T.D. Jakes’ MegaFest expected to be largest Dallas convention in 2013
http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/t-d-jakes-megafest-expected-to-be-largest-dallas-convention-in-2013.html/
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The three-day event, scheduled for August, will bring in an estimated $41 million in direct spending at hotels, restaurants and other venues in North Texas, according to the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The agency lobbied for years to bring MegaFest “home” to Dallas, which also is home to Jakes’ Potter’s House mega-church.
It will be the first time the event has been held in Dallas, following stints in Atlanta and South Africa.
At least 10 percent of the attendees come from outside of the continental U.S., Jakes told a news conference for the official announcement. Convention bureau officials had announced the convention in October.
Of the estimated $41.06 million in spending, about $13.46 million is expected in food and drink sales, with another $11.58 million expected to be spent on entertainment and shopping.
Spending for transportation, 22,000 hotel rooms and other items make up the balance.
The event, which includes programs for men, women, children and a possible film festival, is expected to use all of the Dallas Convention Center and the American Airlines Center.
The Dallas convention bureau will chip in $600,000 to help offset the estimated $10 million cost of hosting the event.
