Western Montana InBusiness – March 2010 – The Events Economy

Lively events create vibrant communities, increase revenue

Missoula knows how to have a good time.

One could even argue that the Garden City should think about changing its handle to the “Event City” because Missoula has, over the years, become better known for its community gatherings than for the gardens it grows.

To name just a few of our social events: Saturday Farmers Market, the People’s Market, Hempfest, River City Roots Festival, University of Montana’s Homecoming Parade, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Day of the Dead, Brewfest, First Friday Gallery Night, Out to Lunch and the Missoula Marathon.

Then of course, there are all those fall weekends during which Missoula is an elbow-to-elbow party when the Grizzly football team plays at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Obviously, events are great for bringing people together – but are they good for business?

Curiously enough, city leaders and organizations don’t track and don’t know the economic impact of Missoula events.

By BETSY COHEN

Full Publication: http://mtinbusiness.com/inbiz-0310/