HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 28, 2015 – High Point University will host approximately 5,000 visitors for Fall Family Weekend, ensuring an economic boost to the city of High Point and the greater Triad area. The event will be held Oct. 2-4 and will offer academic panels, entertainment, festivities and more for the HPU family.
The High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates the economic impact of this year’s event will be more than $2.4 million. Local businesses get a boost from attendance at HPU’s annual events, from restaurants and major hotels to small businesses such as the Seven Oaks Inn Bed and Breakfast, which is completely booked for the weekend.
“We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with High Point University as it continues to grow and bring visitors to our city on a weekly basis,” says Ron Barker, who owns and operates the B&B with his wife, Jenny. “The university is a huge asset to High Point and the surrounding area and has been a vital part of our small business. Entering our fifth year at Seven Oaks, the big weekend events are the building blocks that help our business grow.”
Fall Family Weekend will include performances by musicians and motivational speakers, a 5K family fun run, faculty panels and lectures, a university update from HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein, student performances, campus tours, fireworks and worship services for registrants.
The university will also hold a Cottrell Hall grand opening ceremony and open house for HPU families. The $22 million, 43,000-square-foot facility was funded entirely by parents and serves as a hub of professional development for students. Student projects will be featured in the Summer Research Showcase and Student Entrepreneur Showcase during the open house.
HPU’s Family Weekend is just one of many events that bring visitors to the city of High Point each year. In the month of October, nearly 8,000 visitors will come to campus for the Fall Family Weekend, Alumni Weekend, Fall Open House events and athletic events. Annually HPU welcomes more than 80,000 visitors for admissions, athletic, cultural and community events.