Increased sales, attendance at 2019 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
February 25, 2019
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is reporting positive preliminary numbers after hosting its 37th annual event to promote wildlife and nature conservation. The not-for-profit event is held yearly during President’s Day weekend and spans across five official downtown Charleston venues. Ancillary partner events are also held on and off the peninsula throughout the weekend. Along with a significant increase in advance ticket sales and a sold out VIP program, overall sales for the three-day event surpassed the 2018 record-breaking Exposition.
SEWE’s mission is to invest in and positively influence wildlife and nature conservation through specialized educational programming; to assist in the conservation of wildlife and the environment by creating awareness and supporting designated programs; to positively impact the local and statewide economies through increased tourism; and to showcase the finest wildlife and sporting art available in the world. The annual event is now considered the premier wildlife art event in the country.
Reports indicate that 2019 numbers are up across the board, surpassing last year’s record-high attendance and sales. With an estimated 45,000+ attendees, SEWE experienced a 5 percent increase in advanced online and weekend ticket sales, 30 percent increase in food and beverage sales and a 6 percent increase in weekend art sales. Event organizers expect residual art sales to continue over the next few weeks.
SEWE measures its success through its sales and attendance as well as its partners’ sales numbers and performance during the weekend.
“Our retail, restaurant and hotel partners reported seeing an increase in patrons, especially those from outside the Southeast, who were also first-time visitors,” said John Powell, SEWE Executive Director. “We also measure success with our partner conservation organizations… Audubon South Carolina held its first fundraiser during SEWE weekend with great, sellout success, Ducks Unlimited held a very profitable auction, and SC Waterfowl Association had a record event. Copley Fine Art Auctions also had a record Winter sale. This all due to SEWE being held in Charleston,” Powell added.
As a not-for-profit organization centered around one annual event, SEWE has less than one week to drive in most of its revenue for the entire year.
“This has been a remarkable year, both in attendance and sales. We could not be happier with the support we have received from the public and our event sponsors, and are pleased to successfully kick-off the tourism season for the City of Charleston, and its merchants, hotels and restaurants. If this is any indicator, the tourism industry should have a great 2019,” added SEWE President and CEO, Jimmy Huggins.
Planning for the 2020 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is already underway with continued enhancements in artist recruitment, programming and on-site experiences for attendees. The 38th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition will be held February 14-16, 2020. For more information on participating as an artist, exhibitor, VIP member or corporate partner, visit sewe.com.
SEWE 2019 imagery available for download HERE. Request more or send questions via email to Mary Roberts.
