Economic Impact: Alaska Federation of Natives Convention

AFN is the largest gathering of Alaska Natives, but it has also turned out to be the city's largest moneymaker a whopping $7.2 million, according to the Anchorage Convention & Visitor's Bureau.

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By Corey Allen-Young

Story Created: Oct 25, 2011 at 1:29 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Oct 25, 2011 at 1:29 PM AKDT

The Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is the largest gathering of Alaska Natives, but it has also turned out to be the city's largest moneymaker –a whopping $7.2 million, according to the Anchorage Convention & Visitor's Bureau.

About $1.2 million was spent each day during the six-day period that includes not only AFN, but also the Elders & Youth Conference.

As 5,000 AFN delegates gathered to unite, motivate, and dance, the celebration of the annual convention and its economic impact can be felt beyond the doors of the Dena’ina Center.

“It is the largest single convention that we have,” said David Kasser, vice president of tourism development and sales for the ACVB.

Alaska Gourmet Subs, which is located just a few steps away from the Dena’ina Center, benefited from the heavier-than-usual downtown traffic.

“We noticed a huge impact in sales and basically it’s wall-to-wall people when they do come in,” said Alaska Gourmet Subs manager Bryon Mindermann.

But the economic impact of AFN goes beyond restaurant dining and hotel rentals.

“What folks don't always know is the amount of medical, the amount of purchasing of cars and equipment, heaters for the home, and just the regular foodstuff,” said Kasser.

He described the scene of packages as “Christmas-like” because the lines for boxing and shipping were so long, as items make their way to 178 villages.

Many say Anchorage is Alaska's biggest village and this year's convention beefed up its bottom line. Business owners welcomed the new business and look forward to the next time AFN comes to town.

Both Anchorage and Fairbanks have hosted AFN over the years and the ACVB is working to make Anchorage the most attractive site for delegates.

AFN board members have currently only committed to Anchorage for the 2014 convention; 2012 and 2013 are still up for grabs with a deciding vote expected in December.

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Aktrapper said on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 12:01 PM

ktva= censor

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aktrapper said on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 10:37 AM

fairbanks has no business hosting afn.

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mer said on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 9:45 AM

tHANK YOU ANCHORAGE! PERHAPS CAB FARE , HOTEL AND RESTUARANT DISCOUNTS FOR AFN PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE AWESOME TOO EH? MORE BIZ I SAY!

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mer said on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 9:36 AM

Thank you TO ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF ANCHORAGE for hosting the AFN! its a great place to enjoy both for business and for getting together with family and friends! there should be a special discount for cabs for AFN and special restuarant and hotel prices! Keep up the great job!

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compuuuter said on Tuesday, Oct 25 at 9:57 PM

A BIG "HI" TO THE SHAVINGS FAMILY, THE DUPLANTISES, THE LISBOURNE FAMILY, MR. AND MRS. MOSQUITO, AND THE ALASKA FISH&GAME FISH

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