Numbers, Dollars and Sense: Events

• The planning and meetings industry supports 2.5 million jobs. 

• As a result, the industry supports $95.6 billion in salaries. 

• In a 2022 statistic by Markletic, 67% of businesses use virtual events complementary to in-person events after the pandemic.  

• The Greater Gainesville Chamber listed 190 community events in Greater Gainesville in 2022, with a combination of virtual and in-person events.  

• Nearly 40% of event planners state that social media exposure is a key metric of event success, according to EventMB. 

• The Florida Festivals and Events Association currently supports over 700 event industry professional members who collectively represent 5,500 events. 

• From art festivals to music festivals and watermelon festivals, Greater Gainesville had over ten festivals in 2022. 

• Sports are some of the highest-attended events in the world, with the annual Tour de France cycling race. Bringing in an estimated 12 to 15 million spectators over a period of three weeks.  

• Here in Gainesville, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was close to full all season, with an average attendance of 85,435 for the Gators’ first four home games.  

• In 2021 Alachua county generated $630 million in economic impact from spending in wages, salaries and direct visitor spending.  
• According to Americans for the Arts, in Florida, there is consensus when it comes how the arts impact tourism, with about 82% in agreement that the arts attract travelers.  
• According to Visit Gainesville, Alachua County hosts 4200+ entertaining and enriching events and activities each year.  

The variety and range of events include: 

• 1,135 live music performances 
• 540 events in museums and galleries 
• 450 farmers markets and u-picks 
• 440 festivals and events 
• 365 food events 

• 385 sports events 
• 360 events in parks and trails 
• 145 theatre events 
• 80 shopping markets 
• 75 events on the river and springs