City Ponders Ways to Attract More Major Events, Boost Tourism -Tourism Commission

Exploring Opportunities for Major Events

With a vision to attract a larger number of visitors and enable a significant surge in economic activities, the Tourism Commission has proposed the city to explore new possibilities for hosting more major events. Areas identified as potential avenues for enhancement include greater accessibility to significant gathering spots in the city center, more flexibility regarding street closures to accommodate vast productions, and innovative strategies to meet the hosting requirements of pre-eminent companies planning to invest considerable amounts in the local economy.

Testimonials from Local Event Organizers

In their recent meeting, the commission invited Mr. Ben Blocker, Director of Events with a local event and festival producer, to offer insights from his vast experience in organizing large-scale events in various prime cities across the United States. According to Blocker, local authorities elsewhere tend to be more forthcoming and supportive in facilitating such events. He highlighted the issues faced during the recent CMT Music Awards event, which had to cancel some of its activities owing to difficulties in obtaining permission for road closures and police security, both mandated by the city.

Challenges and Potential Resolutions

Blocker pointed out the rapid urban development and construction within the city that is replacing many downtown parking spaces, which were traditionally used to host city events, with commercial or residential buildings. As a consequence, the critical requirement is for the city to come up with plausible solutions for hosting more events at alternative locations such as Auditorium Shores. Nonetheless, this would necessitate the cooperative involvement of multiple city departments.

He also emphasized the importance of reasonable pricing and simplified procedures for acquiring necessary permissions, comparing complications in this process to “climbing a mountain”.

Enhancing City’s Appeal for Major Events

Commissioner Ed Bailey voiced his belief in the utility of Blocker’s statements for restructuring the negotiation processes of the city and the Austin Convention Center with respect to major conventions and events. The goal, he stated, is to enhance Austin’s appeal against other large urban competitors.

Bailey drew attention to the strategic negotiations that convention organizers undertake with potential host cities, compelling these cities to outbid each other until the organizers obtain all requirements. He believes this is a critical aspect, especially with the impending expansion of the convention center, and underlined the difficulties experienced to get large-scale conferences to choose Austin.

Maximizing Economic Gains from Major Events

Commission Chairperson Daniel Ronan suggested that the city consider developing strategies to minimize the costs and timeline for producing large events. This initiative could attract more business for local hotels and generate higher Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue.

Recognizing the fact that all leading cities are veering in this direction to promote their economy, he said, “Every city is doing this across the country, so the ways that we can make it easier is something to think about and reflect upon as we interlay topics in tourism.”