SXSW to lay out economic impact of festivals

Consultant Greyhill Advisors will present a report Thursday on the economic impact of the 2014 South by Southwest Conferences and Festivals on the City of Austin. SXSW officials say the 2014 impact analysis represents the eighth consecutive study to fully assess the nature of the festival and its beneficial economic effect on the city. SXSW Interactive Director Hugh Forrest will present the findings, and Michael Rollins with the Austin Chamber of Commerce will offer remarks. SXSW officials say the festival has brought more than $1 billion to the Austin economy over the past five years. In 2007, SXSW’s economic impact was measured at approximately $95 million, and by 2013,  that number had grown to $218 million. The presentation will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday on the second floor of the Long Center.