CVB: Group events bringing $26M economic impact in 2021

Last edited 12:16 p.m., May 21, 2021

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is predicting a roughly $26 million economic impact this year from group events after the coronavirus pandemic brought activity to a halt last year, officials with the tourism organization say.

Nearly $13 million is expected to be spent by visitors at more than 40 group events from June through year's end, according to a news release. That adds to $13.6 million during the first five months of the year, according to data provided to Springfield Business Journal by the CVB.

The largest event of the year, in terms of economic impact, was the National Christian HomeSchool Championships in March, according to the CVB. The event brought in an estimated economic impact of $4.8 million.

For the remainder of the year, the largest group event by economic impact is the Gold Wing Road Riders Association's Wing Ding rally in June and July that's expected to generate $2.2 million.

During 2020, CVB officials estimate lost group business due to the pandemic resulted in the city missing out on at least $44 million in spending, according to the release. CVB spokesperson Susan Wade said about 130 group events generated an estimated $34.3 million in 2019 spending.