PRESS RELEASE
The Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention, widely regarded as one of Wisconsin’s premier tourism events, contributes an impressive $257 million in total economic impact to the Fox Valley each year, according to a new independent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. This figure is based on data from the 2024 edition of EAA AirVenture, which drew a record-breaking attendance of 686,000. As the 72nd edition of the world’s largest aviation gathering prepares to launch on July 21, the study underscores the immense and growing economic footprint of the event across the region and the state.
“With the growth we’ve experienced since the last study in 2017, it was essential to update our understanding of the event’s impact,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Having an independent analysis helps show just how deeply AirVenture benefits the community—from hotels and restaurants to staffing agencies and retail—when the world comes to Oshkosh.”
Conducted using the same methodology as in 2017 to ensure consistency, the UW Oshkosh study revealed $171 million in direct spending across the five-county Fox Valley area, which includes Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Outagamie, Calumet, and Brown counties. Another $86 million in additional impact came from the ripple effect as spending circulated through the local economy. Within the city of Oshkosh itself, the study found a $117 million economic impact, including $95 million in direct spending. AirVenture also supported 2,092 full- and part-time jobs in the region—815 of those within Oshkosh alone.
“The topline numbers are impressive, but the underlying details are just as important,” said Dr. David Fuller of UW Oshkosh’s economics department, who led both the 2017 and 2024 studies. “AirVenture’s economic activity generated an estimated $328,000 in additional property tax revenue for the Oshkosh area in 2024—not including EAA’s own annual property tax contributions. This is on top of local revenue from lodging taxes, sales taxes, and other related income sources.”
One of the biggest drivers of this impact is that more than 70% of AirVenture attendees travel from outside Wisconsin—bringing “new money” into the local and state economy. Visitors in 2024 arrived from 94 countries. On average, each spent about $300 per day, with 35% of that going to lodging and camping, including hotels, campgrounds, dormitories, and private rentals. The remainder supported local food, entertainment, retail, and even unexpected sectors like landscaping, event staffing, and logistics.
“EAA AirVenture showcases Oshkosh to a global audience,” said Amy Albright, Executive Director of the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s not just the event itself—it’s the revenue and recognition that support our year-round efforts to promote Oshkosh as a vibrant place to visit and live.” While the study focused on the five-county Fox Valley and the city of Oshkosh, the benefits stretch across Wisconsin. Visitors often stay in hotels and spend money in nearby cities, amplifying the event’s statewide reach. “Major events like national sports tournaments or political conventions make headlines, but they’re often one-time affairs,” said Pelton. “AirVenture, on the other hand, is a homegrown Wisconsin event that brings the world here every year. Most of its impact is felt not just on the grounds, but throughout the businesses and communities of Oshkosh, the Fox Valley, and far beyond.” For more information visit www.eaa.org/airventure
