Our Work
Advocacy
MEIA members are working together to reopen and be poised to attract entertainment that will generate the tax revenue needed to help rebuild Maryland’s economy.
MEIA represents thousands of Maryland employees, the most prolific live entertainment venues, promoters, vendors and contractors all navigating our way through this pandemic. Over the past year, we have worked as one voice to lobby our local representatives for support and were quickly recognized by state officials as the leaders of this effort.
But for now, we find ourselves in a place we have never been before – our seats are empty and our stages are dark. We are incapable of doing anything to generate revenue, and like so many of the state’s economic drivers, the entertainment industry has been devastated by this crisis.
Funding
As the first to close and the last to reopen, the live entertainment industry needs grant funding to remain afloat The lost revenue from our venues represents:
$60 million in state and local taxes (MSAC.org FY’18)
$5.7 million in admissions and amusement taxes.
Every $1 spent at a small venue = $12 for restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments
Every ticket sold generates approximtely $200 economic impact/visitor spend statewide
Hotels, restaurants, transportation, retail and others all depend upon the influx of revenue our industry brings to them.
Until the ability to safely host live events returns, our industry needs financial support to cover the fixed costs of our buildings and basic support staff. We also need financial support to address the concrete changes necessary for future operations. Funds to support implementing contactless payment and ticketing systems, personal protection equipment, rapid testing access, airflow improvements, etc. are all needed in order to reopen successfully.