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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-02 MC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES TUESDAY, February 2, 2021 — 3:00 P.M. ZOOM MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Rolf Hoehn called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Rolf Hoehn Jeffrey Norman Erin Scott Brian Simpson Jan Hulahan (late arrival) Ray Rodriguez (late arrival) Franchesca Forrer (late arrival) City of Palm Desert Staff Present: Thomas Soule, Tourism and Marketing Manager, Econ. Development Randy Bynder, Interim City Manager Barbara Blythe, Visitor Services Manager, Econ. Development Vanessa Mager, Special Events Manager, Econ. Development Martin Alvarez, Director, Econ. Development Deborah Schwartz Glickman, Business Advocate, Econ. Development Also Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik, City of Palm Desert Councilmember Gina Nestande, City of Palm Desert Cimin Cohen, Ideapeddler Ed Cohen, Ideapeddler Sara Martin, Ideapeddler Raghav, Ideapeddler Andrea Foertsch, Ideapeddler Stephanie Greene, CV Strategies III. CONSENT ITEMS A. Approval of the Minutes of the Marketing Committee meeting of November 10, 2020. Rec: Approved Mr. Hoehn asked for a motion to approve the minutes. A motion was made by Mr. Norman and seconded by Ms. Scott to accept and approve. Motion passed with a 4-0-3 vote; with Hoehn, Scott, Simpson and Norman voting in favor. None abstained, Forrer, Rodriguez and Hulahan absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None V. NEW BUSINESS A. FY 2020/21 Media Plan Update Rec: Receive and File. Ms. Cohen presented the updated media plan, including citing the proposed April — July targeted high reach media campaigns to the core drive markets. The reminder of his year's budget will be spent during this 4 months' flight, unless there are drastic changes due to the pandemic. A brief discussion followed. B. Consideration of Creative Agency Contract Extension Mr. Soule presented to the Board the current contract expiration date of June 30, 2021 for the current creative agency, Ideapeddler. Due to the current pandemic and uncertainty of the marketing/tourism climate and the consent shifting needing during this time, Mr. Soule recommended that the City not got out to bid for a new creative agency at this time and just extend the current contract by one year. Rec: Approved Mr. Hoehn asked for a motion to recommend the contract extension for Ideapeddler. A motion was made by Mr. Rodriguez and seconded by Ms. Scott to accept and approve. Motion passed with a 6-0-1 vote; with Hoehn, Scott, Simpson, Norman, Rodriguez and Hulahan voting in favor. None abstained, Forrer, absent. Page 2of4 VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VII. OLD BUSINESS None VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS A. City Council. Councilmember Nestande presented the new Sunday Market that will be coming to Palm Desert. The market will take place the last Sunday of the Month starting on Feb. 28th and running through April of 2021. IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Chair. Rolf Hoehn, Indian Wells Tennis Garden — Mr. Hoehn updated the committee members on future events at the Tennis Gardens. Slated for November 6th is the pickle ball tournament followed by the Ironman Triathlon in December. The gardens are still waiting to secure an October 2021 date for the BNP, but noted they are looking at the 2nd and 3rd week of October. Committee Members. Jan Hulahan, The Marriott Desert Springs — Ms. Hulahan shared that Marriott corporate is currently promoting a California Marriott rate, to encourage CA residents to visit the local Marriott hotels. Ms. Hulahan will be sending the list of all offers currently running to the group. The Spa at the hotel is set to open on Friday, February 5th. A Tesla partnership has now been established and so a one -hour test drive is now included with each stay. Desert Springs has really capitalized on the City's Pandemic Hospitality program which gives guest a third night free after booking two nights. Desert Springs has booked 3,000 — 4,000 rooms with this program. New additions to the resort include Duck bowling and a 12,000 sq. ft. entertainment center, which will open once the County is in the red tier. Outdoor fitness classes will begin again, later this week. Currently the Marriott has had all groups through May cancel, with most groups rebooking for a later date. The re- booking rate is currently at 60%, which groups expected to start again in September. Ms. Hulahan ended with nothing that concerts on the balcony is in the works and could begin as early as later this month. Page3of4 Erin Scott, The Living Desert — Ms. Scott shared with the committee that they will be re -opening certain attractions starting this Friday, February 5, 2021. This year The Living Desert will be not be hosting an in -person Gala as large gatherings are still not allowed. This month The Living Desert will be hosting a first responder's recognition week which will welcome first responders to visit the park at a discounted rate. Wild Lights will be coming back this Spring and will be a new addition to the park, as the Holiday Wild Lights had to be canceled. Lastly, Ms. Scott shared that he rhino exhibit will be opening this Fall with a scheduled opening date of November 1, 2021. Ray Rodriguez, Casuelas Cafe — Mr. Rodriguez noted that live music is now allowed at restaurants, which is news that he is very excited about. Mr. Rodriguez also noted that while fast casual dining has done well during the pandemic and shutdowns, luxury dining continues to struggle. Brian Simpson, Desert Willow Golf Resort — Mr. Simpson noted that golf continues to do very well as the pandemic continues, since it is an outdoor sport and folks feel safe participating. County restrictions continue to hamper weddings and banquet -related events. Franchesca Forrer, Westfield Palm Desert — Ms. Forrer shared information on a few new store openings, including Thirsty Cactus. Also, City Wok is currently out for permits in the old Bobby Mao's location. Ms. Forrer also shared Westfield's newest marketing campaign "Local Love", which will truly focus on supporting local non -profits and local small businesses. Westfield is also welcoming a new outdoor retail market, which will be taking place this Saturday, February 6th in the north parking lot of the center. The market will contain 90 vendors and will follow all safety protocols. Lastly, Ms. Forrer announced that the Easter Bunny will be making his appearance this year and will be wearing a mask and following all safety protocols as well. Jeffrey Norman, McCallum Theatre — Mr. Norman announced that the McCallum Theatre's Ghost light series which just launched on YouTube and has seen great success. C. Staff. None X. NEXT MEETING: XI. ADJOURNMENT Confirm April 06, 2021. With Committee Member concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 4:11 p.m. Page 4 of 4