The African American Golf Expo & Forum held at the Galt House in Louisville from August 19 to 23, 2023, has left a significant economic footprint on this city which is widely known as the home of boxer Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken and most definitely famous for its bourbon. This four-day business event not only celebrated the rich history of African Americans in the world of golf but also contributed significantly to the local economy. In this article, we will delve into the estimated economic impact of this expo and the various sectors that benefited from it.
Economic Impact Overview
According to a report published by Louisville Tourism, the total direct economic impact of the African American Golf Expo & Forum in 2023 was an impressive $421,959. This figure takes into account the money spent by attendees, exhibitors, and organizers during the event. Conceived by its Founder James Beatty, an Omaha, Nebraska businessman, the African American Golf Expo & Forum attracted a total reported attendance of 420 people including those who attended the free golf clinic and generated substantial income for various sectors, thereby benefiting the local economy.
Taxes Generated
One of the key ways in which the African American Golf Expo & Forum contributed to the local economy was through tax generation. The event led to the generation of taxes at the federal, state (Kentucky), and local (Louisville) levels. Here’s a breakdown of the taxes generated:
- Federal Taxes: $38,057
- State (Kentucky) Sales: $19,780
- State (Kentucky) Income: $993
- State (Kentucky): $4,191
- State (Kentucky) Other: $24,964
- Local (Louisville) Taxes: $418
- Local (Louisville) Property Tax: $2,620
- Local (Louisville) Other: $1,901
- Local (Louisville) Taes: $4,939
Total Taxes Generated = $97,863. These tax revenues provide vital funds for the government, which can be used for various community development and public welfare projects.
Spending by Source
The spending at the African American Golf Expo & Forum was distributed among several sectors, including lodging, transportation, food & beverage, retail, recreation, space rental, and business services. Here’s a breakdown of spending by source:
- Lodging: $188,604
- Attendees, exhibitors, and organizers stayed in local hotels, contributing significantly to the hotel industry.
- Transportation: $50,137
- Expenses related to transportation, including airfare, local transportation, and more, benefited the transportation sector.
- Food & Beverage: $102,756
- Restaurants and catering services experienced a boost in sales as event attendees and participants dined in the city.
- Retail: $18,867
- Local shops and stores benefited from visitors making purchases during their stay.
- Recreation: $13,925
- Attendees had the opportunity to explore and engage in recreational activities, further benefiting the local economy.
- Space Rental: $5,436
- The event venue (Galt House) and other rental spaces saw an increase in business.
- Business Services: $42,230
- Various service providers benefited from the event, including event planning, marketing, and more.
Total Spending = $421,959
Overnight Room Demand
The African American Golf Expo & Forum had a substantial impact on the local hotel industry. A total of 195 room nights were booked, with a peak of 58 rooms booked on a single night. The event’s attendance figures and demand for overnight accommodation underline its significance as a draw for visitors and participants.
The African American Golf Expo & Forum held in 2023 was not just a celebration of the rich history of African Americans in golf but also a significant contributor to the local economy. The event generated substantial tax revenue and boosted various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and food services. Additionally, the increased demand for overnight accommodation highlighted the event’s importance in driving tourism to Louisville. The economic impact of this expo reflects the power of cultural and sports events in creating financial opportunities for communities and businesses.
The Expo is a platform for networking and business growth in the golf industry. This event showcased the significant role of Black entrepreneurs and businesses in the golf sector, offering a unique opportunity for brand exposure and networking with heavy hitters in the industry.
“The EXPO as many have come to call it is the one place in the Golf Industry where people of all colors come together knowing that the schedule, agenda and workshops have been designed with them and their best interests in mind. People of all backgrounds and cultures have come to listen, learn and take valuable information back to their communities. We have impacted almost 1500 people since the EXPO began in 2020. These people have in turn impacted thousands through collaborations, jobs, business opportunities and networking sessions at the EXPO,” said James R Beatty, President, Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, Founder, African American Golf EXPO and Forum
A Showcase of Black Entrepreneurism
The Expo featured a diverse range of businesses and organizations that highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit within the African American golf community. Brands like the African American Golfer’s Digest, Ebony Greens, Harlem America, A Perfect Swing, LPGA, Fore Golf Collection, Renegade Golf, Orca Golf, Golf Pride, Ted Rhodes Foundation, and many others graced the Expo Hall. With a total of 50 exhibitors, the event provided a platform for these businesses to showcase their products and services.
One of the Expo’s major strengths was its ability to bring people together. Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact with leaders and professionals in the golf industry. The intimate and up-close setting allowed for meaningful connections to be made. This setting was ideal for fostering relationships with new businesses and individuals entering the golf arena.
Brand Exposure and Positive Feedback
For both small and large businesses, the Expo offered invaluable brand exposure. This exposure was not limited to the duration of the event but extended beyond it. The positive feedback received during and after the Expo was priceless, as it helped in building a positive reputation for these businesses. Attendees and exhibitors alike benefited from the positive buzz generated by the event.
The Expo was not limited to exhibitions alone; it offered a comprehensive program that included a golf clinic, tournament, workshop sessions, breakout sessions, special luncheons, and an awards reception. These components played a pivotal role in strengthening connections among attendees and exhibitors. The opportunity to engage in golf-related activities, gain knowledge through workshops, and share insights during breakout sessions further enriched the overall experience.
“The African American Golf Expo and Forum is an event I look forward to every year. It gives me an opportunity to connect with and share the A Perfect Swing organization’s mission with industry giants from across the country. As an industry leader, the workshops provide a think tank to explore ways to grow the game in underrepresented areas. The nuggets of innovative wisdom shared and the energy gleaned from the environment refuel my passion level and increase my implementation toolkit.” —Ashaunta A. Epps, CEO/Founder, A Perfect Swing, Inc.
“Since. its inception in 2021, the African American Golf Expo has been a gathering point for people of color to assemble with golf industry leaders to learn how we can directly participate in and impact the $102B industry of golf. Whether you are a player, entrepreneur, head of a foundation, such as myself, or just have a curious interest in how people of color interact in golf, the AAGE is where ideas and information are disseminated. In 2023, the tagline was created, “We Play, We Pay, We Count! Fittingly, this describes the benefits of having the African American Golf Expo.” —Mark N. Lowry, Founder and President, National Golf Player Development Foundation.
“Attending the African American Golf Expo & Forum was a game changer for our newly formed golf apparel brand and its collaborative efforts. AAGEF provided invaluable networking and a gateway to industry touch points never imagined — including access to partner with the LPGA and exhibit at the PGA Show through their “Share Your Story” initiative. Humbly grateful and encouraged to soar.” —Stacey Stewart, Founder. GolfmarieUS/aCouture.
“I found the 3rd African American Golf Expo & Forum to be exhilarating, educational, and inspirational. The break-out sessions were extremely useful. All who participated seemed to be quite excited about the knowledge gained and the comradery.” —Arnett Gill, President Design-Apparel.
The success of the 2023 African American Golf Expo & Forum has set the stage for the 2024 Expo, which is scheduled to take place from August 24 to 27 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The continued growth and success of this event offer an exciting prospect for both the golf industry and the African American entrepreneurial community. As golf continues to diversify and evolve, the Expo plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport.
For more information about the 2024 Expo and to stay updated on developments in the African American golf community, you can visit their website at https://aagolfexpo.com. This event promises to be another valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich history of African Americans in golf while also fostering connections and growth within the industry.
