SEWE Reports Increased Sales, Attendance at 2023 Event

Press Release

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is reporting positive preliminary numbers after hosting its 41st annual event, February 17 – 19, 2023, to promote wildlife and nature art and conservation. The not-for-profit event is held yearly in February during Presidents’ Day weekend and spans across five official downtown Charleston venues. Ancillary partner events are also held on and off the peninsula throughout the weekend. Along with a significant increase in advance ticket sales, sold-out special events, increased art purchases and a sold-out VIP program, overall sales for the three-day event surpassed the 2022 record-breaking exposition.

The mission of SEWE is to invest in and positively influence wildlife and nature art and conservation through specialized educational programming; to assist in the conservation of wildlife and the environment by creating awareness and supporting designated programs; to positively impact the local and statewide economies through increased tourism, and to showcase the finest wildlife and sporting art available in the world. The annual event is now considered the premier wildlife art event in the country.

As a not-for-profit organization centered around one annual event, SEWE has less than one week to drive in most of its revenue for the entire year. Reports indicate that 2023 numbers are up across the board, surpassing 2022’s record-high attendance and sales. With an estimated 40,000+ attendees, SEWE experienced an increase in advanced online ticket sales of +14%. Art sales were up 8% and event organizers expect residual art sales to continue over the next few weeks. Weekend tickets and food and beverage sales were also increased over last year. Corporate Partner investments were at a historic high, including new partner Quanta Services based out of Houston, Texas.

SEWE measures its success through its sales and attendance as well as its partners’ sales numbers and performance during the weekend.

“For 41 years SEWE has consistently provided a significant economic impact to the region but the last several years have been about more than dollars. We hope the celebration that we had Presidents’ Day weekend was as much about the incredible hospitality industry and our city as it is about the event. SEWE and the forthcoming major Charleston events are part of the fabric of this community,” shared John Powell, SEWE President & CEO. “We have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation organizations this year. We’ve provided a boost to our hotel and restaurant partners, and we’ve lifted each other’s spirits as we head into what we believe will be an incredible 2023 for Charleston, the Lowcountry and the state of South Carolina.”

Planning for the 2024 SEWE is already underway with continued enhancements being prepared in artist recruitment, programming and on-site attendee experiences. The 42nd annual SEWE will be held February 16-18, 2024. For more information on participating as an artist, exhibitor, VIP member or corporate partner, visit sewe.com.

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