Final figures released July 22 by Indiana Black Expo revealed a five percent increase in attendance during the 41st Summer Celebration held recently in Indianapolis.
Indiana Black Expo President & CEO Tanya Bell reported that 241,727 attended this year’s event. The official count for 2010 was 229,376.
“We are extremely gratified by the outcome, even though we will constantly strive to push participation toward that lofty goal of 300,000,” Bell commented. “It is encouraging that an increasing number of individuals are making Indianapolis a destination for this event in spite of challenging economic times,” Bell added.
Bell also announced an increase in corporate sponsorship in 2011, topping $1.4 million. The surge was led by presenting sponsor, the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency. Major sponsors that signed on for multi-year commitments in 2011 include ITPC, Indiana University, Purdue University, and Crown Hill Cemetery. Novo Nordisk, a sponsor that came on board with IBE for Summer Celebration in 2010 at $50,000, increased its sponsorship in 2011 to $125,000.
“The effect of these partnerships is the assurance that Summer Celebration has solid footing as we build on the future,” said John Thompson, chairman of the IBE Board of Directors. “The public enthusiasm for the event combined with the sound fiscal status enjoyed bode well for IBE as we begin planning for 2012.”
Bell acknowledged that while corporate presence in the exhibit hall was visibly increased, there is a need to develop new strategies to attract more retail exhibitors. “Obviously the economy is an adverse influence,” added Bell. “Still, we are determined to develop and implement creative ways to make the event more accessible to small businesses and specialty vendors. This is consistent with the mission of IBE and purpose of Summer Celebration.”
There was some trepidation that adversity experienced in 2010 might detract from the crowd at this year’s Summer Celebration events. That wasn’t the case.
“When you consider some of the hurdles faced this year,” says Thompson, “we can be proud of the outcome. The success of the event belongs not only to IBE staff and volunteers, but to the collaboration of the ministerial, civic and corporate communities that banded together to make it work; as well as Mayor Gregory Ballard and local and state law enforcement for putting together an effective safety plan.”
