HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 21, 2016 – 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. This event will be held Sept. 23-25 and will offer academic panels, entertainment, festivities and more for the HPU family.
During last year’s Fall Family Weekend, the High Point Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimated the economic impact of the event to be more than $2.4 million. Local businesses get a boost from attendance at HPU’s annual events, from restaurants and small businesses to major hotels—most of which are already booked for the weekend.
Kenneth Lile, general manager of the High Point Marriott Courtyard, says that the hotel benefits from a partnership with HPU.
“The partnership with HPU, the city of High Point, CVB, Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations affords us the opportunity to share our knowledge with the visitors from around the world that frequent the campus of High Point University,” Lile said. “The economic impact that HPU brings to our business model is tremendous and our business eagerly reinvests in their future as part of the High Point University economic engine.”
Nicholas Langille, executive assistant and director of catering and events for Giannos pizzeria, says that Fall Family Weekend is just one HPU event that impacts the restaurant.
“Giannos sees an overall increase in both restaurant and catering business during HPU Family Weekends,” says Langille. “We love serving HPU students and faculty throughout the year and Family Weekend is a great way to meet the new students and their families. Not only do HPU families come for these particular weekends, but also throughout the year for other events and they return to enjoy a great meal at Giannos during their visits.
“Our relationship with HPU means that we get to watch many of these students grow up and become young adults entering the workforce. Students, faculty and families of HPU are always gracious and appreciative, and we welcome their visits. It’s a privilege for us to work with HPU.”
Fall Family Weekend will include performances by musicians and motivational speakers, a 5K family fun run, faculty panels and lectures, an art exhibit, a university update from HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein, student performances, family bingo, campus tours, fireworks and worship services for registrants.
There will also be an opportunity for families to directly give back to the High Point Community. The Parents Council will host its semi-annual service project on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Slane Student Center. In partnership with “Meals of Hope,” the project will involve packaging 20,000 meals for local agencies to distribute to families living with food insecurity in the High Point area. The event is university-wide and designed to engage the entire family.
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.