The benefits of hosting your city’s largest event COMMUNITY FESTIVALS The benefits of hosting your city’s largest event

About Celebrated 40 Years Hosted By The Chamber ~15,000 Attendees Serve as the tourism bureau ~15,000 Attendees Largest Hastings Event 3 Staff - 150 volunteers Donated Public Works, Parks Public Safety Services ALL AGES EVENT! Full Carnival River Events Ninja Warrior Course BMX Bike Show Music Stage Friday 5 – 11 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 15+ Food Trucks & Beer Tent Arts & Crafts Fair (110 + vendors) Parade Fireworks Events Around Town

But, WHY?

64% Map to reMEMBERSHIP Kyle Sexton GET SOMETHING DONE Community Investors Community Builders Stakeholders, less time than others, political action, tasks not committees Sponsorships, leadership development, groups & volunteer activities, public policy work Large employers, hospitals, universities, municipalities, utilities I N V E S T D Banks, title companies, developers, business law firms, accounting I N V O L E D Business Investor Business Builder Bring the benefit to them, less likely to show up, want business & community promotion, value conscious Most needy, show up, have more time than money, free marketing, volunteer activities Small/home office, sales rep, non-profits, real estate agents Main street businesses, retail, Restaurants, hotels & entertainment 64% GET SOMETHING FROM

Big Impact On Small Business 95% of downtown businesses say Rivertown Days is the best sales weekend of their year. Non-tourism based businesses comment on exposure and revenue opportunities. Lodging is full. Big Impact On Small Business

Financial Gains strong non-dues revenue Beer Tent Revenue Management Fee Reserves - $35,000 30%

Enhances Community Pride Positive Exposure For The Chamber

Maintain Strong Relationships City Staff, Elected Officials, EMT

Is It The Right Fit? Does it align with mission & vision statement and serve your membership? “To lead, promote & advocate for the Hastings area business community to reinforce a strong local economy.” Does it make money? Can you market it to potential members? Willing to give up parts of your program of work? What can you gain from the partnerships created?

One BIG change each year Keep It Fresh One BIG change each year Marketing material Mainstage entertainment New age group activity New partnership Event location