November 10, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
There was an outstanding success for the Inaugural African American Golf EXPO & Forum and it is evident in a post-event report received by this publication. Held, August 21-24 at the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center in Maretta, GA, the EXPO attracted 450 attendees, 41 exhibitors/sponsors and some 40 panelists, according to the details of the document.
“The breakdown of groups/events were assigned an economic multiplier of 2.6 which is the factor used in the 2018 study conducted by Oxford Economics for the Events Industry Council to determine an event’s overall economic impact,” said James Beatty, AAGE&F Founder and President of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures. “This means that for each $1.00 in direct meeting spending an additional $1.60 in indirect and induced expenditures is generated in the nationwide economy. Therefore, the estimated economic impact of the EXPO was $689,000.”
The report showed total spending related to the 4-day, public event is estimated at $265,000. This figure includes hotel, travel, food, beverage, entertainment, and direct conference costs spent by attendees, exhibitors and organizers.
The mission of the EXPO is to promote the game, the business, the industry, the careers and the opportunities in golf to African Americans and to grow the game. Beatty was focused on a specific list of objectives: To promote economic growth, diversity and inclusion in golf for this niche market of consumers and other underrepresented groups. Provide a friendly and welcoming environment for golf industry leaders to develop relationships with African Americans and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, community programmers, and golf enthusiasts. Help grow golf and the industry by featuring subject matter experts in learning forums, seminars and networking opportunities. Provide funding to grassroots organizations involved in teaching and promoting golf to the African American community.
This success was achieved in spite of the many preparatory challenges faced by the first-time event, including location logistics, hurricane Ida, and COVID-19.
Preparations for the 2022 AAGE&F have begun and the location and dates are scheduled to be announced around January 2022. Stay informed by visiting https://aagolfexpo.com
