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

2. About Celebrated 40 Years Hosted By The Chamber ~15,000 Attendees
Serve as the tourism bureau
~15,000 Attendees
Largest Hastings Event
3 Staff 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

3. But, WHY?

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. Enhances Community Pride Positive Exposure For The Chamber

8. Maintain Strong Relationships
City Staff, Elected Officials, EMT

9. 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?

10. 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