Record Convention organizers seek a city boost

Organizers of the Austin Record Convention would like the city to provide some form of financial assistance or partnership to the twice-annual event that has become a major tourist draw for the city. Show manager Nathan Hanners, who took over from his father Doug Hanners in 2016, recently made a presentation to the Music Commission about the impact of the event that has become the largest record convention in the U.S. and second-largest in the world since its founding in 1981. Hanners told the commission the $5 admission has remained flat for more than a decade to promote attendance and bring in potential customers for the more than 150 vendors, many of whom travel from across the country or from other countries. Possible ways to assist the show include reducing or eliminating parking fees at the garage for the Palmer Events Center, reducing the Palmer rental rate so the convention could expand into a second hall featuring live music performances, or assisting with promotion to reach larger audiences. Commissioners encouraged Hanners to discuss his ideas with the Music and Entertainment Division, with the possibility of deciding on specific measures at a future meeting.