Challenge:
For years, Doug Corey, a key figure in the Pendleton Round-Up organization, explored the potential of hosting a separate large-scale concert event in the rodeo arena. While the Round-Up grounds contained two potential concert venues, logistical challenges arose from co-hosting the rodeo and concert in the same space. However, the vision of creating an annual, can't-miss summer tradition for families in Pendleton, Oregon, persisted.
Solution: The realization of this vision came to life with the inception of the Pendleton Whisky Music Festival in 2016. With an aim to establish an annual community event, REG played a pivotal role in identifying the potential of the rodeo arena as a concert venue. The inaugural festival featured Zac Brown Band, drawing 11,600 attendees. REG's strategic talent booking and event management expertise helped shape the festival's unique identity and position it as a standout summer event.
Results: The Pendleton Whisky Music Festival's partnership with REG produced exceptional results. The event's growth trajectory was highlighted when Maroon 5 headlined in 2017, resulting in a remarkable 12,000 tickets sold within four hours of the on-sale launch. The festival's audience further expanded, attracting over 15,000 attendees and achieving a complete sell-out. The festival's successful trend continued in 2018, as REG curated an engaging lineup featuring Blake Shelton and Pitbull, resulting in a sellout with 14,000 tickets sold in the first week. Given that Pendleton's population is approximately 16,000, the event's impact on the local economy and community spirit is significant.
Conclusion: The Pendleton Whisky Music Festival's evolution from a vision to a thriving community tradition underscores REG's ability to shape events that resonate with both audiences and local communities. The festival's impact on Pendleton's economy and its role in fostering a vibrant summer tradition further highlight the value of strategic talent booking and event curation.
Are you seeking to create an unforgettable community event that brings people together and fuels local vibrancy? Reach out to us for a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss how REG can help you bring your vision to life with strategic talent booking, event planning, and execution that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression.