Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tourism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Visit Midland says rocket engineering competition drew 3,000 attendees and $2.6 million impact
Summary
Visit Midland told commissioners the 18th International Rocket Engineering Competition (June 9–14) brought roughly 3,000 attendees to Midland County venues, 2,400 of them from out of town, 143 collegiate teams and an estimated $2.6 million economic impact for Midland.
Jennifer Williams of Visit Midland presented a recap of the 18th International Rocket Engineering Competition, which took place June 9–14 at Midland County and city venues, including the Midland County Horseshoe. Williams said the event attracted about 2,400 out‑of‑town visitors, 143 collegiate teams and participants from more than 20 countries, and she estimated roughly 3,000 total attendees in Midland County venues.
"There were a total of 2,400 out of town attendees," Williams told the commissioners, and she said hotel room nights booked for the event totaled about 1,464. Williams said the event generated an anticipated economic impact of $2,600,000 for Midland, noting the figure excludes broader Permian Basin effects because activities extended to venues as far as Saragosa.
The presentation emphasized student participation and community support: Williams highlighted university teams including Texas Tech and said several visiting teams were traveling to the United States for the first time. Officials told the court they are negotiating proposed dates for 2026 (June 15–20) with the event organizer, the Experimental Scouting Rocket Association.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the competition brought tourism dollars and national exposure, and they framed the event as a model for attracting similar large‑scale, collegiate STEM gatherings that can boost hotel occupancy, local spending and community sponsorship opportunities.
The court did not take any formal action beyond receiving the presentation; staff and commissioners encouraged organizers as they continue planning for 2026.
