the web editor for the Chronicle of Philanthropy in Washington, D.C., and the publisher of GlobalErie.com. I still maintain close ties to Erie - a community that I care about deeply. I hope this Web site can help inspire a better future for Erie.
Amy Smith
August 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
The Automobile License Plate Collector’s Association? (a/k/a ALPCA)? There’s something for everyone, isn’t there? I’m glad to see the convention center getting some more use!
David L. Anthony
August 6th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
The members of the EKC are extremely excited about their AKC dog show returning to the erie Metro area. The club is over 100 years old and is the eight oldest in the Country. It will be held just prior to the famous Westminster show in NYC and we hope that all we join us for the event. A total of 1,200 dogs are anticipated to attend. Along with them will be owners, handlers, exhibitors and guest. Vendors are welcome to set up at the event as well. A truly unique experience for the City of Erie and Erie County as well. All will benefit from this effort to bring in people from across the Country and show off Erie. Romolo Chocolate is providing some of the prizes for this event, which will be know as “ONE Sweet Show” for two days, Jan 24th and 25th. Please join us.
Jake
August 7th, 2008 at 7:44 am
“600 room nights” is that 200 people? Interesting spin.
It’s great that these are events that likely would not have been at any other facility in Erie, but events from 200-500 people are not gonna be money makers for this facility. The dollar figures are always speculative at best based on a formula thought up by some economist. Can’t imagine people who collect liscense plates are gonna be big spenders, out tearing up the town after picking up that choice 1926 Vermont plate in mint condition. I wonder if I can get the exclusive on pocket protector concession at the Con. Center?