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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — It’s all about economic impact.
And when it comes to Jehovah’s Witnesses conventions, that impact is substantial.
Thousands of visitors — an estimated 10,000-plus — will be traveling to Luzerne County this August for two back-to-back weekend Jehovah’s Witnesses conventions, resulting in a significant economic impact on the area.
Representatives from Jehovah’s Witnesses announced Monday that two additional conventions are planned for the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township for the weekends of Aug. 9 and Aug. 16.
An estimated attendance of 5,000 is expected during each of the two weekends, as Jehovah’s Witnesses will travel from Pennsylvania and surrounding states, creating an expected economic boost of approximately $3 million for Luzerne County.
Many area hotels, restaurants, shops and other attractions will see increased sales from convention attendees.
“Luzerne County is the ideal location for these types of events with easy access to major interstates, along with a variety of hotels, restaurants and attractions to accommodate attendees,” said Ted Wampole, Executive Director of Visit Luzerne County. “This sends a positive message to other groups looking for a convention site. If Jehovah’s Witnesses can bring more than 5,000 people to the region for two weekends in a row, then others can do the same. This is a great testimony to Luzerne County.”
Wampole said he met with representatives of Jehovah’s Witnesses who told him how much they enjoy coming to Luzerne County.
“They told us that we have everything they want and need to have a successful convention,” Wampole said. “They just held a convention here in June and they have already scheduled two more for August.”
Tom Aldinger of Jehovah’s Witnesses said the organization looks forward to coming to Luzerne County.
“The people in Luzerne County are great,” he said. “We all love Wilkes-Barre.”
Wampole said the August conventions will be the second and third times this summer the region has hosted these events. The last convention, held at the end of June, also brought a similar economic boost.
Wampole said the Jehovah’s Witnesses conventions will happen on the heels of another large event for the area — the Keystone State Games. The sporting events will happen across Luzerne County, bringing thousands of athletes and their families to the area on July 25-29 and Aug. 1-4.
Wampole said this is the 12th year that Jehovah’s Witnesses has chosen Luzerne County for their annual conventions. The theme of the convention is “Love Never Fails” and is one of many like it taking place around the country. The convention features Bible-based programs and is open to everyone at no charge.
Wampole said having a great relationship with a venue like the Mohegan Sun Arena is a key element in the process in attracting large events like the conventions.
Will Beekman, general manager at the arena, said another event was scheduled for the weekend of Aug,. 16, but he was able to move that a week to accommodate the Jehovah Witnesses convention.
“When they come to town, it’s great for everyone,” Beekman said. “It really is a big boost for the economy in Luzerne County.”
Beekman said when he learned Jehovah’s Witnesses needed two weekends in a row for their events, he contacted the group that was scheduled for Aug. 16 and they agreed to move their event to the following weekend.
“”Everybody worked together,” Beekman said. “We all recognized the importance of having that many people come to town for several days to patronize area businesses.”
Aldinger noted that Jehovah’s Witnesses has been holding conventions in Luzerne County for 12 years. He and Perry Allen, spokesman for the organization, said every five years Jehovah’s Witnesses holds international conferences that the regional conventions are part of, getting the message out to a worldwide audience.
“The last international conference was in 2014, so this year is one of those years as well,” Allen said. “Our message — Love Never Fails — is being promoted and it is our hope that all of our friends in Luzerne County feel that message from us when we are there.”
Aldinger and Allen said attendees will be coming from long distances to Luzerne County for both weekends.
”We get great cooperation from the people at the facility, the county and the Visitors Bureau who work hand in hand with us,” Aldinger said. “They are all very accommodating. We appreciate how well we are treated every time we come there. Some of our attendees have returned for vacations. We couldn’t ask for better cooperation.”