Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Generates $35 Million for Charleston Economy

Annual event draws over 400,000 visitors and fuels winter tourism surge

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a premier wildlife art and conservation event held in Charleston, South Carolina, generates between $33 and $35 million annually for the local economy. The three-day event attracts over 400,000 visitors, many of whom travel from outside the Tri-County area, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops across the region. SEWE also serves as a platform for conservation groups to raise funds and for wildlife artists to build their careers.

Why it matters

SEWE is a critical economic driver for Charleston, especially during the traditionally slower winter tourism season. The influx of visitors and their spending helps sustain local businesses before the spring travel surge. The event also promotes conservation efforts and provides a national stage for wildlife artists to showcase their work.

The details

SEWE organizers expect more than 400,000 people to visit Charleston during the three-day event, with roughly half traveling from outside the region. The strong advance ticket sales indicate that many visitors are booking hotels, dining out, and extending their stays. Hotels across the peninsula and surrounding areas report near-capacity bookings during SEWE weekend. Visitors fill rooms not only downtown, but also in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and North Charleston. The spending extends beyond lodging, as visitors dine at local restaurants, shop in boutiques and galleries, use transportation services, purchase artwork and event tickets, and more. Many attendees even book their next year's hotel before leaving town, reinforcing SEWE as a long-standing tradition.

  • SEWE is held every winter in Charleston, South Carolina.
  • The 2026 edition of SEWE took place from February 14-16, 2026.

The players

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)

One of the nation's premier wildlife art and conservation events, held annually in Charleston, South Carolina.

John Powell

The President and CEO of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.

Henry Von Genk III

The featured artist at the 2026 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, based in Jacksonville, Florida.

Cacky Rivers

A Lowcountry photographer and author who has participated in the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that so many three-day tickets were sold in advance shows that people are coming to Charleston for the weekend, which strengthens our economic impact.”

— John Powell, President and CEO, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (abcnews4.com)

“Charleston — this whole area — is like heaven for me as far as the marshes. I can't imagine a better place to live and visit.”

— Henry Von Genk III (abcnews4.com)

“He encouraged me to write these books and he just keeps showing up and encouraging me to move forward.”

— Cacky Rivers, Lowcountry Photographer and Author (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

Organizers are continually looking for ways to expand the weekend's reach, encouraging visitors to arrive earlier or stay through Sunday and Presidents Day to further extend the economic impact.

The takeaway

SEWE proves that when art and conservation come together, the results benefit far more than just those who attend - they strengthen an entire region, positioning Charleston as a national hub for wildlife art and conservation dialogue.