By now, we’ve all seen the official, Super Bowl-surpassing economic-impact numbers from last summer’s GOP convention: more than $214 million in direct impact, more than $404 million in indirect impact. We also know there are multiplier formulas, incalculable exposure value and other context involved, including $125 million in (impact) upgrades to telecommunications and utility infrastructure by AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and TECO Energy.
But here’s the impact that mattered most. Nothing awful happened. Had it, Tampa’s image and reputation would have been bludgeoned for generations. Isaac teased and wimped away. Anarchists were no trouble. Terrorists were no shows.
Well-coordinated security personnel, who seemingly outnumbered everybody, were prepared and professional. The tradeoff, of course, was military-occupation ambiance downtown. Arguably, it was worth it to all but certain downtown merchants with mismanaged expectations and few customers. Tampa, however, was seen as a major player on the world’s premier international political stage. Going forward, it can only help.