A new economic impact study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh shows that EAA AirVenture Oshkosh brings an estimated $110 million economic impact to Oshkosh-area counties each year. The university's Center for Community Partnerships conducted the independent study during last summer's event, surveying visitors from every U.S. state and 15 other nations about their length of stay, daily spending, overall impressions of the event and other demographic information.

The study indicates a direct economic impact of $84 million, with $26 million in multiplier or "ripple" effects in secondary spending and job creation. More than 1,700 jobs were supported by last summer's event, which drew an estimated attendance of 540,000 and 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.

A large majority of EAA AirVenture visitors - 73 percent - come from outside Wisconsin, the study shows. 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:

• 77 percent of AirVenture attendees are repeat visitors;
• 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;
• More than one-third of the visitors had planned their trip to Oshkosh more than six months in advance;
• A significant number of AirVenture attendees also include shopping, sightseeing and other Wisconsin tourism activities as part of their trip;
• 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.