MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Transcription

1 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES NOVEMBER 26, 2013 The MS Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Commissioners met Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 1:30 p.m., at its office located at 2350 Beach Blvd, Suite A, Biloxi, MS Commissioners Present: Duncan McKenzie, president; Kim Fritz, vice president; Jimmie Ladner, treasurer; Rich Westfall, secretary; CeCe Shabazz; Richard Chenoweth; Danny Hansen; Chett Harrison; Bill Holmes; Jerry Levens; George Schloegel; Carla Todd Present by conference telephone: Jeff Descher, Clay Wagner Commissioners absent: Rip Daniels HCTC Staff Members Present: Crystal Johnson, acting manager; Torye Hurst, director, sports marketing; Traci Dauro; Gaye Goodwin, director, finance; Taryn Pratt, marketing dept. Others Present: Hugh Keating, legal counsel; Laura Hasty, Reed Guice, Andy Hurt, Kerry Stoddard and Nicole Grier, the Big Three; Linda Hornsby, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn; Janice Jefferson, MS Coast Coliseum; Marcia Crawford, HC Development Commission; Supervisor Kim Savant, Harrison County Board of Supervisors; Myrna Green, Hancock County Tourism Development Commission; Mary Perez, Sun Herald; Bobby Carter, Golden Nugget; Sue Templeman, Godwin Agency; Jill Mastrototaro, National Wildlife Federation Commissioner McKenzie called the meeting to Order. 1. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to accept the agenda as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Todd, the president called the question, with the following results: 2. Commissioner Levens made the motion to approve the minutes as presented from the October 22, 2013 and November 4, 2013 meetings. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: 3. Linda Hornsby, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn reported on the October 2013 room occupancy report. Mrs. Hornsby also provided a copy of the STR Analytics forecast for

2 4. Tim Bennett, President, Overtime Sports was not able to attend, but Torye Hurst reported on the upcoming meetings being held with the City of Biloxi in reference to the Baseball Stadium. 5. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to adopt the Grant Event Application Scoring sheet as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the president called the question, with the following results: 6. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to approve advertising in Golf Digest in the amount of $45,470, as part of the Golf/Snowbirds campaign. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the president called the questions, with the following results: 7. Commissioner Holmes made the motion to approve the Marketing plan with revisions as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the president called the question, with the following results: 8. Commissioner Fritz made the motion to approve the Ramey Agency, Godwin Group and Mastermind as the finalist to make a presentation to the full Commission from the Advertising Agency RFQ submitted November 20, 2013, with the presentation date set for December 17, 2013 at 1:30pm. Each agency will have a total of 45 minutes for presentations and Question and Answer period. Seconded by Commissioner Todd, the president called the question, with the following results: 2

3 9. Commissioner Holmes made the motion authorizing Gollott Trucking to use artwork supplied by the MGCRCVB to paint his long distant trucks which delivers in a 1,200 mile radius of Biloxi at no charge to Bureau. Any other trucking company will be offered the same opportunity to promote tourism. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the president called the question, with the following results: 10. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to approve the incentive application for the Alpha Kappa Alpha, S.E. Regional Annual Convention in the amount of up to $25,000, these funds will only be allocated if the MS Gulf Coast is chosen to host the convention. Seconded by Commissioner Shabazz, the president called the question, with the following results: 11. Commissioner Descher reported that Global Sports Management MS Gulf Coast Classic this group has withdrawn their application. Selected another location to hold event. 12. Commissioner Levens made the motion to approve the grant application for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic being held February 5 thru March 16, 2014, in the amount of $10,000, the expenditure will promote and bring into favorable notice the tourism events, opportunities and attractions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the president called the question, with the following results: 13. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to approve the grant application from Gulf Coast United Futbol Club, for their Gulf Coast Cup being held March 15 16, 2014, in the amount of $1,000, the expenditure will promote and bring into favorable notice the tourism events, opportunities and attractions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Seconded by Commissioner Todd, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Fritz Voted ---- No Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- No Commissioner Westfall Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Chenoweth Voted ---- No 3

4 Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- No-Via Phone 14. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to approve the grant application from the Deep South Hoops, LLC for the Gulf Coast Hoop Fest being held April 24 27, 2014, in the amount of $13,000, the expenditure will promote and bring into favorable notice the tourism events, opportunities and attractions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Abstain Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes 15. Due to additional information needed, the following applications will be held until information is provided: Gulfport School District Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament Professional Cowboys Assn 2014 PCA Final Rodeo & Biloxi Bull Run City of Gulfport Dept of Leisure Services MS GC Softball Classic MGC Council of Garden Clubs Inc GU Spring Pilgrimage Sports Endeavors, Inc. EVP Tour GC Beach Championships MS Wildlife Federation Coast WILD Boat Race/Summer Fest 2014/ South Coast Summer Fest On Point Marketing Gulf Coast Classic Holiday Tournament Gulf Coast Shows Biloxi Boat Sport & RV Show 16. For information only, the applications from Cruisin the Coast and MS District Gold Wing Road Riders were discussed, but due to the date of the event being passed, the committee could not consider taking any action. 17. Commissioner Fritz made the motion to approve the Procedures for Submission of MGCRCVB Video and Photography guidelines, with the application form to be put in place and start issuing to anyone requesting use. Seconded by Commissioner Todd, the president called the question, with the following results: 18. Commissioner Ladner made the motion authorizing a Request for Qualifications to be advertised for a company to collect the necessary data for a visitors profile and perception study. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the president called the question, with the following results; 4

5 19. Commissioner Holmes made the motion to approve the line item budget as presented in conjunction with the approval of the Marketing Plan and present to the Harrison County Board of Supervisors for final approval. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: 20. Commissioner Fritz made the motion authorizing MGCRCVB staff to implement the categories in the Marketing Plan which impact their job duties. Seconded by Commissioner Holmes, the president called the question, with the following results: 21. Commissioner Schloegel made the motion to approve the job description as recommended for the Executive Director position with a change to the due date for applications/resume s to December 31, Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the president called the question, with the following results: Due to previous appointment Commissioner McKenzie Absent & Excused hereon in. Vice President Fritz presided over the remainder of the meeting. 22. Commissioner Schloegel reported on the progress of the Coast wide Beautification efforts by the Department of Transportation and the cities. 5

6 23. Commissioner Levens reported on the meeting held earlier, the audit information for 2012 has missed the agreed upon deadline to the audit or completion, and possibly the 2013 audit information to be provided to the auditor will be late. This information was promised to the Harrison County Board of Supervisors by September 30, 2013, so they are behind on completion of their audit also. All information will be submitted to Mr. Fletcher by Friday, December 6, 2013, and a plan will be discussed to catch up on the 2013 audit completion. 24. Crystal Johnson, Acting Manager Report Highlights SATW Conference October 20 25, total attendance Final numbers: 103 Active members; 112 Associate members; 102 other members BP Grant Final Paperwork for 2013 grant will be submitted before 11/29/13 Sales Departments Production Report October 2013 Convention Sales: (Please review full reports) October Convention Sales Leads generated: Thirteen (13)/YTD 13; 5,475 delegates/ytd - 5,475; 5,185 room nights/ytd 5,185; Estimated economic impact $4,106, Bookings/Definite: One (1)/YTD 1; 100 delegates/ytd 100; 135 room nights/ytd 135; Estimated economic impact $75, Lost Business Report: (See full report): Three (3)/YTD 3; 4. MGC Conventions/Groups Serviced: (See full report): Groups 10/YTD 10; Delegates 4,050/YTD 4,050; Economic Impact $3,037,500.00; CVB Cost to service $1, Group/Leisure $200. Per room night (See full report) 1. Leads: Two (2)/YTD 2; Passengers 184/YTD 184; Room nights -34/YTD 34; Estimated economic Impact $22, Definite Per person 2.5 nights: Two (2)/YTD- 2; Passengers 38/YTD- 38; Room nights 34/YTD- 34; Estimated impact $19, Sports Sales and Marketing: (See full report) October Leads: Three (3)/YTD 3; Attendees 1,185/YTD 1,185; Room nights 1,265/YTD 1,265; Economic Impact - $296,250.00/YTD - $296, Definite Bookings: Five (5)/YTD 5; Attendees 3,045/YTD 3,045; Room Nights 3,615/YTD 3,615; Economic Impact - $761, Meetings/Activities: (See full report) 4. Lost/Cancelled Business None Reported Marketing & Communications Department: (Please See full report) 1. Article Media: Thirteen (13) Articles 2. Advertising Inquiries/fulfillment: USA 800 Top 10 AD Inquiries; August 490; YTD USA 800 Top 3 AD Source October: Web -184; Search Engine 84; Other Website USA 800 Top 3 AD Source YTD: Web 184; Search Engine 84; Other Website USA 800 Top 3 AD Source by State October: Texas 42; Mississippi 41; Illinois USA 800 Top 3 AD Source by State YTD: Texas 42; Mississippi 41; Illinois Web Statistics GulfCoast.org Google Analytics October vs. Sept: Visits - 90,613; 3,637+; Unique Visitors - 68,446/3,496+; Page Views - 279,279/23,053-; Pages Visited -3.08/-; Avg. Visit Duration - 03:28/-; Bounce Rate %/+; New Visits %/+ 8. Outbound referrals to Marketing Partners Web Sites October: Partners received referrals 16,262; Top 3 outbound sites and numbers; Beau Rivage 685; Grand Biloxi 566; Hard Rock Mobile Statistics October vs. September: Visits - 22,979/879+; Unique Visitors - 17,755/772+; Page Views - 152,677/18,409-; Avg. Visit Duration - 4:33/-; Bounce Rate %/+; New Visits % %/ Web Banner Advertising (gulfcoast.org): Page impressions: Palace Casino Resort - 11,568; South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites - 4,934; Preserve Golf Course - 1,326; Shular Properties - 4,934; MS Hotel & Lodging Assn./Golf - 1,326; MS Hotel & Lodging Assn /Hotel - 4,934; Click Through events: Palace Casino Resort 200; Preserve Golf Course - 42; South Beach Biloxi 6

7 Hotel 163; MS Hotel & Lodging Assn./Golf - 37; MS Hotel & Lodging Assn./Hotel 14; Shular Properties Social Media: Facebook - Fans/Likes 15,990 up 297 in October; Twitter - - 1,535/Tweets- 3,699; -276/Tweets 45; Pinterest Boards 15/Pins-350/Followers 332; YouTube - October Views 732/Lifetime views - 55,007; Food Spotting Spots- 73/Points- 2,250 (points on likes/responses) 25. Myrna Green, Hancock County Tourism Development reported on the following items: October started their new Fiscal Year, they approved a budget in the amount of $142,500 In October/November they serviced 1,359 with group services A total of 2,565 people visited their office looking for information Room tax for last month received - $7, which was down 3% from last year, the previous month it was up 10.2% for a yearly average of 1% Snowflakes in the Bay is a month long celebration with over 40 events, Sugar Plum Festival will be Dec 7 th 26. Commissioner Ladner reported the November 26, 2013 disbursements as follows: check disbursements for 11/26/13--$206,703.60; total travel advance/reimbursements for October $1,172.88; grand total disbursements--$207, Commissioner Hansen moved these disbursements be approved. Seconded by Commissioner Ladner, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes vice 27. Commissioner Ladner reported on the following items: a. Room sales tax revenue of room sales tax collections for November 26, 2013 actual 5% collection was $412, with HCBOS s 2.75% share being $227, and HCTC s 2.25% share being $185, for a % change in total collection, and total loss of -8.21% year to year changes. b. World Choice Travel Revenue collections for the month of November 2013 being $546.87, with a total year to date $1, Commissioner Holmes made the motion authorizing the removal of one Apple IPad 2, Serial #DLXH21L8DFJ1, Asset 929 from inventory which was stolen September 10, 2013, police report on file. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes vice 29. Commissioner Levens made the motion authorizing expenditures for the Acting Manager in the amount of up to $1,000. Seconded by Commissioner Todd, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes 7

8 vice 30. Commissioner Hansen made the motion authorizing the expenditure of up to $1,500 for the MGCRCVB to host an Open House after the December 17, 2013 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes vice 31. Commissioner Holmes made the motion to approve quote submitted by Stewart Sneed Hewes for Directors and Officers Liability and Employment Practices Liability insurance in the amount of $1,525, and authorize President to execute same. Seconded by Commissioner Schloegel, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes vice 32. Commissioner Chenoweth made the motion to Table the contract renewal with Simplview for SimpleSupport 5 in the amount of $6,000 per year, as included in the Marketing Plan, until further information provided by staff. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes vice 33. Mr. Keating reported on the following items: Discussed an MOU with the Hancock County Tourism Development Commission Completed Resolution for Beth Carriere 8

9 34. Commissioner Holmes made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Hancock County Tourism Development Commission as presented, after financial support established by the Commission and present to the Hancock County Board of Supervisors for final approval. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes vice 35. Executive Session None 36. Reminders 1. Offices closed Thanksgiving Holidays Thursday, November 28 th & Friday, November 29 th 37. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner McKenzie Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes Via Phone vice Full Reports CONVENTION SALES: tative Leads: October 2013: 13 Fiscal YTD: 13 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Origin Mississippi Office of State Public Defenders Capital Defense Conference Mississippi Office of State Public Defenders Southern Judicial Defenders Conference Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants Spring 2014 Education Classes Singing River Health System Strategic Planning Meeting 2015 Singing River Health System Strategic Planning Meeting 2016 Arbor Day Foundation Partners in Community Forestry National Conference (CONVENTION CENTER LEAD) Mississippi State Department of Health 2014 WIC Conference (CONVENTION CENTER LEAD) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc SE Regional Conference March 4 7, / 180 CVENT June 5 8, / 75 CVENT June 18 20, / 20 Phone Inquiry July 9 11, / 195 Phone Inquiry July 14 16, / 195 Phone Inquiry November 2-7, / 1,150 Website Inquiry June 26 27, / 0 Website Inquiry March 11 15, ,000 / 1,755 MCCCC Referral ConferenceDirect 2014 DSN Institute November 1 5, / 695 CVENT 9

10 HOF Reunion Association 2015 Annual Reunion September 7 12, / 550 Website inquiry MSIS, Inc. MSIS Annual Convention May 20 24, / 250 Website inquiry Southeastern Bonanza Society Spring 2014 Fly In May 15 18, / 60 Sales Call Marcone Family Reunion 2014 July 3 5, / 60 Website inquiry TOTALS 5,475 / 5,185 YTD TOTALS 5,475 / 5,185 Estimated Economic Impact: $4,106, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Definite Bookings: October 2013: 1 Fiscal YTD: 1 Name Southern Gas Association Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel June 10 13, / 135 Biloxi property TOTALS 100 / 135 YTD TOTALS 100 / 135 Estimated Economic Impact: $75, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Client Meetings / Client Events / Client Projects: October 2013: Name Dates # Attendees / # Room Nights Society of American Travel Writers Travel: October 2013: October 20 25, / 1,000 Name Dates Sales Manager(s) Attending ACAE Annual Convention October 3 5, 2013 Janet Harrington MSAE/LSAE Annual Convention October 14 16, 2013 Annette Rand, Janet Harrington, Susan Remarcik Conventions Serviced: October 2013: 10 Fiscal YTD: 10 Name Meeting Date # Attendees Service included: Mississippi Association of Realtors October 6 11, Bags, pens, brochures Gulf Coast Bicycle Club October 12, Bags, pens, brochures Mississippi Library Conference Gold Wing Road Riders October 15 18, Bags, pens, brochures October 15 19, ,300 Bags, pens, brochures MAGPPA October 21, Bags, pens, brochures Society of American Travel Writers Mississippi Nurses Association Mississippi Society of Radiologic Techs MH/IDD Joint Conference MS School Nutrition October 21 24, Brochures, nail files October 22 25, Registration assistance, brochures October 22 24, Name badges, bags, pens, brochures October 29 21, Bags, pens, brochures TOTALS 4,050 Oct 30 Nov 3, Bags, pens, brochures 10

11 YTD TOTALS 4,050 Total HCTC Investment in Services: $1, Estimated Economic Impact: $3,037, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Site Visits: October 2013: 2 Fiscal YTD: 2 Name Tentative Dates # Attendees / # Room Nights Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants June / 20 Ford Motor Company future program possibility?????? Lost /Cancelled Business: October 2013: 3 Fiscal YTD: 3 Name International Embryo Transfer Society Annual Conference International Order of Alhambra 2015 Convention Mississippi Recreation & Parks Association 2015 Annual Conference LEISURE TRAVEL: Tentative Leads: Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights January 13 20, / 1,035 June 20 24, / 340 September 13 17, / 210 Reason Lost Group has decided to hold the meeting in Louisville, KY they did not like the idea of the distance between hotels and convention center. Group is going to San Diego, CA incoming President is from that area. The Board voted to accept the invitation from Tunica, MS October 2013: 2 Fiscal YTD: 2 Name Tour Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Montgomery Spring 2014 Daytrip April 4, / 0 Pillow Academy School Trip 5 th Graders April 24 25, / 34 TOTALS 184 / 34 YTD TOTALS 5,860 / 5,421 Estimated Economic Impact: $92, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Assists: Incentive Offered October 2013: 1 Fiscal YTD: 1 Name Conway Tours RI New Orleans and the Deep South Tour Date # Passenger / # Room Nights Assisted with November 3 5, / 26 Welcome bags TOTALS 44 / 26 YTD TOTALS 1,146 / 1,281 Estimated Economic Impact: $22, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Definite Bookings: October 2013: 2 Fiscal YTD: 2 Name Tour Date # Passenger / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel Madison United Methodist Church VIP s Nov 14 15, / 16 Ocean Springs Property 11

12 Majestic Tours Majestic Radio Tours Radio Show Promotion Site Visit TOTALS October 21 24, / 18 Biloxi property 38 / 34 YTD TOTALS 38 / 34 Estimated Economic Impact: $19, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Staff Meetings: October 2013: Meeting Name: SATW Committee Meeting Site Visit with French Writer Phillippe Henry Conference Call with Brand USA Reps MSAE/LSAE Super Booth Meeting Lunch with MLT/Delta Vacation Representatives Biloxi Bay Chamber Don Wylie Golf Tournament Snowflakes in the Bay Committee Meeting HSMAI Gulf South Chapter Meeting Ford Motor Company Planning Meeting Ohr-O Keefe Museum of Art Meeting Successful Meeting Diamond Invitational Staff Member Crystal Johnson Annette Rand Annette Rand Janet Harrington, Annette Rand and Crystal Johnson Annette Rand Linda Stewart Janet Harrington Linda Stewart Crystal Johnson Annette Rand Crystal Johnson SPORTS: Tentative Leads: October 2013: 3 Fiscal YTD: 3 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Origin Gulf Coast Bridge Association January 5-12, /945 Coliseum Sales Staff Miss Mississippi United States Pageant March 7-8, /120 Client Call Sports Endeavors, Inc. EVP Pro Tour Volleyball June 6-7, /200 SPORTS Trade Show TOTALS 1,185 /1,265 Estimated Economic Impact: $296, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) YTD Direct Room Night Impact: $126, (based on $100 per room x 1,265 room nights) Definite Bookings: October 2013: 5 Fiscal YTD: 5 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel Diamond Cheer and Dance December 13-14, /15 Sheraton Four Points Gulf Coast Bridge Association January 5-12, /945 IP Casino Resort & Spa 12

13 Diamond 9 Coastal Classic Showcase MS Gulf Coast College Classic Univ. MS Gulf Coast College Classic HS November 14-17, /1625 Various Feb. 27 Mar. 2, /450 Various Feb. 28 Mar. 1, /580 Various TOTALS 3,045/3,615 Estimated Economic Impact: $761,250 (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) YTD Direct Room Night Impact: $361,500 (based upon $ per room x 3,615 room nights) Events Serviced: October 2013: 0 YTD: 0 Fiscal Name Meeting Date # Attendees Service included: TOTALS Total MGCRCVB Investment in Services: $ Estimated Economic Impact: (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Meetings: October 2013 Meeting Name Staff Member Description Society of American Travel Writers Tours Torye Hurst Served as guide for Southern Cuisine and Beer & Bonding tours Society of American Travel Writers Gary Benson Assisted with transportation with Dine Around, served as guide for Paddle Boat Tours, and assisted with SATW Golf Tournament at The Bridges Gulf Coast Hoop Fest Torye Hurst Conference call to discuss upcoming site visit Exclusive Sports Marketing Torye Hurst Conference call with Joe Pickett and Matt Lorrine concerning Half Marathon and Beach Volleyball events in Will get back and schedule a site visit in December. MS Gulf Coast Golf Association Gary Benson Regular Board meeting- Discussion of Golf Packaging Gulf Coast Collegiate Softball Classic Torye Hurst Monthly meeting to discuss progress and planning for Feb. 28 March 2, 2014 event National Park Service Gary Benson Met with Liz Smith-Incer to discuss the Park Service involvement and assistance with Nature Based Tourism Heritage Trails Partnership Gary Benson Met with Paul Nettles, HTP Consultant to discuss planning goals of the Partnership and 13

14 priorities for bikeways, blueways and other trails throughout the area. City of Gulfport EVP Tour Proposal Torye Hurst Met with Mayor Billy Hewes, City Administrator Dr. John Kelly and Leisure Services Asst. Director David D Aquilla to look over EVP Tour proposal for June 7, 2014 event at Jones Park. Mayor Hewes approved payment of $6,000 bid fee to host event. Nature Based Tourism Task Force Gary Benson Second meeting to define major areas of need which were: 1. To tell the story, 2. To formulate a funding source and 3. Develop an organization to support the work Executive Women s Golf Association Gary Benson Discussion with Lisa Beck, Director, about creating an event on the MS Gulf Coast. Waiting on RFP s for 2014 and 2015 events. MGCRCVB Marketing Meetings Torye Hurst Attended meetings on October 15 and October 30 to work on development of Marketing Plan Gulf Coast Hoops Fest Site Visit Torye Hurst Toured Convention Center Exhibit Hall with Jamie Palmer, Deep South Hoops, Patirck Coombs, High Major Sports and Matthew Pennie, Blue Ridge Sports & Entertainment. After hosting inaugural event at various high schools in 2013, decision was made to rent five courts from Travel Courts along with the Coliseum floor in order to bring event under one roof. Group has submitted form for CVB assistance with cost in order to bring the event to the Convention Center. Coliseum Asst. Director Matt McDonald assisted with the tour and meeting. Gulf Coast Classic Holiday Basketball Classic Torye Hurst Attended reception at Biloxi Visitors Center for presentation of event to local leaders including representative from Biloxi and Gulfport city governments. US Sports Congress 2015 meeting Gary Benson 4-day, 400 room night event in December. Will be in Reno, Nev. In 2013 and seeking sites for 2014 & Event will easily fit in one of the hotels with meeting space. Bid Fee: $15,000 Marketing Department SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook October 2013: Total Fans 15, New Fans Twitter Followers October + FYTD Increase Tweets October + FYTD Increase MSGulfCoastCVB 1, ,699 2, MeetMSGulfCoast

15 Foodspotting Spots October FYTD Increase Points October FYTD Increase , Youtube October 2013 Lifetime Views ,007 Pinterest October 2013 Boards Pins Follows MEDIA RELATIONS: Articles October FYTD Media Value $26, $26, Identified INQUIRIES: USA 800 Ad Sources October FYTD 490 Web 184 Web 184 Search Engine 84 Search Engine 84 Another Web Site 45 Another Web Site 45 Unknown 33 Unknown 33 Midwest Living 26 Midwest Living 26 go-mississippi.com 22 go-mississippi.com 22 AAA Tour Book 20 AAA Tour Book 20 Friend or Family Member 19 Friend or Family Member 19 Mississippi Travel Guide 15 Mississippi Travel Guide 15 Magazine/Newspaper 4 Magazine/Newspaper 4 USA 800 States October FYTD 473 Texas 42 Texas 42 Mississippi 41 Mississippi 41 Illinois 36 Illinois 36 Missouri 32 Missouri 32 Florida 26 Florida 26 Wisconsin 25 Wisconsin 25 Ohio 23 Ohio 23 Indiana 21 Indiana 21 Louisiana 21 Louisiana 21 15

16 Tennessee 21 Tennessee 21 GOOGLE ANALYTICS: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG October 2013 September October FYTD 71,942 Visits 86,976 90,613 3, ,613 Unique Visits 68,446 71,942 3, ,942 Pageviews 302, ,279 23, ,279 Pages per visit Average Visit Duration 0:03:55 0:03:28-0:03:28 Bounce Rate 42.18% 47.25% % % of New Visits 68.53% 69.36% % OUTBOUND REFERRALS October 2013 Link Report September Total Events September Unique Events October Visits October Unique Visits FYTD 16,262 Listings 16,887 7,001 14,706 6,029 Events 8,762 6,475 7,466 5,403 WTC 5,541 4,171 4,409 3,377 Visitors Guide 2,187 1, Banners Outgoing links October 2013 Listings- Total Referrals Unique Referrals FYTD Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel & Spa Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Island View Casino Resort IP Casino Resort & Spa Golden Nugget Biloxi Palace Casino Resort Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi

17 Boomtown Casino October 2013 Events - Total Referrals Unique Referrals FYTD Field Of Seward Farms Maze 2,026 1,198 92nd Annual Jackson County Fair th Annual Wavefest th Annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour th Annual Wavefest Christmas at Beauvoir Festival of Trees Southern Promiseland Farm Corn Maze & More th Annual Ocean Springs Renaissance Faire Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk SEARCH SOURCES Organic & Referral October 2013 Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration google / organic 47, % 31,412 m.gulfcoast.org / referral 14, % 10,765 (direct) / (none) 7, % 6,173 bing / organic 5, % 3,845 yahoo / organic 4, % 3,129 biloxi.ms.us / referral 2, % 2,054 aol / organic % 610 pixel.mathtag.com / referral % / referral % 176 Referring Sites October 2013 Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration m.gulfcoast.org 14, % 10,765 biloxi.ms.us 2, % 2,054 pixel.mathtag.com % % 176 facebook.com % 183 flygpt.com % 172 visitmscoast.org %

18 search.mywebsearch.com % 144 mscoastcoliseum.com % 128 GEOGRAPHIC Top 10 States Visits Top 10 Cities Visits Top 10 Countries Visits Mississippi 33,177 Biloxi 6,824 United States 88,677 Louisiana 11,305 Gulfport 6,090 Canada 546 Texas 6,770 Ocean Springs 3,069 United Kingdom 206 Florida 4,743 Jackson 2,992 Germany 145 Georgia 4,375 New Orleans 2,638 India 140 Alabama 4,347 Hattiesburg 2,414 (not set) 114 California 2,675 Atlanta 2,095 Australia 57 Tennessee 2,353 Long Beach 2,091 Japan 53 Illinois 1,630 Houston 1,946 Brazil 41 Missouri 1,416 San Antonio 1,314 United Arab Emirates 34 Most Viewed Content Visits Unique Visits Avg. Visit Duration /events/ 30,344 21,354 0:03:37 /(Homepage) 21,166 17,892 0:01:33 /?mobile= 15,285 13,081 0:01:06 /attractions/ 13,013 9,266 0:00:52 /casinos/ 11,568 6,149 0:01:14 /coupons/ 6,863 4,954 0:01:03 /includes/itinerary/ 5,675 4,729 0:00:30 /restaurants/ 5,458 3,828 0:01:20 /hotels/ 4,934 3,665 0:01:10 /visitors/attractions/family-activities/ 3,972 3,067 0:00:46 Top Landing Pages Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration / (Homepage) 16, % 12,248 /?mobile= 12, % 10,818 /events/ 11, % 6,911 /attractions/ 3, % 2,748 18

19 /casinos/ 2, % 2,208 /visitors/events/index.cfm?eventid=1263 (Cruisin the Coast 1, % 1,430 /restaurants/ 1, % 973 /coupons/ 1, % 887 /visitors/hotels/rv-parks-and-campgrounds/ 1, % 1,113 /visitors/attractions/beaches-and-harbor-activities/ 1, % 1,153 Simpleview Analytics: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG 6 Month Traffic Overview May Jun Jul Aug Sep OCT Visits: 118, , ,705 98,145 86,976 90,613 Unique Visitors: 93, , ,826 75,976 68,446 71,942 Bounce Rate: 44% 37% 39% 41% 42% 47% Pageviews: 439, , , , , ,279 Average Pageview per Visit: Average Time on Site: 0:04:07 0:04:56 0:04:39 0:04:15 0:03:55 0:03:28 Total Organic Search Traffic: 79,355 89,610 87,956 59,097 53,069 59,620 % of Traffic From Organic Search: 67% 65% 58% 60% 61% 66% Entry Pages From Search: 2,138 2,258 2,263 2,015 1,997 2,072 Total Organic Keywords: 24,706 28,135 27,612 18,965 13,026 10,572 Mobile Site Visits: 55,004 49,931 41,605 23,311 22,100 22,979 All Traffic: 173, , , , , ,592 SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION Overview: Visits to the main site are up 21% year over year. Organic visits to the attractions page are up 69% over last Oct sending over 2,000 additional visits. Organic search traffic has increased 6% year over year. Pageviews on the main site are up 10% as compared to October 2012 MOBILE SITE STATISTICS: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG - MOBILE October 2013: September October FYTD 17,755 Visits 22,100 22, Unique Visits 16,983 17,

20 Pageviews 171, ,677 18,409 - Pages per visit Average Visit Duration 0:05:23 0:04:33 - Bounce Rate 22.51% 23.77% + % of New Visits 65.92% 67.35% + GEOGRAPHIC-Mobile State Visits Bounce Rate Avg. Visit Duration % New Visits Pages/Visit Mississippi 8, % 5, % 6.57 Texas 3, % 2, % 6.70 Louisiana 3, % 2, % 6.67 Georgia 2, % 1, % 6.82 Florida 1, % % 6.21 Tennessee % % 6.75 Oklahoma % % 6.98 Alabama % % 6.60 Missouri % % 7.17 California % % 5.16 BANNER ADVERTISEMENTS: October 2013 Banner Page Impressions Click Thru Average time on Banner Page FYTD Banner Page Impressions FYTD Click Thru Palace Casino Resort 11, :14 11, South Beach Biloxi 4, :10 4, Preserve Golf Course 1, :32 1, Shular Properties 4, :10 4, MSHLA Golf Ad/Golf 1, :10 4, MSHLA Golf ad/hotels 4, :10 4,

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