HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2021 TBID Agenda PacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
10:00 AM REGULAR MEETING Teleconference
Based on the threat of COVID-19 as reflected in the Proclamations of Emergency issued by both the Governor
of the State of California, the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director and the City Council of
the City of San Luis Obispo as well as the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020,
relating to the convening of public meetings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Luis
Obispo will be holding all public meetings via teleconference. There will be no physical location for the
Public to view the meeting. Below are instructions on how to view the meeting remotely and how to leave
public comment.
Additionally, members of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Board are allowed to attend the
meeting via teleconference and to participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were present.
Using the most rapid means of communication available at this time, members of the public are
encouraged to participate in TBID meetings in the following ways:
1. Remote Viewing - Members of the public who wish to watch the meeting can view:
➢ View the Webinar (recommended for the best viewing quality):
➢ URL:https://slocity-org.zoom.us/j/92334715033?pwd=Zlg5YldRL2N4V1Q1WGI3MW5Pb3RpQT09
➢ Telephone Attendee: +1 (669) 669-900-6833
➢ Webinar ID: 923 3471 5033 Passcode: 915354
Note: The City is switching to Zoom Webinar for City Council Meetings. All attendees will enter the
meeting muted. An Attendee tutorial is available on YouTube; please test your audio settings.
2. Public Comment - The TBID will still be accepting public comment for only items on the agenda. Public
comment can be submitted in the following ways:
• Mail or Email Public Comment
o Received by 8:00 AM on the day of meeting - Can be submitted via email to:
advisorybodies@slocity.org or U.S. Mail to City Clerk at 990 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
o Emails sent after 8:00 AM – Can be submitted via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org and will
be archived/distributed to members of the Advisory Body after the meeting. Emails will not be read
aloud during the meeting.
• Verbal Public Comment
o Received by 8:00 AM on the day of the meeting - Call (805) 781-7164; state and spell your name,
mention the agenda item number you are calling about and leave your comment (limited to 3
minutes). All voicemails will be forwarded to the TBID members and saved as Agenda
Correspondence. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting.
o During the meeting – Members of the public who wish to provide public comment can join the
webinar (instructions above). Once Public Comment is opened for the item you would like to speak
on please raise your virtual hand. Your name will be called and your mic will be unmuted. You
will have 3 minutes to speak.
All comments submitted will be placed into the administrative record of the meeting.
Tourism Business Improvement District Board Agenda for June 9, 2021 Page 2
CALL TO ORDER Chair John Conner
ROLL CALL : Chair John Conner, Vice Chair LeBren Harris and members Pragna Patel-Mueller,
Natalie Ward, David Smith, Stephanie Bolles and Matt Wilkins
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda.
Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address. Comments are limited to
three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the
Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS
C.1 Minutes of Meeting on Wednesday, May 12, 2021
C.2 Minutes of Special Meeting on Thursday, May 13, 2021
C.3 Smith Travel Report
C.4 Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Report
C.5 Chamber Public Relations Monthly Report
C.6 Chamber Guest Services Monthly Report
C.7 Noble Studios & DCI Marketing Monthly Report
C.8 Marketing Committee: Co-Op Program Commitments Report
C.9 SLO TBID Resilience Assessment Report
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. SLO CAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS STRATEGY 25 mins
Melissa Murray, Destination Management Project Manager from Visit SLO CAL will present the
Experience SLO CAL 2050 Events and Festivals Strategy project scope. The Board will discuss the
TBID recommendation for City’s support and participation in the process.
2. SLO TBID BRAND ASSET PRODUCTION 10 mins
Marketing Committee will present the recommendation to use up to $50k from the FY 20-21
contingency budget for SLO TBID photography and videography production.
3. FY 2021-22 TBID PROGRAM BUDGET 25 mins
Management Committee and staff will present the recommended FY 2021-22 TBID program
operating budget allocations for Board approval and recommendation to City Council.
4. TBID CONTRACT CONSIDERATIONS 5 mins
Management Committee and staff will present the recommended TBID contract commitments for
Board approval.
5. CONTENT MARKETING SERVICES RFP 25 mins
Staff will present the draft RFP document for Content Marketing Services for Board discussion and
recommendation to City Council.
Tourism Business Improvement District Board Agenda for June 9, 2021 Page 3
6. BRAND EQUITY RESEARCH CONSIDERATION 15 mins
The Board will continue the discussion on the proposed Brand Equity research with input from the
Marketing Committee, staff and agency.
TBID LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION
1. HOTELIER UPDATE – Liaison Reports
2. MARKETING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Meeting Minutes: May 19, 2021 and June 2, 2021
3. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE – Meeting Minutes: June 3, 2021
4. PCC UPDATE – Meeting Minutes: May 12, 2021
5. VISIT SLO CAL UPDATE – Liaison Reports
6. TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE – Staff Report
ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board is scheduled for
Wednesday , July 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. held remotely and via teleconference.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon
request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities.
Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a
meeting should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7100 at least 48 hours before the
meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61016/Row1.aspx
DRAFT Minutes – Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 5/12/2021 Pg. 1
Minutes - DRAFT
TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Regular Meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board
CALL TO ORDER
The regular teleconference meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement
District Board was called to order on May 12, 2021 at 10:03 a.m. held via teleconference by Chair
John Conner.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair John Conner, Vice Chair LeBren Harris (departed at 12:00 p.m) and members Pragna
Patel-Mueller, David Smith, Natalie Ward (arrived at 10:04 a.m.), Stephanie Bolles and
Matt Wilkins
Absent: none
Staff: Tourism Manager Molly Cano and Tourism Coordinator Chantal Stewart
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
--End of Public Comment--
CONSENT ITEMS
ACTION: MOTION BY BOARD MEMBER PATEL-MUELLER SECONDED BY BOARD
VICE CHAIR YOUNG-HARRIS, CARRIED 7-0-0 TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
ITEMS 1 THRU 7.
C.1 Minutes of Meeting on Wednesday, April 14, 2021
C.2 Minutes of Special Meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2021
C.3 Smith Travel Report
C.4 Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Report
C.5 Chamber Public Relations Monthly Report
C.6 Chamber Guest Services Monthly Report
C.7 Noble Studios & DCI Marketing Monthly Report
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. ROLL OUT THE BARRELS SPONSORSHIP
As recommended by the Marketing Committee, Tourism Manager Cano reviewed the sponsorship for
SLO Coast Wine Collective in the amount of $3,000 for the advertising of Roll Out the Barrels from
the FY20-21 contingency budget.
DRAFT Minutes – Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 05/12/2021 Pg. 2
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: MOTION BY BOARD MEMBER YOUNG-HARRIS SECONDED BY BOARD
MEMBER BOLLES, CARRIED 7-0-0 to move forward with the sponsorship for SLO Coast Wine
Collective in the amount of $3,000 for the advertising of Roll Out the Barrels from the FY20-21 contingency
budget as recommended by the Marketing Committee.
2. MARKETING AGENCY AD HOC HOURS FOR CALIFORNIA NOW
Agency representatives from Noble Studios presented and requested an additional budget allocation
of $6,000 from the FY20-21 contingency budget for the implementation of the California Now stories
opportunity offered by Visit California. Board members discussed the opportunity and type of content
that would be used.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: MOTION BY BOARD MEMBER WILKINS SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER
WARD, CARRIED 7-0-0 to move forward with additional budget allocation of $6,000 from the FY
20-21 contingency budget for the implementation of the California Now stories opportunity offered by Visit
California.
3. LOCAL/VISITOR SENTIMENT SURVEY OPTIONS
Noble Studios presented a proposal for two research studies. The first study would be for local
sentiment, visitor awareness and visitor perception in alignment with the TBID Strategic Plan. The
suggested budget would be $25K - $30K annually for the sentiment survey which would include
deliverables that will help track three strategic imperatives over the course of two years. The second
proposed piece is a brand equity research for $60K-$75K to get an objective, data-driven assessment
of the SLO brand in the absolute and as compared to other proximate destinations. Board members
discussed both options presented.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: MOTION BY BOARD MEMBER WILKINS SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER
SMITH, CARRIED 6-1-0 to move forward with the local and visitor sentiment survey for up to
$55K over a two-year period to be pulled from the contingency line item; and to have the
Marketing Committee further discuss and vet the brand equity research study component for
potential board consideration.
4. SLO CHAMBER CONTRACT PROPOSALS
The Board received the contract proposal presentation from the SLO Chamber for Public Relations
Support and Guest Services.
Public Comment
None.
DRAFT Minutes – Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 05/12/2021 Pg. 3
--End of Public Comment--
No action was taken on this item.
5. CAL POLY ATHLETICS STRATEGIC PARTNER PROPSAL
The Board received a presentation from Heather Hellman of Cal Poly Athletics to propose a
sponsorship. In summary, the partnership would include a $62,000 investment for hosted rooms at a
property level negotiated rate and marketing benefits. This would be a three-year contract.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
No action was taken on this item.
6. FY 2021-22 TBID BUDGET PRIORITIES & CONSIDERATIONS
This item was moved to a special board meeting due to lack of time.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
TBID LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION
1. HOTELIER UPDATE – None.
2. MARKETING COMMITTEE UPDATE – None.
3. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE – None.
4. PCC UPDATE – None.
5. VISIT SLO CAL UPDATE – None.
6. TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE – None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m. The next Tourism Business Improvement District Board
meeting will be a special meetin and is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. held
remotely and via teleconference.
APPROVED BY THE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD:
XX/XX/XXXX
DRAFT Minutes – Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 05/13/21 Pg. 1
DRAFT Minutes
TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
Monday, May 13, 2021
Special Teleconference Meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board
CALL TO ORDER
The special teleconference meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District Board
was called to order on May 13, 2021 at 11:32 a.m. at via Zoom by Chair Conner.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair John Conner, Vice Chair LeBren Harris (arrived at 11:39 a.m.) and members Matt
Wilkins, Natalie Ward, David Smith (arrived at 11:44 a.m.) and Stephanie Bolles
Absent: Pragna Patel-Mueller
Staff: Tourism Manager Molly Cano and Tourism Coordinator Chantal Stewart
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
--End of Public Comment--
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. FY 2021-22 TBID BUDGET PRIORITIES & CONSIDERATIONS
Staff and management committee members presented the FY 2021-22 budget approach to the Board
for discussion. Highlighted priorities for discussion included an increase in marketing investments,
considering a sales and tradeshow opportunities and incorporating the Strategic Plan workplans.
Additionally, staff reviewed the contractor evaluations scores.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
No action was taken on this item.
2. BRAND IDENTITY PRESENTATION
Agency representatives from Noble Studios presented the SLO TBID’s brand identity. Board
members provide feedback and recommendations for implementation.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
DRAFT Minutes – Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 05/13/2021 Pg. 2
ACTION: MOTION BY BOARD MEMBER WILKINS SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER
WARD, CARRIED 6-0-1 to move forward and adopt the brand identity as presented.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:49 p.m. The next Tourism Business Improvement District Board meeting
is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. held remotely and via teleconference.
May 2021
WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total
City of Paso Robles 64.7 77.5 68.4 123.10 207.61 150.46 79.67 160.83 102.86 174.1 241.6 192.8 33.5 92.4 55.8 265.9 557.4 356.3
City of Pismo Beach 58.5 76.1 63.5 166.67 274.54 203.59 97.45 208.85 129.28 68.4 34.9 55.2 31.9 42.6 33.6 122.1 92.4 107.3
City of San Luis Obispo 51.5 76.3 58.6 138.98 214.63 167.12 71.60 163.73 97.92 86.5 107.9 93.9 39.8 66.6 52.5 160.7 246.5 195.7
City of Morro Bay 55.7 72.9 60.6 127.24 208.94 155.31 70.84 152.22 94.09 100.1 72.7 89.7 40.3 66.0 49.3 180.6 186.5 183.3
WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total
City of Paso Robles 63.3 89.7 70.9 123.91 222.86 159.69 78.46 199.86 113.14 144.9 206.7 164.1 39.9 99.5 66.7 242.6 511.9 340.4
City of Pismo Beach 60.6 83.1 67.0 172.91 296.00 216.53 104.70 245.93 145.05 39.0 28.5 35.0 30.9 47.4 37.3 81.9 89.3 85.4
City of San Luis Obispo 55.7 83.3 63.6 137.69 220.05 168.52 76.67 183.25 107.13 94.4 80.4 88.9 42.5 82.3 58.9 177.0 228.9 200.1
City of Morro Bay 56.1 79.9 62.9 127.49 218.11 160.37 71.55 174.22 100.88 70.1 45.0 60.0 36.8 67.7 48.6 132.6 143.2 137.8
WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total
City of Paso Robles 66.8 89.7 73.3 127.98 236.40 165.89 85.44 212.08 121.63 141.7 126.6 136.2 40.7 71.8 53.6 240.0 289.3 262.9
City of Pismo Beach 63.3 85.8 69.8 177.28 303.60 221.68 112.27 260.56 154.64 52.8 62.2 56.0 23.1 28.4 26.5 88.1 108.3 97.3
City of San Luis Obispo 58.4 85.4 66.1 137.98 230.49 172.12 80.60 196.88 113.82 89.0 77.0 84.4 40.2 66.8 51.4 164.9 195.2 179.1
City of Morro Bay 58.5 83.6 65.6 130.61 222.17 163.90 76.39 185.64 107.60 68.6 61.9 66.1 31.1 31.7 30.7 121.0 113.2 117.1
WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total WD WE Total
City of Paso Robles 68.5 90.3 74.7 128.79 248.38 170.06 88.22 224.19 127.07 105.5 132.7 114.1 18.7 83.2 45.3 144.0 326.3 211.0
City of Pismo Beach 66.6 88.2 72.8 181.42 348.57 239.33 120.82 307.61 174.19 23.5 42.7 29.6 2.4 46.3 21.9 26.5 108.9 57.9
City of San Luis Obispo 60.4 92.3 69.5 143.15 261.19 187.92 86.46 241.03 130.62 50.9 77.6 60.0 23.7 85.1 51.1 86.6 228.7 141.7
City of Morro Bay 59.9 88.4 68.0 130.79 252.91 176.10 78.36 223.44 119.81 31.5 54.2 39.1 6.4 58.8 30.3 39.8 144.9 81.3
Week of May 23, 2021 to
May 29, 2021
Week of May 16, 2021 to
May 22, 2021
Week of May 9, 2021 to
May 15, 2021
Week of May 2, 2021 to
May 8, 2021
RevPar
Current Week Totals Percent Change
Occupancy (%)ADR RevPar Occupancy (%)ADR RevPar
Current Week Totals Percent Change
Occupancy (%)ADR RevPar Occupancy (%)ADR
Current Week Totals Percent Change
Occupancy (%)ADR RevPar Occupancy (%)ADR RevPar
Current Week Totals Percent Change
Occupancy (%)ADR RevPar Occupancy (%)ADR RevPar
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 Change +/-
July 508,195$ 541,806$ 591,184$ 636,778$ 699,845$ 761,346$ 844,845$ 877,391$ 861,241$ 884,317$ 913,019$ 535,638$ -41.3%
August 511,564$ 542,194$ 574,395$ 623,655$ 674,244$ 732,271$ 774,501$ 765,232$ 728,932$ 775,513$ 826,465$ 622,435$ -24.7%
September 400,023$ 437,543$ 490,524$ 508,583$ 505,954$ 557,002$ 643,127$ 650,117$ 693,704$ 682,810$ 720,414$ 660,475$ -8.3%
October 414,870$ 442,586$ 437,805$ 469,977$ 509,435$ 594,032$ 642,221$ 628,049$ 601,208$ 650,101$ 711,393$ 626,320$ -12.0%
November 280,913$ 330,924$ 347,437$ 359,163$ 425,769$ 475,360$ 468,016$ 497,162$ 513,487$ 556,885$ 593,403$ 420,171$ -29.2%
December 246,684$ 274,417$ 314,784$ 319,451$ 355,315$ 391,132$ 429,600$ 434,836$ 473,701$ 488,296$ 488,757$ 233,987$ -52.1%
January 230,279$ 256,351$ 276,165$ 302,153$ 331,853$ 400,239$ 387,304$ 396,559$ 415,690$ 465,547$ 520,813$ 300,504$ -42.3%
February 273,373$ 302,246$ 323,359$ 344,160$ 366,980$ 431,510$ 466,915$ 439,735$ 503,451$ 524,327$ 596,021$ 425,501$ -28.6%
March 326,099$ 333,783$ 392,266$ 426,879$ 448,103$ 520,795$ 559,235$ 549,642$ 577,285$ 602,781$ 268,458$ 614,863$ 129.0%
April 423,158$ 451,133$ 475,913$ 486,850$ 564,617$ 610,894$ 609,439$ 708,724$ 641,919$ 741,364$ 69,184$ 687,729$ 894.1%
May 372,997$ 433,874$ 447,116$ 489,862$ 546,916$ 601,614$ 598,093$ 645,114$ 630,820$ 665,603$ 174,982$ -100.0%
June 490,326$ 512,543$ 578,234$ 610,948$ 630,729$ 727,028$ 731,038$ 765,362$ 796,899$ 835,727$ 409,945$ -100.0%
Total/Average 4,478,481$ 4,859,400$ 5,249,181$ 5,578,460$ 6,059,758$ 6,803,224$ 7,154,334$ 7,357,923$ 7,438,338$ 7,873,272$ 6,292,853$ 5,127,622$ -18.5%
*39 properties
2019-20 2020-21 Change +/-2019-20 2020-21 Change +/-2019-20 2020-21 Change +/-
July 80.0 54.5 -31.9 184.4 165.96 -10.0 147.59 90.53 -38.7
August 77.1 61.0 -21.0 173.97 162.84 -6.4 134.18 99.27 -26.0
September 73.3 63.1 -14.0 159.48 167.66 5.1 116.97 105.79 -9.6
October 73.0 61.9 -15.2 156.99 162.18 3.3 114.56 100.38 -12.4
November 67.4 49.85 -25.5 147.11 145.06 -0.8 99.17 72.32 -26.1
December 57.7 33.32 -42.0 134.41 123.53 -7.6 77.59 41.16 -46.4
January 62.3 40.5 -34.7 130.45 124.24 -4.4 81.27 50.28 -37.6
February 63.5 54.4 -14.4 145.70 138.33 -5.1 92.48 75.18 -18.7
March 33.6 66.7 98.4 130.78 144.67 10.6 44.00 96.55 119.4
April 18.3 70.5 285.2 91.88 169.50 84.5 16.80 119.42 610.7
May 34.5 119.15 41.15
June 49.3 152.80 75.39
Total/Average 57.52 60.13 -20.5 143.93 164.66 -2.0 86.76 98.99 -21.7 Updated: 6/2/2021
TOT Comparison
*Figures from Smith Travel
Research Report
Occupancy ADR RevPAR
Report to City of SLO – TBID and PCC
Public Relations Contract
May 2021
PR Activity
Implementation/Proactive work
1)Pitched Downtown SLO’s Plaza Pop-Up to regional media
2)Sent release with final results of ‘Buy Local Bonus’program to regional media
3)Sent June community events release to regional media
4)Drafted ‘Meet Your Neighborhood Food Truck’ Q&A for VisitSLO.com
5)Continued planning freelancer Tanvi Chheda’s rescheduled visit to SLO
6)In partnership with Mindbody, continued planning micro-influencer Jacki Carr ’s
rescheduled visit to SLO
7)Continued working on the ‘Support Local Pledge’in partnership with the City
8)Continued working on the Plaza Pop-Ups pilot program
9)Continued working with Verdin on Support Local Campaign and implementation
10)Continued working with the City and Noble Studios on overall tourism marketing
campaign
Responsive leads
1)Coordinated itinerary and hosted Scott and Gina Hall on assignment for LalaLand and
BizJournal, respectively in partnership with DCI
2)Provided photos to Alison Tibaldi for USA Today
3)Provided photos to freelancer Chelsie Davies working on articles for Forbes
Partnerships
1)Coordinated experiences for NBC ’s California Live filming in SLO in partnership with
Hotel SLO
2)Coordinated stay and experiences in SLO for Jonny Bierman of Eco Escape Travel in
partnership with SLO CAL
3)Began planning media visit for Todd Elliot ’s of Coast to Coast Newspaper in partnership
with SLO CAL
4)Began planning media visit for Marci DeWolf ’s on assignment for Gannett’s Travel News
Service in partnership with SLO CAL
5)Met with new SLO CAL representative to discuss future opportunities working together
6)Pitched the following content to Visit California:
a)Where to Celebrate Pride in California
i)Plaza Pop-Up featuring Central Coast Pride
ii)San Luis Obispo Pride Week - May 16-23, 2021
7)Pitched the following content to CCTC:
a)Summer Events 2021
i)Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
ii)Plaza Pop-Ups
iii)Carnegie Lecture: La Loma Adobe
Report to City of SLO – TBID and PCC
Public Relations Contract
May 2021
iv)SLO Grilled Cheese Festival
v)Get Outside Film Series:
Playing with Sharks
May 2020-21 YTD
UVPM 288,955,100 3,437,905,905
AD VALUE $79,451.39 $1,020,185.43
PLACEMENTS 20 159
Media Placements
1.KSBY,Cal Poly Rose Float Program collaborates on
art installation in Downtown SLO
RESULT: Proactive pitching
PILLAR: Support Local
UVPM: 207,400
AD VALUE: $47.69
2.KEYT,Cal Poly ’s Rose Float team adds art installation
in Downtown San Luis Obispo
RESULT: Proactive pitching
PILLAR: Support Local
UVPM: 131,000
AD VALUE: $30.15
3.THE PASO ROBLES PRESS,Mission Plaza Blooms
with Art Installations
RESULT: Proactive pitching
PILLAR: Support Local
UVPM: 11,000
AD VALUE: $2.42
4.MUSTANG NEWS,Cal Poly Rose Float Team Creates
“Spring Wings” Art Installation
PILLAR: Support Local
UVPM: 500
Report to City of SLO – TBID and PCC
Public Relations Contract
May 2021
5.THE POINTS GUY,From LA to San Francisco: What it ’s like driving one of America’s best
road trips
RESULT: Media hosting
PILLAR: Cultural, Culinary, Beer/Wine
MENTIONS: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
UVPM: 69,200,000
AD VALUE: $15,900.00
6.NBC CALIFORNIA LIVE,Dani and Malou Road Trip to
the Central Coast
RESULT: Media hosting
PILLAR: Cultural
MENTIONS: Hotel SLO
UVPM: 3,000,000
AD VALUE: $1,900.00
7.TRAVEL + LEISURE,These Hotels Have Incredible
Mini-bars Featuring Local Snacks, Cool Souvenirs,and Awesome Booze
PILLAR: Culinary, Beer/Wine
MENTIONS: Granada Hotel and Bistro
UVPM: 136,300,000
AD VALUE: $32,500.00
8.FAMILY VACATIONIST,13 Great Outdoor Activities for Families Around Pismo Beach
RESULT: Media hosting
PILLAR: Family, Cultural
MENTIONS: San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab
9.PLANET WARE,Where to Stay in San Luis Obispo: Best Areas & Hotels
PILLAR: Family, Cultural
MENTIONS: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo
Museum of Art, Fremont Theater, Granada Hotel and Bistro, SLO Brew Lofts, Quality
Suites, The Kinney, Madonna Inn, San Luis Creek Lodge,Courtyard Marriott, Avenue Inn,
Rose Garden Inn, Best Western, Peach Tree Inn, Apple Farm, Garden Street Inn
UVPM: 1,008,000
AD VALUE: $248.29
10.CHEAPISM,The best drive-in movie theaters in America
PILLAR: Cultural
MENTIONS: Sunset Drive-In
UVPM: 67,150,000
AD VALUE: $15,444.86
Report to City of SLO – TBID and PCC
Public Relations Contract
May 2021
11.LA TIMES,Need weekend plans? Hike a desert crater — or go treasure hunting
PILLAR: Family, Culinary
MENTIONS: Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream
UVPM: 11,600,000
AD VALUE: $13,300.00
12.THE ENTREPRENEUR FUND,Here Are Five of the Most Extraordinary Hotels in The World
PILLAR: Cultural
MENTIONS: Madonna Inn
UVPM: 5,000
AD VALUE: $1.10
13.BLOGARAMA,Road Trip! 8 Exciting California Family Summer Getaways
PILLAR: Family, Cultural
MENTIONS: Mission San Luis Obispos de Tolosa
UVPM: 46,000
14.BEAUTY & THE BUMP,Best Family-Friendly Places to Travel West Coast
PILLAR: Family, Cultural
MENTIONS: Laguna Lake Park, Johnson Ranch, Mission Plaza
UVPM: 500
15.TASTE CALIFORNIA TRAVEL,Spa Cerro Reopens in San Luis Obispo
RESULT: Partnership pitching
UVPM: 300
16.KCLU,Floral Art Brings Petal Power To Downtown San Luis Obispo
RESULT: Partnership pitching
PILLAR: Support Local
UVPM: 5,000
AD VALUE: $1.23
17.NEW TIMES,Downtown SLO looks to rebound in time for post-pandemic summer; city to
discuss keeping parklets
UVPM: 41,000
AD VALUE: $9.32
18.KSBY,Tourism industry picking up in San Luis Obispo County
RESULT: Partnership pitching
MENTIONS: Visit SLO CAL
UVPM: 207,400
Report to City of SLO – TBID and PCC
Public Relations Contract
May 2021
AD VALUE: $47.69
Events:
19.NEW TIMES,SLOMA celebrates official reopening to the public, announces new hours
PILLAR: Cultural
UVPM: 41,000
AD VALUE: $9.32
20.NEW TIMES,Art Central holds new solo exhibit, Controlled Chaos
PILLAR: Cultural
UVPM: 41,000
AD VALUE: $9.32
Report to City of SLO – TBID
Guest Services Contract
May 2021
Response to TBID Advertising Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
May
2020
May
2021
Calls to
1-877-SLO-TOWN
21 37 28 39 104 125
Hotel Availability Tracker
Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
May
2020
May
2021
Email Response 25 26 26 26 118 103
Phone Calls to
Hotels
94 101 78 84 321 354
Hotel Referrals
Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
May
2020
May
2021
Visitors Served
(walk-ins)
1,354 1,557 1,507 1,448 n/a 5,866
Guests Served
(via phone and
digitally)
608 581 642 534 2,026 1,913
Hotel Rooms
Referred
401 370 416 422 n/a 1,609
Agency Report · May 2021
SLO-TBID
Agency Repor t
May Activity & Performance
What’s Ahead:
●April-June 2021 Marketing Plan:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NIpF7xipyZ3SOA7EWG8vIYWr1CvsXIdSXfQXnkK
Aaik/edit?usp=sharing
Paid Media
Paid search drove 29,576 impressions (a 1% increase MoM), 2,438 clicks, a 8.24% CTR and 2,336
sessions (a 8% decrease MoM)while driving 157 Book Now Conversions (22% decrease MoM),
492 hotel referrals (8% decrease MoM) and 10 homestay referrals (17% decrease MoM)at a 8%
decrease in cost.
Paid social drove 1,216,220 impressions, 276,837 users reached and 13,145 clicks across
Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest with a 1.43% CTR for FB/Insta and .36% on Pinterest for 5,360
sessions (4% increase MoM)while driving 3 Book Now Conversions (33% increase MoM), 10 hotel
referrals (43% increase MoM) and 3 homestay referrals (188% increase MoM)at a 11% decrease in
cost.
Display drove 2,001,697 impressions, 11,627 clicks,a .58% CTR (a 5% decrease MoM) and 13,915
sessions while driving 3 Book Now Conversions (50%increase MoM), 9 hotel referrals (50%
increase MoM) and 1 homestay referrals (50% decrease MoM)at a 20% decrease in cost.
Expedia drove 2,200,000 impressions, 670 clicks, a .03% CTR and 504 sessions while driving 3
Book Now Conversions, 4 hotel referrals and 1 homestay referrals and 1,700 room bookings.
●Proactively monitored and optimized paid media placements ($36,004 spend)
●Launched SLOReady campaigns on all platforms
●Monitored Expedia campaign
Email Marketing
Newsletters (1 per month)
●On-going: Revise the automated “welcome” newsletter as needed
●Completed:
○April Newsletter (4/7)
2
■20.1% Open Rate, 1.2% Click Rate
■21% of unique clicks on “Oh-SLO-Sustainable Wine Tour”
○May Newsletter (4/28)
■20.1% Open Rate, 1.5% Click Rate
20% of unique clicks were on “Staying Forever Young in SLO”
●Upcoming:
○June Newsletter (End of May)
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Creation
Organic search traffic decreased period-over-period by 4% and increased 99% year-over-year.
Organic hotel partner referrals increased 6% (138 vs 130), Book Now increased 32% (33 vs 25) and
Homestay referrals increased 11% (21 vs 19) period-over-period (May 1-31,2021 vs March 31-April
30, 2021). We saw a 3% increase in Avg Session Duration,a 2% decrease in bounce rate and a 1%
increase in pages per session PoP and 13% increase in Avg Session Duration, a 8% decrease in
bounce rate and a 8% increase in pages per session YoY for organic search.
May remained steady on overall keyword rankings on the search engine results page. In May, we
saw additional positive MoM growth for many of the pages we have optimized including: a 10%
increase to Attractions, 56% increase to Homestays,11% increase to Drinks and 9% increase to
Hotels.
●SEO Optimizations created:
○Beaches
○Montana De Oro
○Botanical Garden
Blog Posts (2 per month)
Completed:
●Blog #1: Bike Your Way Through the History of SLO
●Blog #2: Breweries in San Luis Obispo
Website
The website saw a 13% decrease in sessions period-over-period (May 1-31, 2021 vs March 31-April
30, 2021)and a 402% increase YoY; for a total of 38,797 sessions and 31,481 new users in May.
From an engagement perspective, bounce rate decreased by 1%, pages/session and average
session duration increased by 3% and 3% (:49 vs :48)respectively PoP.
●Monthly Web Maintenance Items
○WordPress and Plugin Updates
3
●Ad Hoc Items
○Posted Business Feature blog:
■Meet Your Neighborhood Climbing Gym | Q&A with Kristin Horowitz of The
Pad Climbing
■Meet Your Neighborhood Fair Trade Market | Q&A With Lynanne Wiest Of
Humankind Fair Trade
Social Media Management
Across all platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram),@ShareSLO has a total audience of 124,100+
on all platforms combined throughout the month of April. The account with the most engagement
rate is Instagram. We implemented a Linktr.ee to host all links from Instagram and give people more
ways to access SLO content. There was a slight decrease in followers on Twitter and Facebook vs.
last month, but we have seen increased reach and impressions on Twitter.
Social Media Posting & Engagement
●Noble Studios created social posts, posted content,and consistently engages with other
accounts every day throughout the month of April.Posts aligned with brand messaging and
local events/initiatives across all three social platforms:Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z5SNizv1EyGR0vdXyIAH-dCdPu9lJgCL_n4i7SLB
Ckg/edit
●Noble Studios revised the social content calendar for March and continues to create, post
and engage on behalf of @ShareSLO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vY5l0_cgpGBLyeT6NBim85qEkweKD5XtASedzS
SML38/edit#gid=0
●Noble Studios created posts to promote the recently created blog posts, as well as share
local events such as the April and May Pop-Ups in Mission Plaza.
PR, Media, And Influencer Relations
DCI’s All Client Pitch Initiative
Proposed:(4-6 pitches throughout 2020-21)
Progress:4 Complete; 2 To Come
●Completed: Four all client pitches
○California Roadtrip -- San Luis Obispo wineries
○Drive-in Movie Theaters -- Sunset Drive-in
○Holiday Events and Experiences, What’s Different in 2020 - Light up Downtown
○Valentine's Day/Romantic Getaways
Proactive Pitch Development:
●Now Here This (Complete)
4
●Holiday Gifting Guide - Local Makers (Complete)
●Holiday Happenings, Events & Activities (Complete)
●Give the Gift of Slo (Complete)
●Holiday Local Makers (Complete)
●Restaurant Month & SLO Chef Interviews/Profiles (Complete)
●Sustainable Transportation (In progress)
●Food and beverage sustainability (In progress)
●Sustainability/Carbon Neutral 2035 (In progress)
●Sustainable wine trail (In progress)
●Road Tripping (sustainably) in SLO (In progress)
Ongoing Media Conversations:
●FORBES, Lana Bortolot, Sustainable Wines
●FORBES, Melissa Kravitz, LGBTQ Events Around USA
●INHABITAT, Teresa Bergen, Sustainable Road trip (Media Visit in June)
●PEOPLE, Sonal Dutt, Best restaurants/places/destinations
●READER'S DIGEST, Katy Spratte Joyce, Best wineries in the country + winery-adjacent
property
●SKYSCANNER, Meg Ten Eyck, LGBTQ Pride Celebrations + Events
●JILL BARTH, Freelance Writer, Sustainable Wines
●SCOTT BRIDGES, Freelance Writer, LaLaScoop (wife contributes to Biz Journals) (Media
Visit, 5/25-27)
●MARCI DEWOLF, More Content Now columnist (Media Visit,Mid-June 2 nights)
●MICHELE HERRMANN, Freelance Writer, Forbes, Matador,Sustainable Story Ideas
●JAMES MURREN, Freelance Writer, LA Times, Adventure Sports Journal, Earn Your Beer
The SLO Sustainable Story + Sustainable Road Trip (Media Visit in June)
●MOLLY O'BRIEN, Freelance Writer, Business Insider,Budget Travel, Sustainable Road Trip
(Media Visit once assignment is secured)
Sustainable SLO Virtual Event (April 15):
●Completed: Run of Show & Planning Doc, secure RSVPs,conducted follow up
●Final outcome: 20 RSVPs, 16 Attendees
Influencer Partnerships (5 partnerships in 2020-21)
●Completed: Developed Most Wanted Influencer List for approval; revised strategy
●In Progress: Confirmed direction from SLOTBID
DCI 2020-2021 SLO Coverage Grid:
●https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qZynr7KmlnMxm3rI2hoTUbj7uIdEc2uA_j4HNTlcl
ec/edit?usp=sharing
5
San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District
Committee Recommendation Staff Report
June 4, 2021
TO: TBID Board
FROM: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager via TBID Marketing Committee
PREPARED BY: Chantal Stewart, Tourism Coordinator
SUBJECT: Visit SLO CAL Co-ops
RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the TBID Marketing Committee (attachment A), approve the TBID’s participation in the
following two cooperative marketing (co-op) opportunities:
• Visit SLO CAL Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI) Study co-op for $5,000;
• Visit SLO CAL Photo & Video Asset Project (Option 1) co-op for $10,000
DISCUSSION
Background
In the June 10, 2020 TBID Board Meeting, the San Luis Obispo TBID Board approved the 2020-21
program budget. This action was forwarded as a recommendation to City Council which was
subsequently approved for final approval at the July 7, 2020 City Council meeting. The approved 2020-21
budget included a line items of $30,000 for co-op program funding.
The TBID has seen great benefit from participating in co-op programs to increase marketing reach while
using less dollars to do so. In addition to expanding overall reach, it helps the TBID align their messaging
with other organization like Visit SLO CAL who has the same goal of increased visitation and awareness
to the destination to make a bigger impact. Due to the severe impacts of COVID-19, the TBID has
experienced an overall decrease in lodging occupancy leading to a significant drop in projected revenues.
To fulfill the need for additional marketing and assets while on a decreased budget, the TBID Marketing
Committee sees co-op opportunities as an essential program.
Marketing Committee Action
Visit SLO CAL EDI Audience and Asset Alignment Study Co-op
At the June 2, 2021 Marketing Committee meeting, staff reviewed the Visit SLO CAL (VSC) co-op
project for the EDI Audience and Asset Alignment Study. The EDI study is designed to address what
visitors and potential visitors are looking for regarding travel in the diversity space. The study will
develop an understanding of what the destination can authentically market to the diverse visitors we want
to attract, and what diverse assets exist throughout the destination.
The base study will provide a solid foundation for destination partners to build upon and take advantage
of the scope and sample size that is funded through Visit SLO CAL’s efforts. Each partner may add five
TBID Marketing Services Contract – 2020-21 Co-op Programs Page 2
questions to the questionnaire at the cost of $2,500. These questions will be analyzed with the information
collected in the base study and each partner will receive a companion report(s) focused on their specific
data. The first part of the study will compare the “ideal” vacation with ratings of the destination among
past visitors and by familiarization based on what the destination has to offer. This will provide a
baseline of insights for San Luis Obispo and other participating destinations. The survey will include
products such as wineries, beaches, unique restaurants, independent shops, and other specific activities,
and attributes such as fun, welcoming, safe, accepting. The findings will provide insight into what
products drive interest for diverse visitors.
A second option is to probe further using video interviews. This qualitative tool is an affordable
alternative to focus groups and offer several key advantages. Survey participants are recruited at the end
of the quantitative survey and invited to take a follow-up video survey. They are selected based on criteria
established by Visit SLO CAL and the participating destination partner(s). They receive a survey link via
email and video record their responses, at a time convenient to them, using a custom survey platform. The
findings will provide a gap analysis specific to participating destinations. The cost for destination partners
for 10 video interviews is $2,500.
The Marketing Committee in particular finds great benefit in this part of the presented EDI co-op because
of its low financial risk and high benefits in the long term. Marketing committee members made a
unanimous vote to participate in the EDI Study through Visit SLO CAL at the $5,000 investment level
VSC will be conducting the EDI Study in June with work completed in early August 2021.
Visit SLO CAL Visitor Profile Study Co-op
Additionally, the Marketing Committee considered the Visitor Profile study that will provide market
segmentation and identify motivations for current and potential visitors. Committee members felt this
study is duplicative to the TBID’s current efforts and declined a recommendation to participate in the
presented Visitor Profile Research Study.
Visit SLO CAL Assets Co-op
For the third opportunity, the Marketing Committee reviewed a new brand campaign consisting of Hero
Brand assets and House of Brands assets which is a photo and videography asset co-op with Visit SLO
CAL (VSC) (attachment C). Five different asset options were presented for committee consideration.
Within the presented co-op options, Option 1 includes creation of destination video assets within the new
SLO CAL brand campaign to augment display, native and social assets. Additionally, Option 1 includes
Visit SLO CAL distribution of video assets within the paid media campaign (retargeting people who viewed
SLO CAL brand video). The cost of Option 1 to capture video assets is $10,000.
Option 2 is a co-op for video assets expanded distribution for $10,000. This includes a leveraged media
buy-in for expanded distribution of destination video assets within the VSC campaign. Additionally, it
includes three months of activity across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, SpotX, etc. based on investment
level (actual media channels TBD).
Out of the presented options, the Marketing Committee only recommends participating in Option 1 this
fiscal year (2020-21) for $10,000 which fits well within the current co-op line item of the 2020-21 budget
and has great benefit for the TBID. The Marketing Committee finds this package valuable especially during
a time when a travel is increasing and the importance of having relevant and quality assets that represent
San Luis Obispo. The Marketing Committee made a unanimous vote to participate in the Visit SLO CAL
TBID Marketing Services Contract – 2020-21 Co-op Programs Page 3
Assets Co-op Option 1 for $10,000 and to earmark $10,000 out of the co-op line item for fiscal year 2021-
22 budget for Option 2 expanded distribution based on performance of Option 1.
FISCAL IMPACT
The TBID has allocated $30,000 of the 2020-2021 budget for co-op program funding. The total
commitment to participate in the Visit SLO CAL EDI Study co-op through Visit SLO CAL ($5,000) and
the Visit SLO CAL Assets Co-op Option 1 is $10,000. Due to previous co-op commitments, there is
$27,500 currently available in the co-op program budget allocation. Following the commitment of
$15,000 to these programs, remaining co-op program funding line item within the 2020-2021 budget to
$2,500 for future co-op commitments.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Marketing Committee Minutes June 2, 2021
2. Visit SLO CAL EDI + Visitor Profile Research Co-op
3. Visit SLO CAL Assets Co-op
Tourism Business Improvement District
Marketing Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Teleconference via Zoom
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: LeBren Harris, Natalie Ward (departed at 11:12 a.m.). and
Matthew Wilkins
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager and Chantal Stewart, Tourism Coordinator
Call to order time: 10:43 a.m.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. FY 21-22 Draft Marketing and Business Plan Objectives
Shyla Lindner of Noble Studios presented the high-level overview of the marketing and business plan
objectives. Tourism Manager Cano added information around program elements outside of the agency
scope of work and line items that used to be part of the annual marketing plan but are not included in this
draft plan. Committee members provided feedback and discussed the need for photos assets to use in the
proposed marketing plan objectives.
ACTION: Member Harris made a recommendation for TBID Board for consideration to use up to $50k
from the FY 20-21 contingency budget for photography and videography based on agency request and
marketing plan needs. Member Wilkins was in consensus (Ward was absent).
2. Brand Equity Research
Marketing committee members further discussed the brand equity research study and asked agency
representatives specific questions for clarification and direction. The marketing committee directed Noble
Studios to finalize the specific dollar amount instead of a range to present to the full TBID Board for re-
consideration. The committee was in support of this research project pending the final project proposal
and amount.
3. Visit SLO CAL EDI + Visitor Profile Research Co-op
Staff and agency members reviewed the opportunities to participate in Visit SLO CAL co-op programs.
The programs included participation in the EDI Audience and Asset Alignment Study, Visitor Profile
Study and the Asset Production Project. Staff and Noble Studios recommended that the committee
consider the participation below while using the available FY 20-21 co-op program budget for funding:
Participate in the EDI Study for $5,000
Participate in the Asset (photo & video project) but only for option 1 for $10,000; earmark
$10,000 for option 2 out of FY 21-22 co-op program budget based on performance
Decline participation in the Visitor Profile research due to duplication of efforts
ACTION: By consensus, the committee members recommend co-op participation with Visit SLO CAL
based on the recommendation from staff and the agency (Ward was absent).
4. New Business Items
a. Committee Discussion - none
b. Future Agenda Items- none
c. Next Regular Meeting Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
EDI Audience and Asset Alignment Study Co-op
Visitor Profile Study Co-op
Visit SLO CAL will be conducting an EDI Study, in conjunction with a Visitor Profile Study,
beginning in June with work completed in early August. We are in final negotiations with the
research vendor. As part of this work, we would like to offer you the opportunity to
supplement the findings of the EDI study and separately the Visitor Profile Study with issues
specific to your area and interests.
The base study will provide a solid foundation for destination partners to build upon and take
advantage of the scope and sample size that is funded through Visit SLO CAL’s efforts. Each
partner may add five questions to each questionnaire. These questions will be analyzed with
the information collected in the base study and each partner will receive a companion report(s)
focused on their specific data.
The cost for partners to add five questions is $2,500 per study.
A second option is to probe further using video interviews. This qualitative tool is an affordable
alternative to focus groups and offer several key advantages. The participants are recruited at
the end of the quantitative survey and invited to take a follow-up video survey. They are
selected based on criteria established by Visit SLO CAL and the destination partner(s). They
receive a survey link via email and video record their responses, at a time convenient to them,
using a custom survey platform.
The cost for destination partners for 10 video interviews is $2,500 per study.
The EDI study will address what visitors and potential visitors are looking for in regards to travel
in the diversity space. The first part of the study will compare the “ideal” vacation with ratings
of the destination among past visitors and by familiarization based on what the destination has
to offer. This will provide a baseline of insights for each community. The survey will include
products such as wineries, beaches, unique restaurants, independent shops, and other specific
activities, and attributes such as fun, welcoming, safe, accepting. The findings will provide
insight into what products drive interest for diverse visitors.
The second part of the research study will be done through facilitated discussions with
destinations themselves on what they have to offer in regards to current product. The finds will
provide a gap analysis specific to participating destinations.
The Visitor Profile study will provide market segmentation and identify motivations for current
and potential visitors. The work will provide visitor profiles and personas as well as inform
marketing priorities.
All contracts/LOAs will be issued through Visit SLO CAL and funds will be billed through Visit SLO
CAL.
D ATE: 5/21/21 C LIENT: VSC J OB #: NA
TITLE: FY22 Shoot/Asset Co-op Scenarios
R EV: 0 CC: Cathy Tull, Chuck Davison
OVERVIEW
Visit SLO CAL is in development of a new brand campaign consisting of Hero Brand assets and House of Brands assets.
Hero Brand assets will tell the overarching SLO CAL brand story and bring the
Living Vividly messaging strategy to life, with House of Brands assets presenting
distinct experiences in Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo and along the Highway 1 Discovery Route.
This work will include a 5-day photography and video shoot throughout the
region the first week of August.
SLO CAL Campaign Assets
•:60 / :30 / :15 / :06 Video Assets
•Display Banners / Social Media / Native
o SLO CAL Hero Brand assets
o SLO CAL House of Brands assets
•Custom Digital
o SLO CAL Hero Brand assets
Asset Development & Distribution Co-op
Based on the recent survey and marketing retreat discussion, there is interest
from the individual DMOs in an asset development co-op with an indicated budget range from $5K-10K. In some cases, higher budgets may be available.
Following are options for consideration. A partner may wish to pursue one or
more of these based on individual budgets/needs. All funds will bill through VSC.
OPTION 1: VIDEO ASSETS — $10,000
•Creation of destination video assets within the new SLO CAL brand
campaign to augment display, native and social assets.
•Includes Visit SLO CAL distribution of video assets within the paid mediacampaign (retargeting people who viewed SLO CAL brand video).
SLO CAL Hero Brand assets SLO CAL House of Brands assets SLO CAL House of Brands co-op assets
•A suite of assetsincluding video,
display, native andsocial that tells theoverarching SLO CALbrand story
•A suite of display,native and socialassets that promotesindividual destinationexperiences
•(1) :15 video asset
•(3) :06 video assets
PAGE: 2
2
OPTION 2: VIDEO ASSETS EXPANDED DISTRIBUTION — $10,000 (and up based on partner interest)
•Leveraged media buy-in for expanded distribution of destination video
assets within VSC campaign.
•Three (3) months of activity across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, SpotX,etc. based on investment level (actual media channels TBD)
OPTION 3: ADD-ON HERO SHOOT DAY (A CREW) — $50,000
•Visit SLO CAL is investing in a full scale shoot with a production company
working under the direction of Mering.
•This team will be focused on capturing footage and still imagery to beused in the new SLO CAL brand campaign. Set-ups with talent will becaptured around the region.
•Partners have the option of adding one (1) day to the SLO CAL hero shoot
to focus on their destination.
•Includes full crew, agency and talent for 3-4 set-ups (to be developed incollaboration with partner).
•Timing:
o Visit SLO CAL to share approved campaign direction withpartners — week of 6/14
o Co-op partner commitment due — 6/25
o Co-op partner participation form due — 7/6
o Pre-production — 7/7-7/30
o Travel/tech — 7/31-8/2
o Hero shoot — 8/3-8/8
o Partner add-on day(s) — week of 8/9
OPTION 4: B-ROLL VIDEO SHOOT DAY (B CREW) — $15,000
•One day location shoot to capture b-roll footage within individual
destination.
•Includes videographer, equipment and usage rights.
•Participating partner will be responsible for orchestration includinglocation selection, permitting (if required) and talent (if required).
OPTION 5: B-ROLL VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT DAY (B CREW) — $20,000
•One day location shoot to capture b-roll footage and still imagery within
individual destination.
•Includes videographer/photographer, equipment and usage rights.
•Participating partner will be responsible for orchestration includinglocation selection, permitting (if required) and talent (if required).
Destination Resilience Assessment
RESILIENCE
Destination Resilience refers to a community’s ability to pivot and recover from
challenges due to a foundation of relationships, balance, shared purpose, and clear
goals.
Overview
This instrument assesses six dimensions of a
destination to identify gaps in resilience: visitors,
stakeholders, marketing & communications,
leadership, team, and funding.
Destination organizations can use the results as inputs to
the revision or creation of marketing plans, strategic plans,
and destination plans to ensure the resilience of the
destination into the future.
VISITORS STAKEHOLDERS MARKETING &
COMMUNICATION
LEADERSHIP TEAM FUNDING
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 3
Visitors Our audience has diverse interests.
Our audience is geographically diverse.
Our audience is diverse in terms of socioeconomics,
family status, age, race, and gender.
Audience Segmentation
We have established paths to evolve our visitors
into our ideal visitor.
We have ample data on our audience segments.
We have robust communication to our visitors
pre-and post-visit.
Audience Research & Content
We leverage data to understand where visitors go and how
they behave while they are in market.
We have active visitor management plans and capabilities.
We actively measure visitor sentiment.
We have communication channels that can reach our visitors
while they are in market.
Visitor Management
OVERALLSCORE
2.94
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 4
Stakeholders We collaborate with regional partners for tourism promotion.
We have cooperative marketing partners in our paid and
owned channels.
We have close working relationships with sister agencies.
We have a variety of sponsorship partners.
We actively support the development of locally-owned
tourism-oriented businesses.
Partners
Residents are highly aware of our purpose.
We actively measure resident sentiment.
We have programming and/or content focused on residents.
Residents
Local and regional elected officials are highly aware of our purpose.
We actively and regularly engage with our local and regional
elected officials.
We have a process to introduce newly-elected officials in our area
to what we do.
Elected Officials
OVERALLSCORE
3.03
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 5
OVERALLSCORE
3.66
Marketing &
Communication
We employ a diversity of marketing channels.
Our owned marketing assets are diverse (website, videos,
content, photography, etc.).
We have a strong sales message at every stage of the funnel.
Diversification
We allocate a portion of our marketing dollars to test new
channels and messages.
We have minimized bottlenecks in our decision -making process.
We have the ability to pivot our message quickly across channels.
Our marketing KPIs allow for risk-taking and experimentation.
Flexibility & Risk Tolerance
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 6
Marketing &
Communication We are able to quickly pivot our spend when necessary.
Our marketing plan addresses the seasonality of our market
by varying spend.
We have contingencies built into our marketing budget.
Budget
We have identified modifications to our decision -making
processes to use in a crisis.
We have a working relationship with public safety agencies in
our area.
Crisis Planning
Our brand has the depth to be both consistent and flexible.
We have tested our brand with multiple markets to ensure
its flexibility.
The essence of our brand is still true during a crisis situation.
Our brand is consistent across communications and
marketing campaigns.
Brand
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 7
OVERALLSCORE
3.66
Leadership There is mutual trust between our leadership and our staff.
There is mutual trust between our leadership and our stakeholders.
Our leaders value transparency.
Our leaders consciously develop personal relationships with team
members.
Trust
We have internal and external crisis communication plans.
Our leaders prioritize regular interactions with stakeholders
and sister agencies.
Our leaders equally share bad news and good news internally
with the staff.
Communication
Our decision-making processes are decentralized and empower
our employees.
Our leaders are able to take vacations without checking in.
Our hierarchy is relatively flat.
Delegation & Power Sharing
OVERALLSCORE
3.32
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 8
Leadership
We have succession plans for key leadership positions.
We have a high tolerance for risk as an organization.
We have identified specific external threat/opportunity data
points that we monitor regularly.
Risk Tolerance & Mitigation
We have control over the make -up of our board.
We have a variety of travel industry representation on our Board.
We have a process to “on -board” new Board members.
Board of Directors
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 9
OVERALLSCORE
3.32
Team
We have a shared sense of organizational history and institutional
knowledge.
We have good inter-departmental communication.
The purpose/mission of our organization is clear to everybody
on the team.
We consult our organizational values when making tough decisions.
Culture & Values
Our team has the materials and equipment they need to do their
work well.
The mission/purpose of the organization makes the team feel like
their jobs are important.
Team members would say that their supervisor, or someone at
work, cares about them as a person.
EngagementOVERALLSCORE
3.87
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 10
Team
Our systems are platforms are built in a way that allows us to pivot
when necessary.
Our procurement channels are flexible enough to allow us to move
quickly and innovate.
We make time and resources available for learning and
professional development.
Failure is treated like a learning opportunity in this organization.
Innovation
Our team is cross-trained to be able to perform multiple roles
if necessary.
Past Board members and/or employees are still available to the
organization to answer questions.
Our team is diverse in terms of tenure, age, gender, race, religion,
sexual orientation, and other identities.
Bench
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 11
OVERALLSCORE
3.87
Funding
We have multiple sources of funding.
At least some portion of our funding is dedicated and reliable.
We are eligible to receive grant funding.
Funding Diversity
We are able to maintain a budget reserve.
We are able to carry forward or commit money beyond our
fiscal year.
We are able to reallocate funds in the middle of a fiscal year.
Funding Flexibility
Our funding source does not limit the scope we are able to
undertake.
Our structure and funding source allow us to operate
independently.
Funding & Structure
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 12
OVERALLSCORE
3.39
San Luis Obispo
Aggregate Score: 3.41
VISITORS STAKEHOLDERS MARKETING &
COMMUNICATION
LEADERSHIP TEAM FUNDING
13
3.393.873.323.662.94 3.03
Current Strengths
We are able to
maintain a budget
reserve.
1 We have contingencies
built into our marketing
budget and are able to
quickly pivot our spend
when necessary.
2 The purpose/mission
of our organization is
clear to everybody on
the team.
3
Our leaders value transparency, we have good inter-departmental communication, and there is mutual trust between leadership and staff.
4 Our marketing plan
addresses the
seasonality of our
market by varying
spend.
5
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 14
Critical Gaps
We do not actively
measure resident
sentiment, and
residents are not highly
aware of our purpose.
1 We do not have
succession plans for
key leadership
positions.
2 We do not have multiple
sources of funding, and
we are ineligible to
receive grant funding.
3
We do not have a
process to introduce
newly-elected officials in
our area to what we do.
4 5
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 15
We do not actively measure visitor sentiment, nor do we have established paths to evolve our visitors into our ideal visitor.
Biggest Perception Gaps
Our leaders are able to
take vacations without
checking in. (staff 2.00;
stakeholders 3.83)
1 We have identified specific external threat/opportunity data points that we monitor regularly. (staff 1.50; stakeholders 3.17)
2 We have a variety of
sponsorship partners.
(staff 4.50;
stakeholders 3.00)
3
We employ a diversity
of marketing
channels. (staff 4.50;
stakeholder 3.00)
4
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 16
5 The essence of our
brand is still true during
a crisis situation. (staff
5.00; stakeholders 3.50)
6 We make time and
resources available for
learning and professional
development. (staff 5.0;
stakeholder 3.50)
7 Our team is cross-
trained to be able to
perform multiple roles if
necessary. (staff 4.50;
stakeholders 3.00)
Strategic Insights
Build a baseline understanding of visitor sentiment and track over time to identify looming perception threats to your destination early.
3
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 17
Do some planning to identify your ideal visitor, then adjust your marketing over time to slowly shift your visitor base in that direction. Those future visitors should be diversified in a way that protects SLO’s visitor economy in a crisis.
21Leverage this moment—when the importance of visitors to the economy is plain to everyone—to build rapport with SLO residents and to begin actively monitoring their sentiment about tourism.
THANK YOU
SLO CAL Events and
Festival Strategy
2.22.2021
Melissa Murray
Visit SLO CAL
1334 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
1
Overview
The purpose of this brief is to clarify the scope and focus of the Experience SLO CAL 2050 Events and
Festival Strategy recommendation and the required deliverables that are expected from the project.
Goals
1. The establishment of an Events and Festivals working group - comprised of key investors and
partners within the tourism community, county and municipal stakeholders as well as those
involved with organizing and producing countywide events - who will be the ambassadors for
the strategy and its implementation and adherence countywide.
a. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be drafted as a formal agreement of
understanding and approval from our government stakeholders and DMO partners.
2. A comprehensive analysis of existing Festivals and Events that includes quantity, quality,
community, scheduling, attendance (resident & visitor), satisfaction, diversity and revenue to
inform working group of current situations, strengths and weaknesses.
3. To develop a countywide events and festival documented business plan that establishes
strategies and planning for creating, incubating and facilitating visitor-related events and
festivals. This strategy will focus on bringing positive economic contributions to SLO CAL and
enhanced quality of life to residents. The following should be included:
a. High impact rated events
b. A review of best locations, key off-season, mid-week periods (no gaps in the calendar)
and seasonality for high impact events
i. Focus on driving lodging demand and yielding rate throughout the year
ii. Should consider/address residents concern with overpopulation and traffic
c. Program sponsorship/funding
d. Defined performance measures for continued resources and effort
4. Development and implementation of a countywide master calendar framework to be built out
and housed on the Visit SLO CAL website (SLOCAL.com) and be accessible via application
programing interface (API), or other functionality, to investors, partners and stakeholders and
be contributed to, used and adhered to countywide for event planning and promotion.
a. Should consider how buy-in is achieved from investors, partners and stakeholders along
the way to assure adoption
2
Background
San Luis Obispo County is located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco easily accessible via
Highways 1 or 101. It measures approximately 3600 square miles with more than 80 miles of coastline
and beaches and 315 days of sunshine. It encompasses three wine regions, thousands of culinary
choices, a burgeoning craft brewing, cider and distillery scene, and more than 20 art galleries and arts
venues.
Visit SLO CAL is the non-profit countywide destination marketing and management organization
(DMMO) for San Luis Obispo County, CA (SLO CAL). The DMMO is responsible for promoting the SLO
County community as an attractive destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to
live, work and play.
In 2018, Visit SLO CAL engaged Resonance Consultancy to create a comprehensive destination
management strategy through 2050 that will work to enhance the quality of life for residents and create
a must-visit destination for visitors. The number of visitors coming to enjoy the multitude of outstanding
outdoor activities, beaches, wine regions and urban experiences is increasing year over year but at the
same time, county residents are protective of the high quality of life offered throughout the region –
cherishing the ease of accessing outdoor recreation and the friendliness of people.
Resonance Consultancy’s approach for the destination management strategy was designed to help
residents and stakeholders articulate and share a clear vision of the future which would lead to a shared
purpose and passion. The process undertaken was divided into six phases:
a. Foundational Research – informed, reviewed and critiqued by the DMS Steering
Committee comprised of community leaders and industry stakeholders
i. Stakeholder Engagement
ii. Visitor Survey
iii. Destination Assessment
iv. Community Survey
b. Visioning Workshops
c. Draft Recommendations, Roles and Responsibilities
d. Implementation
e. Action Plan Development
From the visioning workshops, 28 opportunities were identified and recommended then gathered into
three areas of focus: Industry Advancement & Advocacy, Infrastructure & Investment and Experience
Development. Experience Development builds on the unique identity of SLO CAL as a premier
destination for residents and visitors alike. One opportunity listed under Experience Development was
the Events and Festival Strategy (EFS). This recommendation consists of a comprehensive business plan,
along with professional resources and a dedicated stakeholder group, as well as a destination-wide
master calendar. The purpose of the EFS is to strategically outline and inform when and where events
take place, what type of events are needed and how sponsorship of events should occur. By doing so,
SLO CAL has the ability to eliminate events during peak periods, reduce duplication across communities,
3
establish and streamline the event funding process and model, increase demand during off-season and
mid-week periods and assist the lodging community with yielding rate. All this, by design, will reduce the
overall impact on our local communities and increase the quality of life for SLO CAL residents while
creating consistent economic and tourism growth to the region year-round versus only during peak
seasons. It will also establish standards for identifying future signature events - for pursuit and funding -
that focus on SLO CAL’s strengths in the areas of outdoor and coastal activities as well as food and wine.
Milestones
I. Events and Festival Strategy project scope release
The finalized project scope will be sent to event strategy agencies identified during research
phase as well as to the Marketing Committee for review, dissemination and proposal
consideration.
Completion Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021
II. Q&A and meet with potential agencies
Meetings will include discussion regarding project scope, agency background, capacity and size,
experience with these types of projects which should lead to a formal proposal from the agency.
Completion Date: Friday, March 19, 2021
III. Proposal submission final deadline
Visit SLO CAL Project Manager will accept proposals until final deadline and will do a
thoroughness review as proposals are submitted to determine qualifications.
Completion Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2021
IV. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) developed and
signed by local municipalities
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be drafted as a formal agreement of
understanding and approval from our government stakeholders and DMO partners. The MOU
will also require assurance that participation in the finalized strategies is continuous.
Completion Date: Friday, April 16, 2021
V. Review of proposals and pitch meetings
Visit SLO CAL will start reviewing proposals submitted by March 31 and will notify the agencies
of initial questions or concerns. Follow up meetings and/or pitch meetings will also be scheduled
during this timeframe to determine finalists.
4
Completion Date: Friday, April 30, 2021
VI. Review agency recommendations with Marketing Committee
Visit SLO CAL staff will present recommended agency proposals for discussion and feedback.
Marketing Committee will make a recommendation to Board of Directors .
Completion Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2021
VII. Present to Executive Committee on EFS status
Present to Executive Committee on EFS initiative progress and Marketing Committee
recommendation. Executive Committee will make a recommendation to Board of Directors for
approval.
Completion Date: Thursday, May 13, 2021
VIII. Submit agency recommendation to the VSC Board of
Directors
Visit SLO CAL staff will present recommended agency proposal for discussion and final
consideration.
Completion Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021
IX. Notify agency of choice
Notify agency of selection and any questions that may have come from Board of Directors.
Review and finalize contract agreement and determine formal project kickoff date with VSC to
introduce agency and discuss Events and Festival working group creation.
Completion Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2021
X. Update Advisory Committee on EFS status
Report to Advisory Committee on EFS initiative and progress being made and answer any
questions about the process.
Completion Date: June TBD 2021
XI. Formal VSC introduction and kickoff
Either in person or virtually a chance for the agency to introduce themselves to the VSC team,
discuss project success strategy and determine EFS working group stakeholders as well as
respond to any questions from the VSC team.
Completion Date: Friday, June 11, 2021
5
XII. Events and Festivals Strategy working group kickoff
The agency and VSC will meet with pre-determined key investors and partners within the
tourism community, county and municipal stakeholders as well as those involved with
organizing and producing countywide events.
Completion Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2021
*Visit SLO CAL Project Manager and selected agency will work together to determine project specific
milestones and deadlines.
Deliverables
The project will not be considered final and the closing process started until the following deliverables
have been provided to Visit SLO CAL:
1. A countywide events and festival documented business plan that establishes strategies and
planning for creating, incubating and facilitating visitor-related events and festivals and achieve
buy-in from investors, partners and stakeholders for implementation, event calendar
maintenance and adoption. This strategy will focus on bringing positive economic contributions
to SLO CAL and enhanced quality of life to residents. The following should be included:
a. High impact rated events
b. A review of best locations, key off-season, mid-week periods (no gaps in the calendar)
and seasonality for high impact events
i. Focus on driving lodging demand and yielding rate throughout the year
ii. Should consider/address residents concern with overpopulation and traffic
c. Program sponsorship/funding
d. Defined performance measures for continued resources and effort
2. A countywide master calendar framework to be built out and housed on the Visit SLO CAL
website (SLOCAL.com) and be accessible via application programing interface (API), or other
functionality, to investors, partners and stakeholders and be contributed to, used and adhered
to countywide for event planning and promotion.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU" or "Memorandum"), is effective from the date of signature (the
"Effective Date"), by and between Visit SLO CAL located at 1334 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, California 93401 (the
"First Party"), and County of San Luis Obispo; City of Arroyo Grande; City of Atascadero; City of Grover Beach; City
of Morro Bay; City of Paso Robles; City of Pismo Beach; City of San Luis Obispo (the "Second Party"). First Party
and Second Party may be referred to individually as the "Participant", or collectively, the "Participants".
1. MISSION
The project on which the Participants are intending to collaborate, has the following intended mission
in mind:
Develop and implement a comprehensive and collaborative countywide business strategy for creating,
incubating and facilitating visitor-related events and festivals year-round, inspiring travel and
fostering our unique experiences to create life-long ambassadors and economic growth for SLO
CAL.
2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Participants share a common purpose of aligning and guiding the diverse range of tourism, visitor and
hospitality related events and festivals by utilizing a countywide events and festival strategy and countywide
calendar. This will result in increased effectiveness of events and festivals to yield room revenues and
associated TOT in non-peak periods while reducing impact on resident quality of life.
3. OBJECTIVES
The Participants shall endeavor to collaborate to develop and establish policies and procedures that will
promote acceptance of a countywide events and festivals strategic business plan and a corresponding
countywide events calendar. The Events and Festival Strategy will provide strategic planning methods for
creating, incubating and facilitating visitor-related events and festivals. The Participants will inform the
development of the plan, and support the implementation and adoption of the plan as well as the
contribution, use and adherence to the calendar for event planning and promotion. This strategy will focus
on bringing positive economic contributions to SLO CAL and enhanced quality of life to residents.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTICIPANTS
The Participants intend to achieve the stated objectives through the following areas of cooperation:
Visit SLO CAL shall render and provide the following services that include, but are not limited to:
Visit SLO CAL will pay to engage a festival and events consultant to lead the development of the strategy
and countywide calendar deliverables.
Visit SLO CAL will facilitate a festival and events working group, comprised of key
investors and partners within the tourism community, county and municipal stakeholders and those involved
with organizing and producing countywide events. This working group will include the leader of each local
DMO along with key city and county staff as requested and steer the development of the strategy.
Visit SLO CAL will perform overall meeting coordination and facilitation, and implement and carry out
actions pursuant to agreed objectives.
Visit SLO CAL will work with consultant to develop a countywide events calendar that can be
collaboratively used by organizations countywide through Application Programming Interface (API) or
similar technology.
Visit SLO CAL will help identify and work with local communities to attract the types of festivals and
events that would be most advantageous to the market by leveraging brand tenets and natural DNA of
the destination.
County of San Luis Obispo and the cities within shall render and provide the following services that include,
but are not limited to:
The County of San Luis Obispo; City of Arroyo Grande; City of Atascadero; City of Grover Beach; City of Morro
Bay; City of Paso Robles; City of Pismo Beach; City of San Luis Obispo will support and actively collaborate
in the development of the strategy including participation in the Events and Festivals Working Group.
The Participants in the working group will help inform and drive the outcomes of the strategy and the
framework for the countywide calendar.
Upon completion of the strategy and countywide calendar, the County of San Luis Obispo and cities within
will implement the strategy.
The County of San Luis Obispo and cities within will each designate a point person to be an ambassador
for the strategy and will ensure that organizers for tourism-related events are referencing the strategy
and countywide calendar during planning.
5. Compliance with Applicable Laws
All activities undertaken pursuant to this Memorandum of Understanding, and all personnel designated
by the Participants for the execution of those activities undertaken pursuant to this Memorandum of
Understanding are subject to all applicable laws, including all laws applicable in the jurisdiction where
the activities are performed. Such personnel, if visiting the other Participant to participate in an activity
pursuant to this Memorandum of Understanding, will not engage in any activity detrimental to this
Memorandum of Understanding.
6. Interpretation and Application
Any difference that may arise in relation to the interpretation or application of this Memorandum of
Understanding will be resolved through consultations between the Participants, who will endeavor in
good faith to resolve such differences.
7. No Legal Rights or Remedies
Nothing in this MOU creates any legally cognizable or enforceable rights or remedies as to any
Participant. In no event will any disagreement arising under this MOU—including, but not limited to, any
alleged breach of, or nonperformance under, this MOU—give rise to any cause of action, or any legal or
equitable remedy, in any forum whatsoever. Nothing in this MOU waives any sovereign immunity, or
any other applicable immunity, that any Participant may otherwise enjoy.
This understanding is for the exchange of information and the development of a strategy to more
effectively manage events and festivals countywide. The exchange of information and development of
the strategy is solely to improve the results and impact of events and festivals countywide and improve
resident quality of life and does not serve as a basis for contract formation.
8. Final Provisions
This Memorandum of Understanding is effective from the date of its signature, for a six-year period,
unless renewed or extended by the Participants in the same manner that the Participants may otherwise
modify this MOU.
This Memorandum of Understanding is not transferable except with the written consent of the
Participants.
This Memorandum of Understanding may be modified at any time by mutual consent of all the
Participants. Any modification shall be made in writing and specify the date on which such modification
is to become effective.
The termination of this Memorandum of Understanding shall not affect the conclusion of the cooperation
activities that may have been initiated during the time this Memorandum of Understanding is in effect,
unless the Participants mutually decide otherwise.
It is expressly understood and agreed that this Memorandum of Understanding embodies the entire
understanding between the Participants regarding the MOU’s subject matter.
9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
No rights or limitation of rights shall arise or be assumed between the Participants as a result of the
terms of this Memorandum.
10. NOTICE
Any notice or communication required or permitted under this Memorandum shall be sufficiently
given if delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address set forth in the
opening paragraph or to such address as one may have furnished to the other in writing.
11. GOVERNING LAW
This Memorandum shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
California and the County of San Luis Obispo.
12. AUTHORIZATION AND EXECUTION
The signing of this Memorandum does not constitute a formal undertaking, and as such it simply intends
that the signatories shall strive to reach, to the best of their abilities, the goals and objectives stated in this
MOU.
This Agreement shall be signed by all Participants and shall be effective as of the date first signed below.
X
Chuck Davison, CDME
President & CEO, Visit SLO CAL
X
Rebecca Campbell
Assistant County Administrative Officer, County...
X
Whitney McDonald
City Manager, City of Arroyo Grande
X
Rachelle Rickard
City Manager, City of Atascadero
X
Matthew Bronson
City Manager, City of Grover Beach
X
Scott Collins
City Manager, City of Morro Bay
X
Greg Carpenter
Interim City Manager, City of Paso Robles
X
Jim Lewis
City Manager, City of Pismo Beach
X
Derek Johnson
City Manager, City of San Luis Obispo
TBID Budget Planning 2021‐22
Income Source 21‐22 Projection
TOT Revenue Assumption 7,213,000$
Adjusted TOT Revenue Assumptions
TBID Assessment (20% of TOT Revenue) 1,442,600$
Carryover
TBID Program Budget 1,442,600$
Fund Reserve 100,000$
Expenditure
Management
Committee
Recommendation
% of Total
Budget
Expenditure (section in gray)21‐22 TBID Budget Allocation Detail
Operations/Staffing 256,852$ 17.8%
Administration Overhead (2% of TBID Assessment) 28,852$ 2.0%
Staffing (FTE & .75 FTE) 228,000$ 15.8%
Contracts 876,023$ 60.7%
Noble + DCI Marketing Contract 650,000$ 45.1%$375k to agency fees; $275k to paid media spend
Chamber of Commerce ‐ PR 45,000$ 3.1%2‐year contract; shared 50/50 w PCC
Communication Plan ‐$ 0.0%
Chamber of Commerce ‐ Guest Services 47,500$ 3.3%2‐year contract
Chamber of Commerce ‐ Media Monitoring Service Fee 3,523$ 0.2%2‐year contract; shared 50/50 w PCC
CCTC Black Diamond co‐op ‐$ 0.0%
Website Acquisition ‐ Chamber ‐$ 0.0%
Website Acquisition ‐ Matchfire ‐$ 0.0%
Website Acquisition ‐ Legal ‐$ 0.0%
Co‐op Marketing Program Funding 30,000$ 2.1%Earmark $10k for VSC video distribution
Content Creation/Curation 100,000$ 6.9%RFP for contracted services
Partnerships 67,000$ 4.6%
Cal Poly Athletics 62,000$ 4.3%modified from proposal to a 2‐year contract
SLO Coast Wine Collective Membership 5,000$ 0.3%
SLO Wine Rooms ‐$ 0.0%
Cal Poly Student Affairs ‐$ 0.0%
Events & Promotions 15,000$ 1.0%
General Events Promotion ‐$ 0.0%
Event Activation ‐$ 0.0%
Sustainability Promotion 15,000$ 1.0%
Pilot program; contribution of 1% of TBID revenue to SLO open
space reforestation
Tradeshows 23,000$ 1.6%
Tradeshows 15,000$ 1.0%22' IPW co‐op with Visit SLO CAL
Tourism Conferences 8,000$ 0.6%
Outlook Forum, CCTC Fall + Spring Workshops, others as
determined by staff
Tourism Organizations/Research 112,786$ 7.8%
CCTC Dues 1,000$ 0.1%
Smith Travel Report Contract 3,500$ 0.2%
CalTravel Membership 1,000$ 0.1%
California Hotel & Lodging Association 27,286$ 1.9%
Strategic Plan Project ‐$ 0.0%
Research + Program Development 80,000$ 5.5%
Economic Impact (co‐op), Sustainability/Destination
Stewardship, Sales Strategy Development
STR Forecast Report ‐$ 0.0%
Support/ Meetings 91,940$ 6.4%
Tourism Program Expenses 5,000$ 0.3%
FAM Trip Hosting 5,000$ 0.3%
Past Due CP Rooms ‐$ 0.0%
Contingency 70,440$ 4.9%Event Sponsorship, Misc. Opportunities
COVID Recovery Response
Services/Online Tools/Fulifillment (Dropbox, Crowdriff, Survey
Monkey)11,500$ 0.8%
100%
Subtotal 1,442,600$
Budget Remaining (0)$
Tourism Business Improvement District
Marketing Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Teleconference via Zoom
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: LeBren Harris, Natalie Ward and Matthew Wilkins
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager and Chantal Stewart, Tourism Coordinator
Call to order time: 1:08 p.m.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. FY 21-22 Marketing Plan Planning
Noble Studios continued to review the current marketing plan progress and accomplishments.
Committee members discussed paid media strategies, influencers, third party ads, the 65+ age
group conversions, promotions, and international travel priorities in addition to communication
expectations. Staff and agency representatives will now work towards the draft marketing plan for
a review at the June meeting.
2. New Business Items
a. Committee Discussion - none
b. Future Agenda Items- none
c. Next Regular Meeting Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:23 p.m.
Tourism Business Improvement District
Marketing Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Teleconference via Zoom
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: LeBren Harris, Natalie Ward (departed at 11:12 a.m.). and
Matthew Wilkins
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager and Chantal Stewart, Tourism Coordinator
Call to order time: 10:43 a.m.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. FY 21-22 Draft Marketing and Business Plan Objectives
Shyla Lindner of Noble Studios presented the high-level overview of the marketing and business plan
objectives. Tourism Manager Cano added information around program elements outside of the agency
scope of work and line items that used to be part of the annual marketing plan but are not included in this
draft plan. Committee members provided feedback and discussed the need for photos assets to use in the
proposed marketing plan objectives.
ACTION: Member Harris made a recommendation for TBID Board for consideration to use up to $50k
from the FY 20-21 contingency budget for photography and videography based on agency request and
marketing plan needs. Member Wilkins was in consensus (Ward was absent).
2. Brand Equity Research
Marketing committee members further discussed the brand equity research study and asked agency
representatives specific questions for clarification and direction. The marketing committee directed Noble
Studios to finalize the specific dollar amount instead of a range to present to the full TBID Board for re-
consideration. The committee was in support of this research project pending the final project proposal
and amount.
3. Visit SLO CAL EDI + Visitor Profile Research Co-op
Staff and agency members reviewed the opportunities to participate in Visit SLO CAL co-op programs.
The programs included participation in the EDI Audience and Asset Alignment Study, Visitor Profile
Study and the Asset Production Project. Staff and Noble Studios recommended that the committee
consider the participation below while using the available FY 20-21 co-op program budget for funding:
Participate in the EDI Study for $5,000
Participate in the Asset (photo & video project) but only for option 1 for $10,000; earmark
$10,000 for option 2 out of FY 21-22 co-op program budget based on performance
Decline participation in the Visitor Profile research due to duplication of efforts
ACTION: By consensus, the committee members recommend co-op participation with Visit SLO CAL
based on the recommendation from staff and the agency (Ward was absent).
4. New Business Items
a. Committee Discussion - none
b. Future Agenda Items- none
c. Next Regular Meeting Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
Tourism Business Improvement District
Management Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Teleconference via Zoom
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Pragna Patel-Mueller, David Smith and Stephanie Bolles
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager and Chantal Stewart, Tourism Coordinator
Call to order time: 10:32 am
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Noble Studios Contract Considerations
Representatives from Noble Studios presented the proposed budget recommendations for committee
consideration. Noble Studios outlined options for the amended contract commitment at the $650k value
proposed by the committee and at $700k value proposed by Noble Studios.
Within the $650k contract option, the total would be divided between $375k for agency services including
account management, PR & Influencers, SEO and media management, creative services, content, and
website maintenance. Then $275k or 42% of the total budget would be spent on paid media.
Within the $700k contract option, the total would be divided between $375k for agency services including
account management, PR & Influencers, SEO and media management, creative services, content, and
website maintenance. Then $325k or 46% of the total budget would be spent on paid media.
Committee members discussed the options presented and the recommended increase in the marketing
contract to $700k to keep paid media portion closer to 50% percent budget allocation at $325K and to
maintain adequate agency fees. They decided to recommend the $650k contract option and continuing the
paid media spend for the year at $275k instead of increasing by $50k to maintain allocation ratios because
paid media is performing extremely well at this investment so the additional budget would only increase
the each and saturation. Alternatively, committee members recommend allocating the proposed $50k
difference to the contingency budget line item for possible consideration of budget increase later in the
year based on ad performance and other opportunities.
ACTION: Motion by committee member Bolles, seconded by committee member Smith, carried 3-0 to
recommend $650K for agency fees which includes $375K for agency services and $275K for paid media
and to increase the contingency budget by $50K for TBID Board consideration.
2. FY 2021-22 Budget
Tourism Manager Cano reviewed the proposed TBID’s budget allocations and committee members
discussed the different program elements and made suggested edits. By consensus, the committee
members would not recommend prepaying for any contracts or services.
ACTION: Motion by committee member Bolles, seconded by committee member Patel-Mueller, carried
3-0 to recommend the proposed line items with the discussed edits within the 2021-22 budget for TBID
Board consideration.
3. Strategic Partner Sponsorship Consideration
Staff reviewed the proposed sponsorship with Cal Poly Athletics and proposed contract amounts with the
San Luis Obispo Chamber’s Guest Services and Public Relations. By consensus, committee members liked
the new proposed sponsorship with Cal Poly Athletics with the caveat of wanting a two-year contract
instead of the proposed three-year.
ACTION: Motion by committee member Bolles, seconded by committee member Smith, carried 3-0 to
recommend the proposed strategic partner sponsorship and contract amounts with the caveat that Cal Poly
Athletics be a two-year contract only for TBID Board consideration.
4. New Business Items
Committee Discussion- none.
Future Agenda Items – none.
Next Regular Meeting Date: By consensus, the July meeting will be cancelled.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:53 a.m.
DRAFT Minutes – Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting of May 12, 2021 Page 1
Minutes - DRAFT
PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Regular Meeting of the Promotional Coordinating Committee
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Promotional Coordinating Committee was called to
order on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 5:31 p.m., by Chair Thomas via teleconference.
Chair Thomas opened the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of Officer Luca Benedetti.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair John Thomas, Vice Chair Samantha Welch, John Conner, Maureen Forsberg,
Ryan Heath, Lori Lerian, and Robin Wolf
Absent: None
Staff: Tourism Manager Molly Cano and City Clerk Teresa Purrington
PUBLIC COMMENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
--End of Public Comment--
CONSENT ITEMS
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY VICE CHAIR WELCH, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER LERIAN, CARRIED 7-0 to approve the Consent Agenda items 1 thru 7.
C.1 Minutes of the Meeting on April 14, 2021
C.2 2020-21 Community Promotions Budget Report
C.3 SLO Chamber Monthly Public Relations Report
C.4 SLO Chamber Visitor Center Report
C.5 SLO Chamber Modified GIA Marketing Support Report
C.6 TOT Report
C.7 Modified GIA Program: Grant + Plaza Partnership Recommendation Report
DRAFT Minutes – Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting of May 12, 2021 Page 2
PRESENTATIONS
1. PUBLIC RELATIONS, MONTHLY REPORT
SLO Chamber of Commerce representative, Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth provided a PowerPoint
presentation and responded to Committee inquiries.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
No action was taken on this item.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. SERIES 4 BANNER CONCEPTS
Katy McGrath from Badger Branding presented the series 4 banner design concepts.
Public Comment
Dusty Colyer-Worth
Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: By consensus the Committee directed to move forward with Design 3 with the color
pallet and shadowing of Design 1 and come back at the next meeting with refined designs.
2. NEIGHBORHOOD MAP PROJECT
Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth, SLO Chamber presented a project proposal for the development
of maps for select Downtown adjacent neighborhoods and/or business districts.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WOLF, SECONDED BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER FORSBERG, CARRIED 7-0 to use the leftover funds to produce the
new maps as presented at the meeting.
3. SLO CHAMBER CONTRACT PROPOSALS
Jim Dantona, Dusty Colyer-Worth and Jackui Clark-Charlesworth, SLO Chamber presented a
contract proposal for Public Relations Support, Visitor Services and GIA Support.
DRAFT Minutes – Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting of May 12, 2021 Page 3
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY VICE CHAIR WELCH, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER CONNER, CARRIED 7-0 to contract proposal for Public Relations Support, Visitor
Services and GIA support as presented.
1. FY 21-22 BUDGET DIRECTION & CONTRACT EVALUATIONS
Tourism Manager Molly Cano presented the Committee’s budget for FY 21-22.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
No Action Taken on this item.
PCC LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION
1. GIA LIAISON REPORT
Member Lerian reported on SLO Bike Coalition, RACE Matters combined event.
Chair Thomas announce SLO Pride events.
Welch Restorative Partners Grill Cheese Festival is ongoing.
2. COMMITTEE OUTREACH UPDATE -
provided an update on SLO Master Coral and Spokes events.
3. TBID BOARD REPORT – TBID Meeting Minutes: May 12, 2021
John Conner provided a brief overview of the TBID Board Meeting.
4. TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE
Tourism Manager Cano provided a brief Tourism Program update.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. The next Regular Promotional Coordinating Committee
meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 5:30 p.m., via teleconference.
APPROVED BY THE PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2021
DRAFT Minutes – Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting of May 12, 2021 Page 4