GEDDES, N.Y. — HITS, Inc., a “nationally-recognized,” special-events management company based in Saugerties, Ulster County, will schedule “major” events at the new Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds.
The state selected HITS, Inc. following a request for proposals, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in announcing the contract award in a Monday news release.
In that process, the firm provided a “unique plan” to attract a “wide range and variety” of events and shows to the venue, Cuomo’s office said.
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“The addition of the new Expo Center at the Fairgrounds is an exciting opportunity to showcase upstate New York by attracting highly sought-after shows and events throughout the year,” Cuomo said in the news release. “Bolstered by the opportunity to market the new venue and highlight all that the region has to offer, the Fairgrounds will continue to shatter attendance records and remain an economic driver for the entire region for years to come.”
New York has a five-year, $1.1 million contract with HITS, but the state will pay the firm on a 30 percent commission basis, Dave Bullard, State Fair marketing and public relations manager, said in an email response to a BJNN inquiry.
When the building opens in August, it will become the largest expo facility north of New York City between Boston and Cleveland, Cuomo’s office said.
Its work
Under the contract, HITS is required to book at least 12 new multi-day events in the Expo Center by the end of 2020 — “with at least three using other Fairgrounds buildings as well—and at least five new multi-day events in Fairgrounds buildings other than the Expo Center,” Cuomo’s office said.
These events must not have been held at the Fairgrounds within the last 18 months.
In addition, the company must retain 75 percent of the events it books from 2021 through the end of the contract at the end of 2023, while booking at least seven new events in the Expo Center, at least five of which must use other buildings, and five new events in other Fairgrounds buildings.
HITS has grown its presence and portfolio exponentially over the years and today manages a broad array of year-round events across the country, ranging from consumer shows to new forms of sports and endurance events.
The promotions firm has provided a “robust plan to bring a diverse cross-section of unique” events and shows to the Fairgrounds, working specifically with its partners at El Segundo, California–based AIM Media to attract “never-before-seen” shows to the region.
AIM is short for Active Interest Media, which describes itself as “one of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies,” producing consumer and trade events, websites, magazines, and films and TV shows, according to its website.
HITS owns properties throughout the East Coast and Midwest, from which it hosts and promotes major shows and events, Cuomo’s office said.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
