AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A new study shows a $315 million impact to the Austin economy during this year’s South by Southwest festival.
Officials say 134,000 people attended at least one SXSW event during the festival, more than tripling the economic impact since 2007. The report compiled by consulting firm Greyhill Advisors shows the impact this year was 44 percent more than it was in 2013, when the impact was estimated at $218 million.
Organizers say they were able to keep better track of how people were spending their money through 150,000 guest passes issued at free shows. They say an additional 239,700 people were attracted by the free events.
This year’s SXSW featured 13 days of industry conferences, a 4-day trade show, 6-night music festival and 9-day film festival. About 2,100 bands performed and 400 movies were screened.