Nearly $100 Million Expected From Music Conference and Festival

Austin's South by Southwest music conference and festival is expected to bring nearly $100 million to the city -- more than double last year's amount.

1 minute read

March 2, 2008, 11:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"'Cities that are fun are going to do better economically,' Wynn said, highlighting SXSW's blend of trade show, professional conclave and entertainment provider."

"'There's no other event like it in the United States,' said Angelou Economics chief executive Angelos Angelou."

"Angelou said that in addition to the $95 million in direct revenue, SXSW generated media attention worth $12.8 million."

"Angelou's estimate is more than double the $43.5 million impact estimate from the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau."

"According to the Angelou report, attendees for the March 7-16 events included 21,000 badge holders, 7,300 musicians and 7,600 wristband holders, or nearly 36,000 people. In addition, the report factored in the impact of 87,000 attendees who bought individual tickets or spent money at music showcases, film screenings, the Town Lake Stage free concerts, the Flatstock poster convention and the Screenburn video arcade."

"More than 1,700 bands are expected at this year's SXSW music festival compared with about 1,500 in 2007."

Thursday, February 28, 2008 in Austin American Statesman

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Silhouette of man holding on to back of bicycle ridden by woman with Eiffel Tower in background.

Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution

The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.

7 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

Multifamily housing under construction.

Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas

Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.

7 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Western coyote looking at camera in grassy field.

San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes

San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.

April 14 - Fox 5