THE RHODE ISLAND CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MARKETING COMMITTEE MEETING

September 27, 2016

A meeting of the Marketing Committee of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority Board of Commissioners was held on September 27, 2016, pursuant to notice at the Rhode Island Convention Center, One Sabin Street, Providence, Rhode Island.

Board members present were Dale Venturini, Stan Israel, Catherine Parente, Bernie Buonanno and Jeff Hirsh.

Also in attendance were Jim McCarvill RICCA; John McGinn, Amanda Wilmouth, Arlene Oliva, Breana Quinn and Diane Richards, RICC; Martha Sheridan, Thomas Reil, and Kristen Adamo, PWCVB; Daniel Schwartz and Michael Gravison, VETS; Cheryl Cohen, John Ciolfi, Pam Bacon and Larry Lepore, RICC/DDC and Eileen Smith, recording secretary.

Ms. Venturini called the meeting to order at 12:45 PM. Ms. Venturini explained that in August Marketing Plans were presented and in an effort to spare trees anyone interested in the presentations can contact Eileen and she will get you a copy. Ms. Venturini asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the August meeting. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Hirsh and seconded by Ms. Parente it was unanimously

VOTED: to approve the minutes of the August meeting

PWCVB

Mr. Reil began the PWCVB’s report for the month. Mr. Reil reported that occupancy, average daily rate and RevPar are all up compared to prior years. Mr. Reil stated that definite bookings remain consistent with last year and tentative bookings and room nights are higher than 2015. Mr. Reil reported that the RICC year to date direct spend impact is $3,250,225. Mr. Reil presented highlights of definite bookings that include American Urological Association that has moved from North Carolina, ICONICS, Inc. Gordon Food Service and WERC. Tentative opportunities are New England Human Resources Association, American Contract Bridge League, Nat. Assn. of Watch & Clock Collectors, Commercial Marine Expo and American Urogynecologic Society. Mr. Reil reported that the sales team had traveled to Omaha, NE and attended CESSE, Salt Lake City, UT where the team attended and exhibited at the Annual ASAE Conference, Chicago, IL and attended the Annual Smith Bucklin customer update and Grapevine, TX where they attended a New Connect MegaShow. Ms. Adamo reported on marketing and social media outreach. Ms. Adamo stated that the CVB is developing neighborhoods section for the website and refreshing the content and photos. Ms. Adamo noted that the CVB partnered with Discover Newport to design IMEX tradeshow booth and is working with the Dunk on NCAA Hockey. Ms. Adamo reported that a FAM trip for meetings media is scheduled for November 3rd through the 5th. She asked that Board members participate, if available, in the tour. Ms. Venturini asked if there has been any feedback regarding the panhandlers. Mr. Reil said that no one is having much luck in controlling them. Ms. Sheridan noted that the problem is not just in Rhode Island but everywhere. Ms. Sheridan reported that plans are in the works to see what can be done.

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DUNKIN’ DONUTS CENTER AND CONVENTION CENTER

Ms. Cohen addressed the Committee and reported on the social media statistics for both the Convention Center and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Ms. Cohen noted that the Summer was quiet at the Dunk but the outlook for the upcoming months looks strong. Ms. Cohen stated that ticket sales for Carrie Underwood are going well although Disney on Ice is slow moving. She said that following the move to October we will be able to determine if the show has run its course and Disney needs to update it. Ms. Cohen noted that this year we will host the PC URI Basketball game that draws very well. Ms. Cohen stated that other events that are on sale include Chicago & Earth Wind & Fire, RI ComicCon, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a sold out Twenty One Pilots. Ms. Venturini asked if we had an update on Billy Gilman. Ms. Cohen stated that he won his last competition. Ms. Cohen listed new business targets that the Dunk will be working with in an attempt to compete in this market with new and exciting talents. Mr. McGinn reported on the Convention Center’s progress in meeting the goals for 2017. Mr. McGinn noted that the goal for FY 2017 is $9,481,292 and currently we are at $8,130,844. Mr. McGinn stated that the goal will be a reach but everyone is working hard to make it happen. Mr. McGinn reported on estimated tentative revenue. He stated that Market America Convention, Re/MAX Agent & Brokers Conference, the Society of American Foresters National Convention and the Commercial Marine Expo are in discussion and close to signing contracts. Already committed are the National Precast Concrete Association, WERC Annual Conference, Perform Better Training Summit and the National ProStart Invitational. Mr. McGinn reported that the Convention Center staff participated in the TEAMS Conference & Expo in Atlantic City, Emery Waterhouse in Portland, ME, New England Regional Turfgrass and the American Society of Association Executive Annual Conference. Mr. McGinn noted that several site tours took place during the month and he stated that whenever you can get a prospective client to tour the facility and the City our chances of attracting the group to the Convention Center improve dramatically.

VETS

Mr. Gravison addressed the Committee and presented upcoming events at the VETS. Mr. Gravison reported that our media partnership with Coast 93.3 is going well. He stated that a Ticket Raid was held at the Warwick Mall with the ODD Squad and they have partnered with us on the Wild Kratts and The Walking Dead events. Mr. Gravison reported that the parking lot is now available to us and being advertised in all publications. Mr. Gravison noted that the Encore Lounge is up and running and those events that have used the space are enjoying the space. Mr. Gravison stated that the theater has a new Daktronics LED Display that enhances the building. Mr. Gravison presented the new social media numbers that show greater interest in the VETS.

Ms. Venturini took the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Buonanno on his recognition by his Alma Mater, Moses Brown.

Ms. Venturini thanked everyone for all of their hard work and asked if there was any further business. Hearing none she looked for a motion to adjourn. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Hirsh and seconded by Ms. Parente it was unanimously

VOTED: to adjourn at 1:40 PM