On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Amir Eylon, CEO of Longwoods International; Debra Ross, author of “The Eclipse Effect” and founder of Kids Out and About; Jean Mackay, Deputy Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor; and Jennifer Miller, Domestic Tourism Manager for Visit Detroit. Our discussion is all about how events and major milestones, from sporting events and festivals to milestone anniversaries, can become catalysts for future tourism growth and regional transformation.

The panel shares their perspectives on the importance of preparation, partnerships, and long-term thinking, and you’ll hear some practical strategies for maximizing the economic impact and future opportunities that come with hosting special events, no matter the size of your organization or your budget.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

How communities can strategically use major events and milestones as catalysts for economic development and future tourism growth
Why early preparation and diverse partnerships are critical to successful event planning
What recent research from Longwoods International reveals about American travelers’ interest in events like America 250, FIFA World Cup, and the Route 66 Centennial
How organizations have expanded their reach and strengthened community identity by leveraging large-scale events
Why building partnerships creates lasting benefits that extend far beyond the event itself
How event-driven connections foster long-term collaboration and resilience within communities
Practical strategies panelists recommend for marketing events, engaging stakeholders, and sustaining the momentum for future opportunities

The Power of Preparation

One recurring theme across the panel was the vital importance of preparation. Debra Ross, who spearheaded Rochester’s Eclipse Task Force explains that the most successful community events begin years in advance—sometimes long enough that people question your sanity! Preparation isn’t just about logistics. It’s about building community cohesion, nurturing enthusiastic leadership, and forging trust among diverse stakeholders. Healthy, resilient communities pull together early, overcoming skepticism, and allow space for a diverse range of voices and ideas. This diversity not only fuels creativity but also ensures that the event, and the connections it forges, resonate widely and last well beyond a single day.

Events as Economic Engines

Events have dramatic potential to spark economic growth, but the benefits often extend far past the event itself. Jean Mackay shared how the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s bicentennial celebration was an investment in the region’s future. Research revealed that events generate close to a billion dollars in annual economic activity along the canal. Armed with this knowledge, the Corridor’s leadership expanded event sponsorship and created a marketing toolkit that united diverse partners under a single, cohesive brand.

Similarly, Jennifer Miller details how Detroit has used sporting events—from the Super Bowl to the NFL Draft—to redefine its narrative as a vibrant, thriving city. Major events attracted international media, generated significant direct spending, and opened doors for future meetings, conventions, and leisure tourism, including bringing 775,000 people for the NFL Draft and more than $213 million in economic impact.

Building and Sustaining Partnerships

The secret sauce to transformative events lies in partnership. Whether through building a local host committee (a model started by Detroit and adopted by major sporting events nationwide) or cross-sector collaborations, successful organizers emphasize inclusivity and empowerment. Empowering organizations to run with the baton rather than wait for someone else to lead amplifies the reach and relevance of milestone events.

These connections aren’t just temporary. Debra shares how networks forged through eclipse planning served her community during a subsequent ice storm emergency, emphasizing the long-term value of partnerships. The American Astronomical Society’s National Eclipse Task Force, for example, expanded their partnerships beyond scientists to include tourism, the arts, and transportation, strengthening future capacity and cross-pollination.

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