MINUTES OF THE OREGON CONVENTION CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 11, 2001
Members Present: Brian McCartin, Harold Pollin, Pat LaCrosse, Chuck Sellers, Kevin Neary, George Bell, Sam Brooks, Mark Williams, Roy Soards
Members Not Present: Bruce Ferry, Joe D'Allesandro, Mary Erickson, Mike Fisher, Shirley Bledsoe
From Metro: Presiding Officer David Bragdon; Councilor Rex Burkholder; Council Analyst, Michael Morrisey, Council Assistant, Sheri Humble
Others Present: Jeffrey Blosser, Director OCC and Rick Williams of Melvin M
The meeting was called to order at 5:11. Brian McCartin of POVA provided the substantive content of the meeting, which was a presentation he has done for POVA's Board previously on Sales and Marketing Strategy.
Points that were emphasized or formed the focus of discussion are as follows:
1. Room supply and demand: Supply in Portland increased by 8% in 1998 and far outpaced demand. Demand began to grow in 1999 and 2000. In the twelve months ending April 01, 2001, demand finally outpaced supply.
2. Portland does more association meetings than corporate type events.
3. $284,000 is the room night booking goal now, the same as it has been since 1998-99. The feeling is more favorable towards goal achievement now, due to the change in supply/demand mix.
4. Harold Pollin questioned whether enhanced room bookings can be translated into enhanced convention center bookings. Jeff Blosser reiterated that he would like to see data interpreted in a way that relates to OCC matters, if possible. Brian then covered what POVA is already doing, including off-season hotel packages.
5. Increased POVA funding was discussed, as well as the Visitor Development Initiative -- the 2.5% increased lodging and car rental tax that also funds OOC expansion center.
6. The ad agency for POVA and OCC will be using $695,250 for marketing and advertising initiatives over a three-year period, including a complete re-design of the POVA website, which is linked to OCC's. POVA will also hire a marketing manager.
7. There were clarifications made regarding the increased POVA funding mentioned in the presentation. Additional revenues include: $250,000 for 2001-2001 and $350,000 for 2001-2002. There will also be $107,750 in fiscal year 2001-002 in increased OCC marketing contribution to POVA, with CPI increases to occur each year thereafter and an additional $250,000 in 2001-02, which is a one-time OCC expansion marketing allocation to POVA.
8. Mr. LaCross brought up questions regarding niches and submarkets.
9. POVA has hired a Convention Sales Manager to penetrate independent trade shows and reach the corporate market, however, with the economic downturn, the corporate market is not as lucrative
10. The sales initiative also provides for outside incremental lead research expertise, capitalizing on the success of "airlifts" by adding a third event that creates a demand to be a participant. POVA will also establish a fund to bring more planners to Portland, as well as evaluating markets in DC and Chicago.
11. The Convention Services Department Initiative was reviewed, as well as the need for a Convention Services Manager.
12. Harold Pollin reiterated the need for a report focusing on how this information relates to and impacts OCC.
13. Car rental and lodgings tax to pay for operations was discussed.
14. Rick Williams of Melvin Mark then spoke re parking and his recent review of reports:
▪ There are no requirements for parking at OCC in Portland.
▪ This promotes Metro's goal re shared use agreements
▪ Present specifics are: 897 new spaces with expansion; 1105 committed spaces on weekdays, 3700 on weekends.
▪ There are 1109 less cars in use due to transit programs
▪ He pointed out that Portland is unique in its shared use agreement and none of the other cities had as complete a Transportation Plan as we do.