2017 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition a success
February 24, 2017
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) celebrated 35 years of excellence in wildlife art and the sporting life February 17-19 with very positive numbers. Along with a significant increase in advance ticket sales and sold out VIP packages, overall SEWE weekend sales were up 30% from the 2016 event.
SEWE’s mission is to positively impact the local and statewide economies through increased tourism; to showcase the finest wildlife and sporting art available in the world; to invest in and positively influence wildlife and nature education through specialized programming; and to assist in the conservation of wildlife and the environment by creating awareness and supporting designated programs.
With an estimated 43,000+ attendees, SEWE experienced an overall increase in pre-weekend and weekend-of general admission ticket sales and a more than 60% increase in food and beverage sales. Weekend art sales were up 35% from the 2016 event. As an annual, not-for-profit organization, SEWE has less than a week to drive in most of its revenue for the year.
Warm and sunny weather for all three days of the event attributed to the crowds and overall increase in attendance at SEWE’s five venues throughout downtown Charleston. “It was an incredible weekend,” said John Powell, SEWE Executive Director. “The crowds at outdoor venues were historic, artists and buyers from all over the US were here and enjoyed themselves thoroughly, locals and out of towners came in droves to enjoy our exhibitors, artists and live performances. There was a great energy in the city last weekend and I feel like we successfully fulfilled our mission.”
“In addition to benefactors, attendees and sales, SEWE’s long-time corporate partners have been a tremendous source of support,” said Jimmy Huggins, SEWE President and CEO. “We are grateful to them and to the new partners who came on board this year, and know our loyal attendees will support these businesses as they support us.”
photos courtesy of Paul Mulkey Images
Planning for the 2018 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is underway with continued enhancements in artist recruitment and programming. The 36th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition will be held February 16-18, 2018. For more information on participating as an artist, exhibitor, VIP member or corporate partner, visit sewe.com.
