A Framework for Assessing “tangible” and “intangible” Impacts of Events and Conventions

Abstract

Governments are often asked to provide financial support for special events and conventions to be held within particular destinations. The major problem is: what degree of support, if any, is warranted? The answer to this question varies according to the perceived public benefits and costs associated with the event. Clearly, there is needed some framework of analysis that can be used to help determine which events should be supported, and to what extent, and which should not be supported with public funds. In late 1998 Tourism New South Wales commissioned the development of a framework for assessing the economic impacts of events and conventions (exhibitions, conferences) by type and by location. This framework was expected to serve as a device for discerning trends in economic impacts of events and conventions, and also serve as a guide to projecting the likely economic impacts of future events and conventions by type and by location. The focus of this article is on the usefulness of the framework for assessing the impacts of events and conventions. First, the aims of the project undertaken for Tourism New South Wales are specified, and the method outlined. Second, the framework that was developed for assessing the economic and other impacts of events and conventions is presented and discussed.

Estimating the Economic Impact of Convention and Exhibition Businesses, Using a Regional Input–Output Model: A Case Study of the Daejeon Convention Center in South Korea

“…In particular, researchers have emphasized the role of conventions and exhibitions from the perspective of economic value drivers (Braun, 1992;Dwyer et al, 2000;Kim & Chon, 2009;Kim et al, 2003;Lee, 2006;Mistilis & Dwyer, 1999;Rutherford & Kreck, 1994). Kim et al (2003) explained why the convention and exhibition industry produces great economic benefits through the travel patterns of convention and exhibition participants.…”

“…In particular, an I-O model has been widely employed in economic impact studies (Dwyer et al, 2000;Kim & Chon, 2009;Kim et al, 2003;Lee, 2006;Mistilis & Dwyer, 1999;Rutherford & Kreck, 1994). The fundamental concept of an I -O model is that the amount of products and services produced by a given sector in the economy is determined by the total amount of products and services that are purchased by all users of the products and services (Leontief, 1936).…”

“…Each year millions of people around the world attend conventions and exhibitions, delivering associated social, cultural, and economic benefits to host destinations (Barbieri, Mahoney, & Palmer, 2008;Dwyer, Mellor, Mistilis, & Mules, 2000;Kotler, 2002;Mistilis & Dwyer, 1999). Of the many positive impacts, none is more important than the regional and national economic benefits of these events.…”

“…Accurately estimating the economic impact of conventions and exhibitions on local and national economies is crucial for policy-makers and government authorities as they decide to maintain and further develop the convention and exhibition industry. Also, the extent to which the economic benefits of conventions and exhibitions are distributed throughout the region or nation has been a focus of concern for many researchers (Dwyer et al, 2000;Kim & Chon, 2009;Kim, Chon, & Chung, 2003;Lee, 2006;Mistilis & Dwyer, 1999;Rutherford & Kreck, 1994).…”

Public Sector Support for Special Events

“…Events can also result in associated social and cultural benefits to a destination, providing forums for continuing education and training, facilitating technology transfer, etc. On the other hand, events are recognized to generate adverse environmental impacts such as various forms of pollution and adverse social impacts such as disruption to local business and community backlash [Dwyer et al 2000]. …”