Event management questions unanswered

The Express Advocate has published what would appear to be disparate statistics for the NSW Surf Lifesaving Championships which will be held at Umina and Ocean Beaches between February 25 and March 6.

On December 17, the paper reported "9000 people are expected to visit the Central Coast and inject $15 million into the economy."

This information differs from the edition of February 11, which stated that $8 million will be generated from an estimated 8000 competitors and 24,000 spectators.

What are the true facts?

What will be the financial benefit to the area, $15 million or $8 million?

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President Mathew Wales considers that an increase of four to five times normal trade can be expected, whereas Ocean Beach kiosk owner Bob Bailey expects his business to triple food and drink supplies during the event.

It can be anticipated that the Umina shopping district will increase trade during the event. However not all businesses will share the same experience.

The question is still management. With reported variations so large in these attendance figures, how can other aspects of the event's management be trusted?

For instance, if $15 million is to be spent by 9000 people, this means each person will be spending $1666. If it is $15 million to be spent by 30,000 people, this means each person will be spending $500.

Also, although the financial profits have been highlighted, what are the traffic implications? If most attendees are travelling by car, this would be around 10000 additional cars in the area.

Norm Harris, Umina