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The Blair County Convention Center's net operating income for the first eight months of 2026 came in at $186,962, despite higher-than-budgeted costs for labor, food and beverages.
In a financial report offered Wednesday to the authority that oversees the convention center, CEO Tom Schilling reported revenue through August at $1.94 million and expenses at $1.75 million.
The report also identified higher-than-budgeted labor costs of nearly 38%, and higher-than-budgeted expenses for food and beverages of nearly 22% and 24%, respectively. But those increases, according to the report, were covered by operating revenue from conferences, meetings and events.
Schilling regularly points out to the authority that when the convention center has more business, the cost of labor, food and beverages are going to be higher.
Bookings at the convention center are reported to be strong this year and into next year, with Schilling reporting that organizations have inquired about three-year contracts.
"Our opportunity days are dwindling," he said in reference to specific days and weekends available to address a potential client's request that doesn't clash with scheduled events.
In some cases, he said a scheduled event can be moved to accommodate another client.
One of the first-time events the convention center is preparing to host, from Oct. 1-3, is the Pennsylvania Fabulous Fall Festival for square and round dancers. The regional-level dance festival is expected to bring in about 250 to 300 visitors who will book about 500 hotel rooms, Schilling said.
Dancers will be coming from various locations in Pennsylvania and neighboring states, festival director Steve Koehle told the Mirror earlier this year.
Two weeks later, from Oct. 16-18, the convention center will again host the Sci-Fi Valley Con, which Schilling said draws about 7,000 patrons.
Wednesday's reports to the authority also revealed ongoing purchases, with money budgeted for capital expenses, to update and upgrade the convention center that opened in 2001.
The authority on Wednesday approved spending $20,011 for a digital sign and interactive display for use inside the convention center. It's expected to offer a variety of information and replace what's now written on white board, Schilling said.
The authority also voted Wednesday to replace a kitchen freezer's door at $8,051, the kitchen cooler evaporator at $5,095 and to replace 15-year-old carpeting in the facility's board room at $4,130.
Plans are also moving forward for some roof repairs at $6,500 and the repainting of lines in the main parking lot and parking deck at $7,355.
Other improvements completed this year included the wifi infrastructure upgrade at $138,000, the purchase of a new ice machine at $17,954 and replacement furnishings that included new tables at $13,437 and balcony furniture at $8,497.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.