Subject:
Title
Ranking of firms and agreement with Danetown Meetings, LLC for professional marketing representation services in the Mid‑Atlantic Region.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the ranking of firms and agreement with the number one ranked firm Danetown Meetings, LLC for professional marketing representation services in the Mid‑Atlantic Region.
• This contract will enhance the County Convention and Visitors Bureau, d/b/a Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VisitSPC) overall tourism programs, including initiatives to attract more meetings and conferences to Pinellas County, supporting the region’s economic growth and visibility in the meetings and conventions sector.
• Three (3) proposals were received with award recommendation to the top-ranked firm, Danetown Meetings, LLC.
• The initial term of this agreement is for twelve (12) months in the not to exceed amount of $189,000.00 with provision for one additional twenty-four (24) month term.
• Funding for this contract is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Budget for the Convention and Visitors Bureau within the Tourist Development Tax Fund. Funding for future years is dependent on approval in the annual County Operating Budget.
Contract No. 25-0754-RFQ effective for one (1) year in the not to exceed amount of $189,000.00, with one (1) twenty-four (24) month option to extend.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities
3.5 Foster business growth
Summary:
This contract will provide professional marketing representation for the Mid‑Atlantic Region to increase meetings and conference tourism in the County through VisitSPC’s strategic marketing programs.
Background/Explanation:
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released on July 14, 2025, resulting in three (3) responsive proposals. An evaluation meeting commenced on August 18, 2025, with the committee recommending award to Danetown Meetings, LLC as the highest ranked firm. Negotiation of final agreement was completed on December 17, 2025.
Fiscal Impact:
Estimated annual not-to-exceed expenditure: $189,000.00.
Funding for this contract is included in the FY26 Adopted Budget for the Convention and Visitors Bureau within the Tourist Development Tax Fund. Funding for future years is dependent on approval in the annual County Operating Budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-188.
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, President/CEO, VisitSPC
Merry Celeste, Purchasing Division Director, Office of Management and Budget
Chris Rose, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Agreement
Final Rankings