Subject:
Title
Tourism Promotion Agreement with Pier Events, LLC for five Fiscal Year 2027 Elite Events.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Tourism Promotion Agreement with Pier Events, LLC for five Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Elite Events.
• Agreement with Pier Events, LLC for a total of $150,000 supports five events (Pier Events) taking place at the St. Pete Pier from October 9, 2026, to July 4, 2027:
o St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch, October 9 - 25, 2026
o St. Pete Fall Festival, October 10 - 11, 2026
o Putt the Pier, December 4, 2026
o NYE at the Pier, December 31, 2026
o The Fourth, July 4, 2027
• FY27 Elite Event funding was recommended by the Tourist Development Council on July 15, 2026, and approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on August 25, 2026.
• As determined, the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will leverage the use of available data sources to substantiate the attendance and estimate economic impact and total room nights for Elite Events.
• Agreement is budgeted in the Adopted FY27 CVB Budget funded by the Tourist Development Tax.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities.
Summary:
The Tourism Promotion Agreement is for the St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch, St. Pete Fall Festival, Putt the Pier, NYE at the Pier and The Fourth which is scheduled to be held between October 9, 2026 - July 4, 2027, at the St. Pete Pier. Funding will be paid on a post event basis upon receipt of a report and other supporting documentation.
Background/Explanation:
On August 25, 2026, the Board approved 47 events for the FY27 Elite Event Funding Program (Elite Program) for a maximum (or ”up to”) total funding amount of $3,367,500
Funding is allocated between sponsorship benefits, and marketing and advertising expenditures which are detailed in Exhibits A. Funding is paid on a post event basis upon receipt of a report and other supporting documentation.
Fiscal Impact:
$150,000 Total Cost
Funding to support the Elite Event Funding Program is included in the CVB’s Annual Operating Budget. The source of funding is the Tourist Development Tax Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Tourism Promotion Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Director, Convention and Visitors Bureau
Partners:
Tourist Development Council
Attachments:
Tourism Promotion Agreement