Electric Daisy Carnival estimated to be bigger than last year

Electric Daisy Carnival estimated to be bigger than last year

For those who attend, it's the world's biggest electric music dance party.
For Las Vegas, it's one big payday that doesn't depend on business conventions or gambling.
Either way you look at it, The Electric Daisy Carnival is back - and it will be 50 percent bigger than last year.
The EDC hits the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for its second go-around June 8-10, with an estimated 345,000 attendees, or 115,000 attendees per day. Of those, 85 percent hail from out-of-town.
In 2011, the three-day event reported a cumulative crowd of 230,000 and brought a total $136 million economic impact to Las Vegas. That figure includes $19.5 million in accommodations, $16.8 million for food, $10.5 million on transportation, $9.3 million in entertainment, $7.8 million on gaming and $7.2 million in retail purchases.
There's no clear estimate available yet, but obviously, the economic impact will be greater this year.
"Last year we were at the (speedway) for the first time. Electric Daisy Carnival has never been a destination event. Now people have been able to plan far in advance for this trip," event spokeswoman Erika Raney said when asked about the explosive growth of the event.
"Our fans are really behind us now, being in Las Vegas," she said.
With 30 full-sized carnival rides, six stages, 450 theatrical and dance performers, more than 150 artists, and 13 interactive art installations, 2011's event cost "multi-millions" to produce.
This year's cost is estimated to be still higher because of added staffing, a seventh stage and additional art installations.


"Every year we're looking to make the festival better," Raney said.
Admission will also be a bit more expensive.
Ticket holders, special guests and VIPs can pay from $214 for a single-day, general admission pass to three-day packages at $532. And for those looking to experience the "exclusive side" of Electric Daisy from a cabana, that can cost upward of $10,000.
Room rates last year were priced at almost five times an average weekend rate during the event. The average daily room rate in March, the month for which is data are available, was $107.21. Last year, both MGM Resorts International properties and Caesars Entertainment hotels were booked solid.
Coincidentally, Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Tim Bradley June 9 at the MGM Grand. Look for that event to further drive up room rates.
Insomniac, which has been producing events since 1993, will again partner with Maverick Helicopters to offer attendees a chance to arrive in grand style.
Cost for a private, round-trip copter ride to Electric Daisy is $5,000, with a single seat on a shared flight costing $800 round-trip.
Shuttle service, provided by AWG Ambassador, has been "far expanded," Raney said, to alleviate the long lines seen on the first day of last year's festival. An expanded fleet of shuttles, about 240 in total, will run from 12 locations on the Strip, from the Palms and from the Hard Rock Hotel. Last year there were only seven shuttle stops.
Each hotel location will be staffed by four to six employees and a speedway parking lot has been designated for shuttle service only. It will be staffed by 70 people. AWG is building a 100-by-200-foot shelter tent for those waiting in line at the speedway.
A three-day shuttle pass is $70. Nearly 20,000 have already been sold. AWG's owner, Alan Waxler, said he may stop selling at around 25,000.
"From a responsibility standpoint, it's as big as it gets. There aren't too many other opportunities like this," Waxler said. "I anxiously relish the opportunity."
Insomniac, too, is bringing out the big guns. Its entire staff of 22, plus 200 subcontractors, will be working the festival.
"We're really, really excited to be back in Las Vegas," Raney said.
EDC promoters are working to share the wealth this year. Leading up to the three-day, outdoor festival, Insomniac is promoting its first EDC Week, June 5-12. Electronic music will invade pool parties and nightclubs around Vegas, in an effort to get attendees indoors as well.
"If you're coming into Las Vegas for the event, why not try some of the world's best nightclubs in the city?" Raney said.
Also new this year: Serious discussion of "new ideas and opportunities" for the electronic dance music industry.
The inaugural EDMbiz Conference, held at the Cosmopolitan June 5-7, is expected to attract a "few hundred" industry heavyweights a few days before the EDC, adding to the event's overall economic impact.
Insomniac and the Las Vegas Motor speedway have a five-year agreement to produce the Electric Daisy Carnival. So don't worry, they're not going away any time soon.