HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Marketing Committee 12/05/06 � _.,
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l'ALM DESERT
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE
APPROVED MINUTES
Tuesday, December 5, 2006 — 2:00 p.m.
Administrative Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Bowen called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED DENIED
Members Present:
ItECSIVED � ' � OTIH�R
Norine Bowen, Chair Mgg�1NG D�.�'��Q-D"1
Rick Darius AYES: ��f150f1� �r�L��i�N- �-��� ,f��
Emily Bird-Hrivnak N'pES• on� ��—
Ric Mandelbaum �SENT: 0�1�
Sara O'Flynn p,,BSTAIN 4 ��e
Michael Shimer, Vice-Chair VER�,FIED BY• L� T
Oriqina.l. on•File wit ity Clerk' s OfficP
Staff/Others Present:
Robert Spiegel, Councilmember
Richard Kelly, Mayor Pro Tempore
Sheila Gilligan, Assistant City Manager
Kristy Kneiding, Marketing Manager
David Hermann, Management Analyst
Piper Close, Full Gallop Marketing
Mike Osgood, Desert Willow
Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Kristy Kneiding introduced Amy Spidel, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for
Kemper Sports.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2006
Mr. Mandelbaum moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the minutes of the October 17,
2006, meeting. Motion was seconded by Ms. Bird-Hrivnak and carried 6-0.
APPROVED MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2006
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. VIRGINIA WARING PIANO COMPETITION
Peggy Cravens and Dr. Jerry Benston introduced themselves to the
Committee. Both individuals serve on the Executive Committee of the
Virginia Waring International Piano Competition.
Ms. Cravens asked that the Committee view the DVD that was created to
promote the Competition to corporations for sponsorship. She expected that
they would have a sponsor or several sponsors in the near future.
Dr. Benston stated that 90 applications were received for the 2007 Piano
Competition. Forty applicants were accepted after 4 days of reviewing and
auditioning the tapes and CDs sent in by the applicants. He added that due
to the exceptional talent of the applicants it was a very difficult decision for the
judges.
Councilmember Spiegel asked Ms. Cravens and Mr. Benston to appear
before the Marketing Committee because he believed that the Vi�ginia Waring
Piano Competition was one of the finest events that the City of Palm Desert
participates in and, its success has brought valuable recognition to Palm
Desert. He said the organization was requesting a $35,000 dinner
sponsorship for its Black 8�White Ball.
Ms. Cravens said the Black � White Ball was the only fundraising event held
for the Virginia Waring Piano Competition. All monies generated from the
Ball would be applied to the 2007 Piano Competition. She said a Tribute Book
would be published and the Black & White dinner sponsor would have a
major presence in that book. She was so deeply indebted to the City of Palm
Desert for its generous support, and thanked the Committee for allowing her
the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Virginia Waring Piano Competition.
Dr. Benston thanked the Committee and reiterated the comments made by
Ms. Cravens and Councilmember Spiegel. He said 7 countries would be
represented in the 2007 Piano Competition. Those countries were Canada,
Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Korea, and China. Other US citizens of different
ethnicities include India and Russia. He thanked the Committee for its
consideration.
Upon question by Mr. Mandelbaum, Ms. Cravens stated that the Black 8�
White Ball would be held at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and it generally
has between 300 to 400 people in attendance. The ticket price for the Ball
was $250 per person or $500 per couple. The $35,000 requested would
underwrite the dinner and administrative costs associated with Competition.
- Monies from the sale of dinner tickets would also be used for the 2007 Piano
Competition.
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APPROVED MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5,2006
Upon question by Ms. Gilligan, Ms. Cravens responded that other cities have
become monetarily involved with the Competition.
Ms. Gilligan stated that the Marketing Committee's recommendation would be
heard at the December 14, 2006, City Council meeting.
Ms. O'Flynn moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the $35,000 Black 8� White Ball
sponsorship for the Virginia Waring Piano Competition. Motion was seconded by Mr.
Mandelbaum and carried 6-0.
B. NOMINATIONS FOR COMMITTEE CHAIR AND CO-CHAIR (Added by
unanimous vote.)
Mr. Mandelbaum moved, by Minute Motion, to continue this item to the January 16,
2007, Marketing Committee meeting. Motion was seconded by Ms. O'Flynn and carried 6-0.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
None
VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
VIII. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S)
City Council approved the contract for Nancy Freedman PR out of New York.
IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. Chair '
Norine Bowen gave an update on happenings at Westfield Palm Desert.
B. Committee Members
Emily Bird-Hrivnak distributed a direct mail piece, which was sent to 30,000
Marriott meeting planners. The piece dropped two weeks ago and generated
eight leads, which was equivalent to 2,900 room nights.
Ms. Bird-Hrivnak updated the Committee on the Marriott's renovation and
construction of its lobby and spa areas. She announced that the Marriott would
host Palm Spring Life's Art & Culture Party on January 7, 2007.
Mr. Mandelbaum reported that Bristol Farms would be opening on January 10,
2007.
Ms. O'Flynn thanked Councilmember Spiegel for participating in the Red Kettle
Kick-Off at The Gardens on Friday, November 24, 2006. It was a very successful
event.
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APPROVED MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2006
She reported that she would be meeting with Palm Springs Life this week to
begin the planning for Fashion Week EI Paseo 2007.
Michael Shimer announced that the Tommy Bahama's Charity Golf Tournament
raised over $200,000 for Habitat for Humanity. Tommy's had a record breaking
Black Friday and he was looking forward to the New Year.
Rick Darius gave an update on scheduled performances at the McCallum
Theatre.
Mike Osgood announced that Rodney Young resigned his position as General
Manager of Desert Willow Golf Resort. Staff was gearing up for Desert Willow's
10-Year Anniversary celebrations as well as working on a new design and logo
for the resort.
C. Staff
Ms. Kneiding reported that City Council approved the "Dine Out" initiative with
Palm Springs Life. The "Dine OuY' guide will be available in the February 2007,
Palm Springs Life issue.
The City's annuaf calendars will be delivered to the post o�ce as well as the
Visitor Center today, Tuesday, December 5, 2006.
Ms. Kneiding announced that a representative from the CVA would be attending
the January 16, 2007, Marketing Committee meeting. She reported on what the
CVA was currently doing with regard to its media and marketing campaign.
Ms. Kneiding would also be attending the International Sales Travef Conference
with the CVA. The Conference will be held in Anaheim and the cost of the City's
contribution was $3,000. She believed it was a great opportunity for the City to
market its destination.
X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Visitor Center Activity Report
Ms. Kneiding reported that the first annual Holiday Wreath Lighting event
was held on Friday, December 1, 2006. The event was well attended and
enjoyed by everyone.
Ms. Gilligan announced that Mayor Pro Tempore Richard Kelly received
an award for his handmade ornament called, "Okra Winfrey."
2. Art of Food &Wine Recap
Ms. Kneiding said the event was an ambitious undertaking and a lot of
lessons were learned. There were many tickets sold to residents from
San Diego County. A wrap up meeting was held with the Art of Food &
Wine Committee wherein a lot of good conversation and input was
generated.
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APPROVED MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2006
Ms. Bird-Hrivnak believed that the Mar�iott felt it was a great event and it
was looking forward to participating in 2007.
Ms. Gilligan reported that she, Ms. Kneiding, and Ms. Close would be
meeting with MarriotYs General Manager and Tammy Perezchica,
Director of Business Development, for a final wrap up of the event. A
more definitive report would be available to the Committee at its next
meeting.
3. 2007/2008 Advertising Campaign
Piper Close requested feedback from the Committee with regard to the
2207/2008 Advertising Campaign. She said she continues to receive
positive feedback from the existing campaign. She added that the current
campaign had been running for two years.
Mr. Mandelbaum felt the campaign was so well branded that he did not
see the need for change. He thought the copy line and theme were
superb.
Ms. Bowen liked the four part campaign series. She thought it allowed
more flexibility.
Mr. Darius and Ms. Bird-Hrivnak agreed that a little freshening up and
updating of imagery would be good.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
With Committee concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary
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