Subject:
Title
First Amendment with U.S. Travel Association for annual membership, International Pow Wow (IPW) Trade Show, and the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the First Amendment with U.S. Travel Association (U.S. Travel) for annual membership, IPW Tradeshow exhibition, and the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO).
• This Amendment extends the Agreement for 12 months from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and increase the funding by $160,000.00 for a new total not to exceed amount of $305,880.00.
• The agreement is for exhibition at IPW Trade Show, attendance at ESTO conference and for the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB’s) annual membership dues with U.S. Travel.
• U.S. Travel membership includes benefits such as advocacy & public policy including premier engagement with elected officials, congressional briefing, etc., tourism data insights & analysis, member leadership and education opportunities, and signature events such as IPW and ESTO that include a complimentary registration for the CVB Director.
• IPW is the single largest tour operator trade show in the U.S. where buyers worldwide come to meet with representatives from the CVB to conduct business meetings that result in thousands of room nights for the County.
• U.S. Travel’s ESTO is a leading national forum where destination marketing professionals at the state, regional and local levels can learn critical tools, tips, and information to help them better market and grow their destinations.
• This contract is budgeted in the department’s Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted budget.
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Contract No. 24-0303-N with the total contract amount not to exceed $305,880.00, effective January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025.Body
Strategic Plan:
Deliver First-Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Summary:
The First Amendment will extend the Agreement for an additional 12 months from January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025, and includes an increase for the 2025 rates for exhibition at IPW Trade Show, attendance at the ESTO conference and for the CVB's annual membership dues with U.S. Travel.
Background/Explanation:
U.S. Travel membership includes benefits such as Advocacy & Public Policy including premier engagement with elected officials, congressional briefing, etc., tourism data insights & analysis, member leadership and education, and signature events such as IPW and ESTO that include a complimentary registration for the CVB Director.
IPW is the single largest Tour Operator Trade Show in the U.S. with approximately 6,000 buyers, suppliers, and travel industry media in attendance from across the globe. At this year’s show, CVB staff will be joined by the CVB’s reps from the United Kingdom and Central Europe to conduct approximately 200 business meetings that will result in thousands of room nights for Pinellas County. In addition, the CVB registered for the IPW Media Package that includes appointments with international travel media where staff will pitch stories to increase brand awareness and knowledge of the St. Pete-Clearwater area.
U.S. Travel Association's ESTO is a leading national forum where destination marketing professionals at the state, regional and local levels can learn critical tools, tips and information to help them better market and grow their destinations.
Fiscal Impact:
Original Agreement Amount: $145,880.00
First Amendment Increase Amount: $160,000.00
Total contract not to exceed: $305,880.00
This contract is budgeted in the CVB’s Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted budget. Funding for the last three months (October 2025 - December 2025) will be requested as part of the FY26 budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve and execute this agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Director, Convention and Visitors Bureau
Merry Celeste, Purchasing Director, Administrative Services
Joe Lauro, Director, Administrative Services
Partners:
U.S. Travel Association
Tourist Development Council
Attachments:
First Amendment