Minnesota's Logging Equipment Show: An Evaluation and Economic Impacts

Abstract

Abstract Logging and sawmill equipment shows are held in many states to view and compare new machinery. After 30 years of such a show in Minnesota its sponsors sampled the more than 2000 attendees and 80 equipment exhibitors to characterize the people involved and to measure the 1984 event's local economic impacts. Nearly 40% of attendees were loggers, 30% spectators, and less than 10% each sawmillers or foresters. Viewing logging equipment and observing live loading competition were the top reasons cited for attendance. Direct mail was the most effective promotional technique. The average attendee spent about $60 to attend the show, while equipment exhibitors averaged nearly $860 per exhibit. Total expenditures related to the show were nearly $190,000, about 62% of which was spent by attendees. Considering the economic multiplier effect, the ultimate impact of the show on the local economy was more than a quarter of a million dollars. North. J. Appl. For. 3:163-166, Dec. 1986