The cancellation of South by Southwest will have economic ripple effects for the rest of the year, according to a consulting firm that does an annual economic analysis of the festival and conference.
“It certainly is a shock, and it’s going to be an economic shock,” says Greyhill Advisors partner Ben Loftsgaarden.
Greyhill’s analysis of SXSW 2019 found an economic impact of $355.9 million, including spending by people who earn extra money because of South By.
“That money then gets spent in the economy throughout the course of the year. For example, waitstaff earning extra tips during South by Southwest, that eventually will find its way back into our economy,” he says.
The cancellation will also mean the loss of tax revenue for the city of Austin. Direct bookings by South by Southwest last year alone produced almost $1.7 million in hotel occupancy tax revenue for the city, according to Greyhill. It estimates another $5 million was generated in sales tax.
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