Case Study:
Pacific Airshow – Gold Coast

Launched in 2016 in Huntington Beach, California, the Pacific Airshow® has quickly grown into the most popular airshow in the United States. In 2023, the Gold Coast became the second location worldwide to host this spectacular event.

The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is a three-day event showcasing thrilling aerobatic performances by elite aviators, along with VIP meet-and-greet experiences, social gatherings, family activities, and a licensed ticket precinct. Featuring top civilian and military performers from around the world, it’s the largest airshow ever hosted in Australia.

With both ticketed and non-ticketed areas spanning several kilometers of beachfront, IER developed a methodology to estimate crowd size throughout the event weekend. This included surveys, aerial photography, and data modelling to gauge attendance. IER also conducted face-to-face and online surveys with attendees, assessing the economic impact generated by the event. Their research provided valuable insights into the inaugural show, contributing to improvements in future event planning and execution.

In 2024, the first edition of the Pacific Airshow attracted 270,000 people and realised an economic benefit estimated at $33 million.