EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH'S YEARLY ECONOMIC IMPACT MORE THAN $110 MILLION

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Dec. 23, 2008) - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's largest annual fly-in gathering and one of Wisconsin's largest annual public events, brings an estimated $110 million economic impact to Oshkosh-area counties each year, according to a new University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh study of the event.

The UW-Oshkosh Center for Community Partnerships conducted the independent study during EAA AirVenture 2008, which took place July 28-August 3. Visitors surveyed included attendees from every U.S. state and 15 other nations. They were asked about their length of stay, daily spending, overall impressions of the event and other demographic information.

The study also indicated that the direct economic impact was $84 million, with $26 million in multiplier or "ripple" effects in secondary spending and job creation. More than 1,700 jobs were supported by the annual EAA fly-in, which in 2008 drew an estimated attendance of 540,000 and welcomed more than 10,000 aircraft to the region. AirVenture also generated nearly $39 million in labor income in the region, which included Winnebago, Outagamie and Fond du Lac counties.

"EAA AirVenture is certainly 'The World's Aviation Celebration' for the flying community, but this study also confirms the economic powerhouse this event is for the Oshkosh area and the state of Wisconsin," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "When the world comes to Oshkosh each year, the entire region wins - not only through unmatched visibility, but through revenue and jobs that directly help families and businesses throughout the region."

The UW-Oshkosh study also indicated that 73 percent of EAA AirVenture visitors come from outside Wisconsin. That means the economic impact is overwhelmingly "new money" coming into the state, rather than dollars simply being moved within the state.

"This report reinforces the fact that tourism in Oshkosh is a vital part of our community," said Wendy Hielsberg, executive director of the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The economic scope of EAA AirVenture is so large that it not only benefits Oshkosh, but the surrounding area as well. EAA AirVenture earns Oshkosh a reputation as a destination."

Among the other findings:
o 77 percent of AirVenture attendees are repeat visitors;
o Of the 721 listed exhibitors who attend EAA AirVenture that were used in the survey, more than 70 percent of them do business on an international scale. Nine out of 10 were returning exhibitors;
o More than one-third of the visitors had planned their trip to Oshkosh more than six months in advance;
o A significant number of AirVenture attendees also include shopping, sightseeing and other Wisconsin tourism activities as part of their trip;
o More than 90 percent of attendees rated their AirVenture experience as "excellent" or "good."

"Wisconsin is known worldwide as a place that celebrates originality, and this event is an incredibly fine example of that," said Kelli A. Trumble, Wisconsin's secretary of tourism. "EAA AirVenture Oshkosh has become what it is today because visionary organizers decided no idea was too big for Wisconsin and, thanks to that kind of thinking, we're all reaping great rewards."

Planning is already underway for EAA AirVenture 2009, which takes place July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport. This year's event will feature several major site upgrades for attendees and exhibitors that will improve the AirVenture experience.

"EAA AirVenture has been called one of the 'crown jewels' of Wisconsin tourism, and its impact directly benefits local and state governments and citizens," Poberezny said. "EAA is continuing its long-term commitment to the Oshkosh region, and looks forward to working with the citizens of the area to preserve and enhance this unique event known around the world."

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.