Kansas Recreation & Parks Convention Boosts Local Economy

Hutchinson had a significant increase in visitors earlier this month when the KS Recreation & Parks Association hosted their Annual Convention at the Atrium Hotel & Conference Center.  Over 430 attendees and 85 vendors spent February 5-7 meeting, learning and exploring our community.  Visit Hutch worked with local restaurants, venues and vendors to generate an Economic Impact report of the conference. 

Using a third-party calculator through Tourism Economics, Destination Marketing Association International and the KS Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism, it has been determined that Hutchinson saw a direct economic impact of over $270,000 during the two- and half-day convention. 

While in Hutchinson, conference attendees got to experience The Alley, the Hutchinson Sports Arena, Carey Park, touring of our various public art projects and enjoy the local food trucks.  Additionally, attendees were engulfed in our local food culture during the Taste of Hutch event held at the Atrium on Wednesday night.  Local vendors included Jillian’s Grill & Wine Bar, Anchor Inn/Anchor Away, Carriage Crossing, Hickory Stik, PiZaaco’s, Sand Hills Brewing, and Salt City Brewing Company.