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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-01 MC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES TUESDAY, February 1, 2022 — 3:00 P.M. ZOOM MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Rolf Hoehn called the meeting to order at 3:06 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Rolf Hoehn Franchesca Forrer Erin Scott Brian Simpson Jan Hulahan Jeffrey Norman Ray Rodriguez City of Palm Desert Staff Present: Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager Barbara Blythe, Management Analyst, Public Affairs Vanessa Mager, Special Events Manager, Public Affairs Ryland Penta, Management Analyst, Public Affairs Todd Hileman, City Manager Also Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik, City of Palm Desert Councilmember Gina Nestande, City of Palm Desert Ed Cohen, Ideapeddler Sara Martin, Ideapeddler Andrea Foertsch, Ideapeddler Cimin Cohen, Ideapeddler III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of the Minutes of the Marketing Committee meeting of October 19, 2021. Rec: Approved A motion was made by Norman and seconded by Scott to accept and approve. Motion passed with a 4-0-2 vote: with Hoehn, Scott, Hulahan, and Norman voting in favor. Rodriguez abstained. Forrer, and Simpson, absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None V NEW BUSINESS A. Creative Agency RFP Discussion — Goals and Timeline After four years, it is now time to go back out for bid for a creative agency. The proposed timeline for this process is outlined below: Jan. 20th — Feb. 16th — Board members to send a list of goals and objectives that they would like to see happen in the next 3 years. About March 21st— RFP to be published Apr. 18th - RFP's due to the City for consideration May 18th or May 19th — Interviews held A doodle poll will be sent out to the board to find an interview date and time that work for everyone. Mr. Soule asked that if the Board could consider in the following question "what goals do you think the City should be for the marketing program for the next three to five years." This will help give the agencies some direction on where the City should be going. Thomas will reach out to each individual board member for their thoughts on the goals, to be completed in the next week or two. VI. OLD BUSINESS FY 2021/22 Ad Campaign Introduction Ideapeddler presented a recap of the current ad campaign, as well as presented the new creative campaign look. Campaign Strategy is to organically build off the original Happy Pace campaign, the 2022 iteration will solidify the City of Palm Desert as the perfect place to experience the joy. With the Happy Pace activity and experience for everyone, Ideapeddler will further establish Palm Desert as the ultimate place to spend time for both visitors and residents. By engaging the audience and using joy to connect on a deeper level, leveraging the relationship between emotions and actions. Rec: Receive and file VII. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS A. City Council. Mayor Harnik shared that the City is working hard on the Walk and Roll Palm Desert program. Also shared an update on President Plaza and noted that the project is moving forward as quickly as possible. Mayor Harnik also reminded the Board that Palm Desert Fashion Week and Food & Wine are coming back. Finally, an announcement of the new Bike Rack program, which is underway, this will give business owners the opportunity to assist with promoting healthy and sustainable living, by adding bike racks outside of their locations, with a possible money match from the City. Councilmember Gina Nestande announced that the City Council approved the Desert Surf project changes, which will allow this project to begin moving forward. The Lupine Plaza project update was also presented. Mr. Soule interjected and let the group know that anyone looking for more information on Lupine Plaza can log onto EngagePalmDesert.com, as the project is featured on this new community engagement platform. VIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Chair. Rolf Hoehn, Indian Wells Tennis Garden — Mr. Hoehn shard that the Garden is less then five weeks away from the BNP Paribas Open and ticket sales are doing well. With regards to safety, all protocols from October of 2021 are continuing to be followed. Committee Members. Erin Scott, The Living Desert — Ms. Scott shared how successful the Rhino Savanah has been since the opening in December. Ms. Scott also shared the success of this year's Wild Lights event, with 65,000 attendees. This far exceeded the highest turnout in years prior which was only 37,000. The Zoo is moving forward with its Jubilee Gala, to be held on March 5th. Announcement made regarding the new Glow in the park which is a nightly luminous lantern Spring celebration that runs from March 27th — April 29 from 6:30pm — 10pm. Tickets go on sale on February 10th. Lastly, Palm Desert Brew at the Zoo is coming back on Saturday, May 7th Ray Rodriguez, Casuelas Cafe — Business has been very strong. Starting to see folks following the current COVID guidelines with little to no dispute. Looking forward to the parking lot being completed and has seen restaurants in the area very busy. Jan Hulahan, JW Marriott Desert Springs — Ms. Hulahan shared that business is doing well and the Marriott ended up $8.5 million over budget. Rates continue to be strong, but they did lose 6,700 rooms this month. However, these groups look to be rebooking for later in the year. Another new addition to the JW Marriott grounds will be a new outdoor garden designed by Lily Wong. Jeffrey Norman, McCallum — Mr. Norman shared that they are doing well and are happy to be open again. They continue to follow very strict guidelines, that 99% of the visitors are following with no issues. Shows are selling very well. Tracking at 91 % to pre-COVID numbers. With $5.4 million in ticket sales only $500,0000 has been refunded. The McCallum is partnering with the City to create a mural of the most famous acts that have preformed at the McCallum. Looking to unveil in October 22'. April 15th is when the 2023 ticket sales go live. The education department is partnering with the Gardens on El Paseo to put together a dance performance on March 6th C. Staff. Thomas Soule, City of Palm Desert — Mr. Soule shared that the visitor service center is back open and reminded folks to look at the DiscoverPalmDesert.com calendar website. Lastly, he encouraged folks to participate on EngagePalmDesert.com to ask questions or give feedback. IX. NEXT MEETING: Confirm April 5th, 2021. X. ADJOURNMENT With Committee Member concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 4:28 p.m.