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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-22 Regular Meeting CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS GRAPEVINE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1996 - 11:30 A.M. ,fA ONE LIBERTY PARK PLAZA AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. OATH OF OFFICE II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 18, 1996 MEETING III. OLD BUSINESS A. CHICAGO SALES BLITZ REPORT B. NEW YORK SALES BLITZ UPDATE C. HISTORIC THEME SIGNAGE REPORT D. TARANTULA UPDATE IV. NEW BUSINESS V. SALES AND MARKETING REPORT VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT VII. ADJOURNMENT f l t`. STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF TARRANT CITY OF GRAPEVINE MINUTES The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors met on Thursday, February 22, 1996 at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, One Liberty Park Plaza, Grapevine, Texas at 11:30 a.m. with the following persons in attendance: Don Bigbie Chairman Warren;Dearing Board Member Gary Blagg Board Member Phil Parker Board Member Bruce Crouch Board Member Jerry Pittman Council Liaison Paul W. McCallum Executive Director Colin Ankersen Board Member Mike Brown Board Member Absent: Gayle Hall Hemingway Board Member Steve Trent Board Member Trent Petty City Manager CALL TO ORDER Don Bigbie, Chairman, called the meeting to order. Mr. Bigbie expressed appreciation to Mr. Dearing for chairing the last board meeting in his absence. OATH OF OFFICE Sallie Andrews administered the oath of office to Colin Ankersen. Mr. Ankersen, General Manager of the DFW Hilton, was introduced to the board. Originally from Denmark, he was most recently general manager at the Omni Hotel in Charleston, SC. Mr. Ankersen shared the Hilton renovation plans. Mr. Bigbie welcomed Mr. Ankersen to the board and the community. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the minutes from the January 18th board meeting was made by Bruce Crouch; seconded by Gary Blagg. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Chicago Promotion Mr. McCallum reported on a very successful Chicago promotion that was in the downtown area the first week and in the suburbs the second week. There was extensive involvement by both the Hyatt and the Hilton. There were 56 scheduled sales calls; 4 unscheduled appointments; 86 people attended the downtown promotion including 53 meeting planners. Jacques Recht, Delaney Vineyards wine maker, made this event very special. He understood the audience and did a fantastic job. After tasting Texas champagne, one meeting planner called Dr. Bobby Smith, La Buena Vida Vineyards, to order champagne for an event. rr. �'°^ ` Board of Directors Meeting February 22, 1996 Page 2 of 3 OLD BUSINESS cont. Chicago Promotion cont. The suburban promotion was held on Valentine's Day with 51 meeting planners and 46 guests present. The assistance of board and council was missed at this event, however, heavy follow- up is underway. To date there have been 5 pieces of business booked, 3 hot leads, and 13 leads. New York Promotion Due to airline restrictions, the promotion team will travel together. We are expecting approximately 100 attendees. Due to timing, the mayor will be able to attend for the first time. American Airlines is our partner on this promotion. It was mentioned that we are losing some California business due to airline ticket costs. Mr. Ankersen said that they are working with American Airlines group department trying to get some better rates. Signage Pedestal Signage: Mr. McCallum reported that he has requested proposals from two groups, one a landscape architect and one an engineering firm for signage to move people more efficiently around Grapevine. He shared photographs of the signage used by the city of Temecula. It is very efficient and cost effective. While their's has a contemporary look, we 46. would want something of an historic nature. Mr. McCallum reported that you can travel anywhere in Temecula and fmd anything easily due to this signage. He has requested of the city the means for determining which businesses and attractions are listed on their signs. Mr. Pittman stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission passed by a 7-0 vote and sent on to Council an ordinance that would ban ground pole signs and require skirting be put around ground pole signs. Pedestrian Signage: Mr. McCallum shared photographs of pedestrian signage in San Juan Capistrano. California. There were approximately 2 per block and shared information, maps, and brochures with pedestrians. It added to the attractiveness of the street. We'd like to get this type of information into the restaurant and shopping center areas along 114, as well as, downtown. At this point, Mr. McCallum is aware of no "insurmountable" problems regarding the placement of signage. Mr. Bigbie mentioned that the signage in Europe is great. He felt there is a definite need for better signage and would like us to be a pioneer in this area. Tarantula Mr. McCallum reported that the Tarantula people were quoting an April 1 commencement date; that the scheduled run would depart from Grapevine mid morning with a 2 1/2 hour layover in Fort Worth and return to Grapevine around 3:30 pm; and a $20 round trip cost. They are considering another engine to run charter business without having to work around scheduled business. They will start moving equipment to Grapevine in a few weeks. Nothing will be put out to the press until all contracts are signed. We are looking for additional land in that area as we have increased the amount of land designated to Tarantula. The turntable is installed and 11111 needs track connected to it. This will be done by the Tarantula folks. They have 5 restored cars and can handle 380 people. They normally pull two cars. Board of Directors Meeting ';: February 22, 1996 Page 3 of 3 yyW3 NEW BUSINESS Mr. Blagg reported that he had visited with Steve Trent, General Manager of the Hyatt. SALES AND MARKETING REPORT Sales and Marketing Report as printed in the board packet. Mr. McCallum reported that he had completed final interviews for the director of sales and marketing position and that the City Personnel Department was doing reference checks. He hoped to have an announcement within two weeks. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT Board Retreat Summaries Mr. McCallum shared a summary version and an expanded version of the Board Retreat held in January. He express enthusiasm for the many good ideas which came out of that meeting. He felt that the idea of a radio station in the palace could be made an attraction in itself. A smaller study is under consideration for a more specific location for Convention Center expansion including whether it should be on the existing or a new site. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to be brought before the Board, a motion to adjourn was made by Bruce Crouch; seconded by Warren Dearing. Motion passed. Attest Date I