Subject:
Title
Contract for Exhibition Participation with IMEX America Ltd., for booth space at 2024 IMEX America, including indemnification provisions.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the Department Director of the Contract for Exhibition Participation with IMEX America Ltd., for booth space at 2024 IMEX America (IMEX), including indemnification provisions.
• IMEX is one of the largest hosted shows in the U.S. for the meetings industry.
• Results to date from the 2023 show include confirmed bookings for 5,952 room nights, which will bring an estimated $1,726,086.00 in economic impact to the County.
• IMEX America Ltd. will not agree to remove indemnification provisions.
• County Attorney has reviewed to ensure contract meets the indemnification waiver criteria set forth in paragraph three of Resolution No. 06-70.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Summary:
The contract with IMEX America Ltd., is for exhibition space at 2024 IMEX America, which is scheduled for October 6-11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Participation at this event is necessary to meet the marketing goals of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) as it involves hosting a series of appointments and networking with meeting planners from the corporate, incentive, association, insurance, financial, and SMERF (social, military, education, religious and fraternal) markets (all markets).
Background/Explanation:
IMEX is one of the largest hosted shows in the U.S. for the meetings industry with over 4,000 meeting planners in attendance. At the 2023 show, the CVB shared the booth with five hotel partners who contributed to a portion of the cost. Together, the CVB and partners had 80 preset appointments with planners from all industry segments. The CVB also distributed marketing materials and shared destination information with over 275 meeting planners who stopped by the booth.
Results to date from the 2023 show include confirmed bookings for 5,952 room nights, which will bring an estimated $1,726,086.00 in economic impact to the County. The CVB continues to work with decision makers from the 2023 show to convert potential meetings to definite meetings.
At this year’s show, the CVB will share the booth with six hotel partners: the Sheraton Sand Key, Hilton Clearwater Beach, JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl/Opal Sands Resorts and TradeWinds Island Grand.
Fiscal Impact:
Cost: $76,800.00
Funding to support the Contract for Exhibition Participation in the amount of $76,800.00 is provided through the CVB’s Annual Operating Budget. The source of funding is the Tourist Development Tax Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Department Director to sign this Contract for Exhibition Participation was granted by the County Administrator under Resolution No. 06-70.
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Director, Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Partners:
Tourist Development Council.
Attachments:
Contract for Exhibition Participation
Supporting Documentation
Resolution No. 06-70