Photo: Jeff Hook – Spectra
The South Okanagan Events Centre complex is expected to cost about $35.26 per capita next year – an increase of about $1.70 over last year.
Overall, the complex, which includes the SOEC, the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, Memorial Arena and the Okanagan Hockey School, brought in nearly $1.7 million in revenue last year, compared to $1.54 million in 2015. In 2017, that’s expected to be about $1.63 million.
Carla Seddon and Carla Relvas with the SOEC told council during budget talks between the SOEC, the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and Memorial Arena, a fair bit more traffic flowed through the grounds in 2016. The coming year isn’t expected to be too different, according to the presenters.
This year, the PTCC is expected to bring in 10 conventions, doubling last year’s number, but only translated into about a 20 per cent bump in revenue.
“Every convention is different,” Seddon said. “Some of them, they will ask for a full-fledged dinner and lunch, what have you, and some, they don’t have quite the ask. It also depends on the length of the convention.”
On top of a wide range of concerts, Seddon made note of other events like the NHL Young Stars and a strong showing from Penticton Vees fans. Seasons ticket holders numbered 1,700 this year.
“This has resulted in consistent food and beverage revenue throughout the year,” Seddon said.
She also points to growth in the Okanagan Hockey Group, which has grown the annual Canadian Sports School Hockey League Championships by nearly 300 student athletes participating. This will be the third consecutive year the event is held in Penticton.
Currently, just nine concerts are booked for the SOEC, which Relvas says she’s not too worried about.
“We were in the same position last year and the years before and we always seem to be able to get through the year with some really great content.”
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