Where are all the people coming from?

Now that we have finished another calendar year, we take a look at our data from the previous year and find out some pretty interesting information regarding events at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.  Those of you, who are regular patrons of the NPAC, see many different people in the lobby at various concerts as you wait to enter the hall.  I now have some stats that will give you a little indication as to where these people are coming from.

Keep in mind that one of the original intents of building a professional performing arts center was to attract people to Van Wert, thus helping our economy.  This was a dream of Scott Niswonger and is what motivated him to donate to the project.  As a matter of fact, the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation (VWAPAF) actually included this in our mission statement back in 2006- well before the first concert was ever given.

In our first year of existence in 2007, 71 percent of those attending concerts came from Van Wert County. In 2008, 54 percent; 2009, 48 percent; 2010, 45 percent; and, in 2011, 34 percent came from Van Wert County.  That means that nearly two out of every three patrons last year were from outside of the county.

Why is this significant?  People who travel usually spend more money, and they are spending it here rather than somewhere else. We know that the hotel tax revenue has increased significantly over this time period, and based on what I saw at a local restaurant this past Sunday after the OMEA District III Festival concert, the restaurants are enjoying a boost from the action too. Nearly 1,200 people were looking for a place in Van Wert to eat, relax and socialize after the concert before going home.

More stats: this past year, we saw people travel from 20 states and Canada to see concerts and shows at the NPAC. Over the course of 24 professional concerts/shows in 2010, we averaged 931 audience members. When I talk with other presenters, performers, agents and promoters throughout the country, this is quite a bit above the national average.

We also hosted 20 rental events at the NPAC this past year.  Add to this nearly 30 school performances and we have had a very busy year.  If I were to calculate every time the facility was used this past year, I am sure we would come up with well over 200.

Looking ahead, we have 12 professional performances left in this season.  And while all these are occurring, we are busy building a brand new season, which will be our fifth complete season.  We are planning some big celebrations and performances.  In the meantime, we look forward to the many upcoming events.

Remember that Jenna Bush Hager will be at the NPAC on January 24.  Tickets are still available for this speaking engagement.  She will be talking about many interesting topics such as empowering women, the rewards of volunteerism, and even her book, “Anna’s Story: that she and her mother, former First Lady, Laura Bush co-authored.  We will have some copies of this book on hand and she will autograph them in the Grand Lobby following the talk.

Don’t forget about Valentine’s Day — men!  Country and pop artists Restless Heart will be performing at the NPAC on Saturday, February 11.  A very elegant dinner of prime rib and chicken will be served in the Grand Lobby prior to the show.  You can get tickets for the dinner and the concert at the NPAC box office (419.238.NPAC 6722).

As I mentioned earlier, we hosted the Ohio Music Educator’s District Festival concert last Sunday.  It was a packed house with students from all over the district performing an outstanding concert.  Congratulations to all our local music students who were selected to perform in this very prestigious and entertaining concert.  What a great experience it was for them to rehearse and perform with such prestigious guest conductors too!

Thank you all for helping make the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio a destination place for so many. I look forward to seeing you each time!

FINÉ.