By Sammey Malik
Whether you’re a first-day delegate or a fourth-year participant, you can’t ignore the sheer scale of the YAG conference and its profound impact on the surrounding community. This year, YAG brings over 1,000 people to downtown Raleigh, significantly influencing not only the local economy but also external resources that support the event.
Small businesses especially benefit from the influx of YAG participants, particularly coffee shops. The long, demanding days require sustained energy, making coffee an essential part of many attendees’ routines. Starbucks may seem like a convenient choice until you arrive just 15 minutes before General Session and find yourself in a line that circles the building. Recalling the helpful social media posts about smaller coffee shops nearby, delegates quickly redirect to those local spots for a fresh, efficient cup of coffee.
These smaller businesses, like Sir Walter Coffee and Complex Coffee, thrive due to the surge in demand during the YAG weekend, generating substantial profits from the event’s attendees. Likewise, the Sheraton Hotel serves as the primary lodging provider for over 1,000 delegates and volunteers, filling virtually every floor– the 45-minute elevator wait can attest to this.
Beyond direct spending, the YAG conference strengthens downtown Raleigh’s economy by increasing exposure to local businesses, encouraging repeat visits in the future. Once delegates discover the charm and convenience of these establishments, they are more likely to return on future trips to downtown.
Furthermore, retailers specializing in professional attire experience a noticeable boost as the conference approaches. It is rare that high school students already own four days’ worth of business attire, making stores like Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Abercrombie, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, and Peter Millar popular destinations for last-minute shopping.
YAG is not only instrumental in shaping students’ civic education but it also plays a significant role in stimulating the local economy and supporting the businesses it touches.
