MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES MAY 27, 2014

Transcription

1 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES MAY 27, 2014 The MS Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Commissioners met Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 1:30 p.m., at 2350 Beach Blvd, Suite A, Biloxi, MS Commissioners Present: Kim Fritz, vice president; Jimmie Ladner, treasurer; Rich Westfall, secretary; Richard Chenoweth; Rip Daniels; Jeff Descher; Danny Hansen; Bill Holmes; Jerry Levens; CeCe Shabazz; Clay Wagner Commissioners absent: Duncan McKenzie, president; Chett Harrison; Carla Todd; George Schloegel HCTC Staff Members Present: Crystal Johnson, acting manager; Traci Dauro; Janice Jones, Internet/e marketing manager Others Present: Je Nell Blum, legal counsel; Linda Hornsby, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn; Myrna Green, HCTDB; Courtney Haggerty, Residence Inn Gulfport; Beverly Martin, MS Hospitality & Rest Assn, Gulf Coast Chapter; Supervisor Connie Rockco, Harrison County District 5; Jenna Weatherford, HC Beautification; Lucy Bickham, Senior Games; Tammy Bratley, Homes 2 Suites; Michael Bruffey, MS Gaming & Hospitality Assn Vice President Fritz called the meeting to Order. 1. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to accept the agenda as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 2. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to approve the minutes as presented from the April 22, 2014 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 3. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to approve the minutes as presented from the May 9, 2014 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 1

2 4. Michael Bruffey, MS Gaming & Hospitality Assn reported on the State of the Annual Gaming Report, with the following highlights: The Assn now has 29 casino members out of a total of 30 casinos. Focus efforts increase collaboration of tourism boards throughout state; bring stability to air service to improve access to the market; Develop uniform and user friendly website from marketing and booking travel to MS; Promote family activities; Market our special events regionally and nationally Breakdown of 2013 Market Statistics MS Gulf Coast AGR - $1.06 Billion; 12 Casinos; 5,484 Hotel rooms; 82.2% Occupancy; 11,536 Direct Employees; $68.87 ADR; 14.8 Million Visitations Casino Highlights Sliver Slipper broke ground on $17.7 million hotel; Hard Rock Biloxi opened $32.5 million Platinum Tower; Golden Nugget nears completion of $100 million in renovations; Island View Casino will spend $50 million in renovations to hotel tower south of Hwy 90; Margaritaville Casino announced plans for a new hotel & spa in 2015; Minor League Baseball coming to Biloxi with $36 million stadium. 5. Lucy Bickham reported the Senior Games this year had a total of 365 seniors participate Thursday through Sunday. They had a total of 39 events, even one 90 year young senior participated. This was the best year for participation, and thanks to Torye Hurst for helping. 6. Jenna Weatherford, HC Beautification update the Commission on the tri-county beautification efforts as follows: Develop a beautification program from state line to state line on the Interstate. Adopt an Interchange total of 18 exits with only 6 exchanges adopted. Jackson County representative is working with the Jackson County Development Authority to work toward getting donations and/or corporate sponsors to adopt interchanges or agree to help fund extra maintenance. Harrison County is working with the Board of Supervisors and cities to adopt remaining interchanges. Hancock County representative has not been designated, but reaching out for a contact. Commissioner Fritz stated the Commission was awarded a grant for gateway enhancements that could possibly be used for beautification purposes. Jenna will forward the gateway enhancement plan provided by the MS Extension Services and Master Gardner s to Crystal Johnson. Commissioner Fritz asked if Welcome to the Gulf Coast signage could be incorporated onto existing signage, Jenna stated that MDOT would allow but may be considerate advertising. 7. Linda Hornsby, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn reported that the April year to date occupancy report was up. So far the week of May 11 th through 17 th was up 7.5% over last year s report. She also reported that fishing charters bookings were up. 8. Crystal Johnson, Acting Manager report A. Marketing Department 1. Three articles ran that Taryn, Media Relations Manager, assisted with including Fox News 25 The Annual Salute to Travel and Tourism in America, Pathfinders Travel Bay St. Louis, and The Sun Herald. 2. There was also a great articles about the MS Gulf Coast Regional CVB in The Journal of South Mississippi Business May 2014 issue. 2

3 3. The Culinary Media Fam we had 7 writers attend so far it has produced three articles (both regular media The Clarion Ledger, Online Blog She s Cookin and social media) B. Sales Department 1. Tradeshows/Sales Calls - We have completed sales call trips to Washington, DC (April 29 May 2), and Dallas, TX (May 19 22) should start seeing some results from both of those trips very soon 2. Working on scheduling appointments for trips to Atlanta, GA (June 23 26) and Chicago, IL (July) C. Advertising 1. Masterminds will be in town this week shooting videos/photos to support the new campaign. Location scouting will take place today and Wednesday. Shooting begins Thursday and will run through Sunday. D. Sales Departments Production Report April 2014 Convention Sales: April Leads generated: Ten (10)/YTD 76; 1,450 delegates/ytd- 21,688; 2,410 room nights/ytd 33,361; Estimated economic impact $1,087, Bookings/Definite: Four (4)/YTD 30; 1,000 delegates/ytd 4,948; 1,304 room nights/ytd 8,331; Estimated economic impact $750, Lost Business Report: (See full report): Five (5)/YTD - 35 MGC Conventions/Groups Serviced: (See full report): Groups 10/ YTD 37; Delegates 2,210/YTD 12,400; Economic Impact - $1,659,000.00; CVB Cost to service - $ Group/Leisure $200. Per room night (See full report); Leads: Zero (0)/YTD 22; Passengers/YTD 1,874; Room nights -/YTD 1,725; Estimated economic Impact- $0.00 Definite Per person 2.5 nights - Three (3)/YTD- 9; Passengers 234/YTD- 464; Room nights 161/ YTD- 467; Estimated impact - $117, E. Sports Sales and Marketing: April 2014 Leads - Five (5)/YTD 23; Attendees 10,759/YTD 27,179;Room nights 5,970/ YTD 15,845; Estimated Economic Impact - $2,151, Definite Bookings - Four (4)/YTD 15; Attendees 1,660/YTD 14,655; Room Nights 1,580/YTD 10,235; Economic Impact - $332, Meetings/Activities: (See full report) Lost/Cancelled Business - None F. Marketing & Communications Department: (Please See full report) Article Media: Three (3) Articles Advertising Inquiries/fulfillment: USA 800 Top 10 AD Inquiries: April 1,111/ YTD 6,691 USA 800 Top 3 AD Source April: Web 463/YTD 2,313; Search Engine 273/YTD 1,399; unknown 79; Fall Travel Planner 9Compass) USA 800 Top 3 AD Source by State April Mississippi 160/YTD 569; Louisiana 111; Texas - 93/YTD 505; Illinois YTD April Totals for USA 800 = 1,094/YTD 6,737 CVB In House Ad Sources: Contact Us 32; Search Engine 18; Friend Referral 15; April Totals for In-House Requests = 117 CVB In-House Inquiry by States: Mississippi 16; Louisiana 11; Texas 10; YTD Totals for In-House Inquiries = 722 Web Statistics GulfCoast.org / Google Analytics April vs. March YTD: Visits - 112,586/- 28,301/696,335; Unique Visitors - 88,181/-19,858/503,012; Page Views - 404,752/ - 108,569/2,383,157; Pages Visited - 3.6/-; Avg. Visit Duration - 04:05; Bounce Rate %/-; New Visits %/+ Outbound referrals to Marketing Partners Web Sites April: Partners received referrals 824; Top 3 outbound sites and numbers: Beau Rivage 929; Grand Biloxi 884; Hard Rock Hotel Mobile Statistics April vs. March: Visits - 35,618/-14,370; Unique Visitors - 27,651/-10,465; Page Views - 263,294/-98,911; Avg. Visit Duration - 2:48/-; Bounce Rate 22.26%/-; New Visits % % 3

4 Web Banner Advertising (gulfcoast.org) Page impressions: Island View Casino Resort - 16,907; Palace Casino - 16,907; South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites - 10,252; MHLA Golf Ad/Hotels - 10,252; Preserve Golf Course - 2,077; MHLA Golf Ad /Golf - 2,077; Click Through events: Island View Casino Resort 286; South Beach Biloxi 235; Palace Casino 366; MSHLA / Golf 16; Preserve Golf Course 58; MSHLA / Hotels 31; 9. Commissioner Descher made the motion to approve the negotiated contract with North Star for the RFQ for Research to include the proprietary statement, and authorize President to execute same. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 10. The Vice President appointed the following Commissioners to the Nominations Committee - Clay Wagner; Jerry Levens; Carla Todd, for the purpose of nominating a slate of officers effective July 1, Commissioner Levens made a motion to accept the recommendation for Nomination Committee members as stated. Seconded by Commissioner Descher, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 12. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to accept the Resolution in Support of the Improvements for MDOT Signage and Traffic Control Devices as presented. Seconded by commissioner Descher, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 13. Commissioner Ladner reported the May 27, 2014 disbursements as follows: check disbursements for 05/27/14--$130,091.25; total travel advance/reimbursement for the month of May - $754.15; grand total disbursements--$130, Commissioner Levens moved these disbursements be approved. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 4

5 14. Commissioner Ladner report on the following items: Room sales tax revenue of room sales tax collections for May 27, 2014 actual 5% collection was $614, with HCBOS s 2.75% share being $338, and MGCRCVB s 2.25% share being $276, for a 1.58% change in total collection, and total loss of 3.81% year to year changes. World Choice Travel Revenue collections for the month of April 2014 being $633.85, with a total year to date $4, Two Certificates of Deposit from Wells Fargo have been closed as of May 17, 2014 and funds have been deposited into the Peoples Bank - Money Market account, in the amount of $127, Commissioner Descher made the motion authorizing the President to send letter to Hancock Bank, to close out the three (3) remaining checking/savings account and deposit said monies into the Peoples Bank accounts. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 16. Commissioner Westfall reported that the final four (4) candidate s interviews will take place around the second week in June, arrangements are still being made. 17. Commissioner Descher reported on the Marketing & Convention/Sales Committee with the following recommendations: 18. Commissioner Levens made the motion to deny the request for Marketing Assistance from Scrapin the Coast being held June 20 22, 2014 due to the event submitting application outside of the 90 day submission time, as indicated on the application and guidelines. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 19. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to approve the Request for Incentive Funds for the Optimist International 2017 being held June 26 30, 2017 in the amount of up to $25,000, for transportation 5

6 cost, if the MS Gulf Coast was selected to host. Seconded by Commissioner Westfall, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 20. Commissioner Chenoweth made the motion to approve the Request to Host for the MS Tourism Assn. being held September 28 30, 2014 in the amount of up to $11,500. Seconded by Commissioner Westfall, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 21. Commissioner Descher updated the Commission on Web Banner advertising, invoices have been sent to marketing partners for payment. 22. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to approve the acceptance of the proposal submitted by M2 Media as the lowest and best bid received from the RFP for the Dining and Attractions Guide, and authorizing legal counsel to draft the professional standards agreement. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the vice president called the question, with the following results: 23. Commissioner Levens reported the following regarding the Audit Committee: The CPA firm is working on the 9/30/11 materials, should turn over to Fletcher & Asst. this week. The 9/30/12 audit materials should be ready to send over next week, and the 9/30/13 should be there by the week of June 30 th. Dean Fletcher reported to the committee it will take an estimated 2 weeks for each year to complete his audit report. Everything should be delivered to the Commission by the end of August Myrna Green, HCTDB reported on the following items: In accordance with the MOU, the HCTDB has appointed Nikki Moon as Advisory Board member for the MGCRCVB. Bay St. Louis Harbor is almost ready to open, they will host HarborFest July 25,

7 Magnolia Money should start in a couple of weeks, this was made possible through the BP Gulf Seafood & Tourism Promotional Grant Hollywood Casino just opened their Lazy River; Barnacle Bills Water Park open also. Culinary Fam hosted by the MGCRCVB had a day long tour in Hancock County, samplings throughout the city, and went over very well. 25. Commissioner Holmes reported on the Sub-Committee Future Funding. He has talked to Mr. McFarland and legal counsel about setting up the foundation. He has several ideas, and will contact the committee members soon to set up a meeting. 26. Reminders 1. MGCRCVB Special meeting Wednesday, June 11 1:00 pm 2. MGCRCVB meeting Tuesday, June 24 1:30pm 27. Commissioner Westfall made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the vice president called the question, with the following results: Reports Sales Department Conventions Tentative Leads: April 2014: 10 Fiscal YTD: 76 Goal: 200 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Origin Alabama Turfgrass Association Deep South Turf Expo Oct 13 15, / 375 ACAE Fresenius Medical Care 2014 Meeting Sept 3 5, / 70 Phone Call Entergy Operations, Inc. Team Building Event Dec 21 23, / 22 Website inquiry National Beta Club Leadership Summit Oct 19 22, / 160 MCCCC Referral Delta Association for Rural Initiatives 2014 Regional Conference July 21 24, / 240 Phone Call Jewish War Veterans of the USA August 4 14, / 648 IMM Mississippi Recreation & Parks Association 2015 Annual Conference Southeastern Regional Idea 2015 SE Regional Idea Conference Sept 13 17, / 210 Client relationship Nov 13 15, / 450 Phone Call Vietnam Vets / Legacy Vets Jan 23 25, / 160 Website inquiry Watts Family Reunion July 16 19, / 75 Website inquiry TOTALS 1,450 / 2,410 YTD TOTALS 21,688 / 33,361 Goal: 100,000 Room nights Estimated Economic Impact: $1,087, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Conventions Serviced: April 2014: 10 Fiscal YTD: 37 Goal: 110 Name Meeting Date # Attendees Service included: Firebird Association Reunion April Name badges, pens 7

8 Collaborative Summer Library Program April Pens, dining guides MS LPN Conference April Name badges MS Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics April Registration assistance, name badges, pens American Correctional Chaplains Assoc April Name badges, pens Southern Financial Exchange April Registration assistance Air Force Sargents Association April Bags, pens, restaurant guides American Society for Clinical Lab Scientists April Registration assistance, bags, pen MSAE Mid Year Conference April 29 May Fun Times Guides Emergency Services Administrative Professionals April 30 May 2 75 Bags, pens, restaurant guides TOTALS 2,210 YTD TOTALS 12,400 Goal: 26,000 room nights Total HCTC Investment in Services: $ Estimated Economic Impact: $1,659, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Site Visits: April 2014: 4 Fiscal YTD: 9 Name Tentative Dates # Attendees / # Room Nights Alabama Turfgrass Association Deep South Turf Grass Expo October 2015 or / 375 Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Leadership Conference June / 531 Mississippi Fire Investigators Association 2015 Spring Meeting April / 210 MS Tourism Association Governors Conference on Tourism September /410 Meetings Media: April 2014: Publication Name Journal of South MS Business May 2014 Issue Writer Name Royce Armstrong Travel: April 2014: Name Dates Sales Manager(s) Attending MPI Luncheon New Orleans April 15, 2014 Janet Harrington LSAE Luncheon & Sales Calls Baton Rouge April 8, 2014 Janet Harrington Washington DC Sales Calls April 29 May 2, 2014 Linda Stewart Definite Bookings: April 2014 : 4 Fiscal YTD: 30 Goal: 100 Name Southern Regional Educational Service Agency Making Connections Conf RIPE (Resource Information & Planning for the Elderly) 2014 Conference Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel June 10 13, / 1,050 Biloxi property May 14 16, / 120 Biloxi property 8

9 Earl Shepherd Thompson Reunion Williams-Nicholas Family Reunion June 27 29, / 29 Gulfport property June 12 15, / 105 Gulfport property TOTALS 1,000 / 1,304 YTD TOTALS 4,948 / 8,331 Goal: 50,000 room nights Estimated Economic Impact: $750, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Lost /Cancelled Business: April 2014: 5 Fiscal YTD: 37 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Reason Lost Insignia, LLC SEARUC Conference June 7 11, / 447 Found a location in Tunica, MS (Horseshoe Casino) Self Advocates Becoming Empowered 2016 Conference Sept 19 25, ,000 / 1,900 US Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Impact Assistance Program Meeting Nov 3 7, / 290 Green Family Reunion Aug 1 3, / 100 The group would like to wait until 2018 to bring the conference here did not want to shuttle to convention center and hopes that a hotel will be built by then Only hotels that can bid on this are ones that are members of FEDrooms.com. There is still a chance that this is coming to the MS Gulf Coast just done through another source now. A family member is ill and they are not having the reunion this year. Heard Family Reunion July 3 6, / 75 Committee decided to hold reunion in Laurel, MS LEISURE TRAVEL: Assists: April 2014: 2 Fiscal YTD: 8 Name Fayette Co Senior Services Summer 2 Nights Girls Investment Group GIG Tour Date # Passenger / # Room Nights Assisted with June 24 26, / 50 Fun Times Guides June 23 27, / 100 Touring information, restaurants TOTALS 100 / 150 YTD TOTALS 444 / 458 Estimated Economic Impact: $50, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Definite Bookings: April 2014: 3 Fiscal YTD: 9 Name Pillow Academy School Trip 5 th Grade Seniors On The Go Travel GA October or November 2 Night Tourco s Firstline Tours, Inc. Gulf Coast, Tunica and New Orleans TOTALS Tour Date # Passenger / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel April 24 25, / 34 Long Beach Property Nov 12 14, / 52 Biloxi property Apr 29 May 2, / 75 Biloxi Property 234 / 161 YTD TOTALS 464 / 467 Estimated Economic Impact: $117, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Incentive Offered 9

10 Lost/Cancelled Business: April 2014: 3 Fiscal YTD: 15 Name Awesome Adventures Unique Destinations Mothers Day Holiday Tour Date # Attendees / # Room Nights May 12 13, / 25 Reason Lost/Cancelled Had to cancel trip due to computer & phone compromised. Suncoast Tours Jan 6 9, / 50 No longer offered in their lists of tours VWBH Club Senior Gaming Trip June 2 5, / 36 Could not reconnect with the client Travel: April 2014: Name Dates Sales Manager(s) Attending US Travel Association IPW (International) April 5 10, 2014 Annette Rand Media Assists: April 2014: Publication Name Writer Name Journal of South MS Business May 2014 Issue Royce Armstrong Select Traveler Magazine?? Staff Meetings: April 2014: Meeting Name: Full Staff Meetings (weekly) Meeting with Cono Caranna White House Hotel MGCRCVB Board Meeting MSAE Mid Year Conference Meeting Dinner with French Writer / Jean Michael Selva Masterminds Conference Calls (weekly) MINT Webinar MS Hotel & Lodging Association Meeting MS Coast Coliseum & Convention Center Board Meeting HSMAI Gulf South Chapter Luncheon Meeting RE: Dallas Sales Trip MS Tourism Association Board Meeting Director of Hotel Sales Meeting (Monthly) Meeting with Leigh Reeves RE: MS Tour Guide Staff Member All Staff All Sales Staff Crystal Johnson Annette Rand Annette Rand and Taryn Sammons Crystal Johnson All Sales Staff Crystal Johnson Crystal Johnson Linda Stewart Janet Harrington Annette Rand Crystal/Gary/Linda S/Annette/Janet/Lori Crystal Johnson Sports Department Tentative Leads: April 2014: 5 Fiscal YTD: 23 Goal: 40 Name SN Cup Team Challenge V Disc Golf Tournament Meeting Date 10 # Attendees / # Room Nights Origin May 30-June 1, / 130 Client Call Inaugural Working Warriors Lacrosse Tournament July 4-5, / 1200 Client Call

11 US Fast Pitch Crossfire Spring Fling (softball) May 9-11, / 520 Client Call US Fast Pitch Memorial Day Classic (softball) May 23-25, / 1760 Client Call USSSA 300 pt. Early Summer Shootout May 2-3, /2360 Client Call TOTALS 10,759 / 5970 Monthly Estimated Economic Impact: $2,151, (based upon $ per person x 10,759 attendees for an average of 2.0 nights) Monthly Direct Room Night Impact: $597, (based on $100 per room x 5970 room nights) YTD Estimated Economic Impact: $4,989, (based upon $ per person x 24,949 attendees for an average of 2.0 nights) YTD Direct Room Night Impact: $1,744, (based on $100 per room x 17,445 room nights) Definite Bookings: April 2014: 4 Fiscal YTD: 15 Goal: 20 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Sun Belt Men s Golf Championship April 21-23, / 240 Various USFA Seven in the Spring April 26-27, / 240 Various USSSA 330 pt. Race to the Beach April 12-13, / 500 Various USTA League 40+ State Tournament June 13-15, / 600 Various TOTALS 1660 / 1,580 Headquarter Hotel Monthly Estimated Economic Impact: $332,000 (based upon $ per person x 1660 attendees for an average of 2.0 nights Monthly Direct Room Night Impact: $158, (based on $100 per room x 1,580 room nights) YTD Estimated Economic Impact: $2,724, (based upon $ per person x 13,620 attendees for an average of 2.0 nights) YTD Direct Room Night Impact: $927, (based on $100 per room x 9,275 room nights) Goal: $3,000, YTD Room Nights: 9,275 Goal: 30,000 YTD Attendees: 13,620 Goal: 35,000 Site Visits: April 2014: 1 Fiscal YTD: 5 Name Tentative Dates # Attendees / # Room Nights Tough Mudder Obstacle Race Late Feb. Early March ,000+ /????? Events Serviced: April 2014: 2 Fiscal YTD: 2 Name Meeting Date # Attendees Service included: Mississippi Gulf Coast Senior Games April Welcome Bags/Restaurant Guides Mississippi Soccer Assn. South State April 26-27, Welcome Bags/Restaurant Guides TOTALS 800 Total MGCRCVB Investment in Services: $ Estimated Economic Impact: (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Meetings: April 2014: 11

12 Meeting/Contacts Staff Member Description Monthly Hotel Sales National Association of Sports Commissions EVP Tour Beach Volleyball Monthly Marketing Meeting Southern Golf Tours Gary Benson Torye Hurst Torye Hurst Torye Hurst Gary Benson Meeting with Hotel Management, Convention Center Sales Staff, and CVB staff on April 3, Had appointments with 30+ event owners which has already generated one site visit (Tough Mudder). Attended meeting with City of Gulfport officials for planning of upcoming June 7 event. Also conducted site visit at Jones Park with event logistics manager. Masterminds presentation of advertising campaign. Met with Phillip Bellew and Danny Fulton to discuss the Golf & Blues Experience for Fall 2015 and partnering on appointments at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Conference in Charleston, SC in June MGCRCVB Commission Torye Hurst Attended meeting on April 22, MS Heritage Trail Advisory Board Gary Benson Attended monthly meeting on April 22, Gulf Restoration Gary Benson, Torye Hurst National Veterans Golden Age Games Gary Benson, Torye Hurst Meeting with Jill Mastrototaro, Alabama/Mississippi Policy Specialists with the National Wildlife Federation. Discussed the administration of BP Penalty funds for Gulf Restoration and consideration of collaborating efforts to promote Nature Tourism. Meeting with Mary Kay Gominger, Chief of Community and Public Affairs Service for US Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss the RFP for hosting the 2016 or 2017 event. Travel: April 2014: Name Dates Sales Manager Attending National Association of Sports Commissions April 1-3, 2014 Torye Hurst Lost /Cancelled Business: April 2014: Name International Long Drive Golf Tourney Meeting Date October 17, / 105 # Attendees / # Room Nights Inaugural Working Warrior Lacrosse July 3-5, / 1200 Total Lost/Cancelled Business 1035 / 1305 Reason Lost Lodging Unavailable/Possible reschedule to December Incentive Offered None None Marketing Department MEDIA RELATIONS: Articles November December January February March April FYTD Media Value $45, $ $ $ $ $ $106, Identified

13 INQUIRIES: USA 800 Ad Sources April ,111 FYTD 6,691 Web 463 Web 2,313 Search Engine 273 Search Engine 1,399 Unknown 79 Fall Travel Planner (Compass) 634 Another Web Site 70 go.mississippi.com 452 Friend Referral 50 Another Web Site 418 go.mississippi.com 29 Unknown 403 AAA Tour Book 25 Friend Referral 276 Mississippi Tour Guide 17 Mississippi Travel Guide 113 Mississippi Travel Guide 17 AAA Tour Book 110 Family Circle 13 America's Best Vacations 74 USA 800 States April ,094 FYTD 6,737 Mississippi 160 Mississippi 569 Louisiana 111 Texas 505 Texas 93 Illinois 463 Missouri 81 Missouri 460 Illinois 65 Louisiana 398 Arkansas 61 Florida 355 Florida 60 Wisconsin 307 Tennessee 56 Tennessee 304 Georgia 55 Arkansas 279 Indiana 35 Ohio 242 CVB In-House Ad Sources April FYTD 722 Contact Us 32 Contact Us 199 Search Engine 18 Internet Request 102 Friend Referral 15 Search Engine 81 Internet 15 Friend Referral 71 Chamber of Commerce Referral 6 Chamber of Commerce Referral 53 Unknown 6 Previous Visitor 41 Another Web Site 5 AAA Tour Book 34 AAA Southern Traveler 4 Another Web Site 25 Magazine/Newspaper 4 Magazine/Newspaper 22 Previous Visitor 3 Unknown 20 CVB In-House States April FYTD 722 Mississippi 16 Mississippi 78 Louisiana 11 Florida 46 Texas 10 Missouri 45 Alabama 9 Louisiana 42 Georgia 9 Texas 42 Illinois 8 Georgia 41 Florida 6 Arkansas 39 Arkansas 5 Illinois 38 Missouri 5 Tennessee 34 Tennessee 4 Michigan 33 GOOGLE ANALYTICS: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG April ,181 March April Visits 140, ,586-28, ,335 Unique Visits 108,039 88,181-19, ,012 Page views 513, , ,569 2,383,157 Pages per visit Average Visit Duration 0:04:05 0:04:05 0:03:53 13 FYTD 503,012

14 Bounce Rate 40.54% 40.31% % % of New Visits 67.31% 68.75% % OUTBOUND REFERRALS April 2014 Link Report March Visits March Unique Visits April Visits Listings 27,338 11,107 22,584 9,373 Events 9,473 7,215 9,013 6,884 World Choice Travel 10,444 8,103 8,655 6,632 Visitors Guide 3,124 2,395 2,355 1,899 Banners 1,270 1, mseastcoast.com mswestcoast.com ,584 9,373 April Unique Visits FYTD - 144,942 Listings April Total Referrals Unique Referrals Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel & Spa Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Golden Nugget Biloxi Island View Casino Resort IP Casino Resort & Spa Big Play Family Fun Center Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel Palace Casino Resort Hollywood Casino FYTD 983 Events April Total Referrals Unique Referrals 22nd Annual MS Coast Coliseum Crawfish Music Festival 4,430 3,365 2nd Annual Harbor Fest Gulf Coast Yacht & Boat Super Show th Annual Gulfport Music Festival Professional Bull Riders - Battle at the Beau rd Annual Pass Christian Poboy Festival th Annual Jackson County Sheriff s Rodeo rd Annual Sun & Sand - MS Film & Music Festival th Annual Mayfest - Music, Art & Crafts Festival Hop into The Beau Rivage for Easter FYTD 1,174 SEARCH SOURCES Organic & Referral April 2014 Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration Requested FTG google / organic 50, :04: m.gulfcoast.org / referral 22, :02: (direct) / (none) 10, :04:17 89 bing / organic 7, :04:

15 yahoo / organic 5, :04:56 82 biloxi.ms.us / referral 4, :06: gbid.adbuyer.com / referral 1, :00:46 4 gulfport-ms.gov / referral :04:33 10 aol / organic :04: / referral :00:34 0 Referring Sites April 2014 Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration Requested FTG m.gulfcoast.org 22, :02: biloxi.ms.us 4, :06: gbid.adbuyer.com 1, :00:46 4 gulfport-ms.gov :04: :00:34 0 nym1.ib.adnxs.com :01:08 1 lax1.ib.adnxs.com :00:37 1 us.wow.com :04:03 2 r.search.yahoo.com :05:04 9 search.tb.ask.com :06:13 2 GEOGRAPHIC Top 10 States Visits Top 10 Cities Visits Top 10 Countries Visits Mississippi 37,414 Gulfport 6,013 United States 110,742 Louisiana 17,326 Biloxi 5,743 Canada 475 Texas 9,981 New Orleans 5,087 United Kingdom Alabama 5,488 Tupelo 3,214 Germany 151 Georgia 5,040 Ocean Springs 219 2,733 India 114 Florida 5,030 Houston 2,526 (not set) 49 Tennessee 4,879 Hattiesburg 2,449 Brazil 47 Illinois 2,141 (not set) 2,416 Indonesia 41 Missouri 2,131 Nashville 2,225 Netherlands 41 Oklahoma 1,816 Long Beach 1,939 France 38 Most Viewed Content Pages Visits Unique Visits Avg. Visit Duration /events/ 34,583 23,951 0:03:11 /?mobile= 25,777 21,542 0:01:13 / Homepage 25,065 20,688 0:01:39 /attractions/ 23,547 16,667 0:00:48 /casinos/ 16,907 9,052 0:01:13 /visitors/attractions/beaches-and-harbor-activities/ 11,565 9,120 0:01:48 /hotels/ 10,252 7,538 0:01:12 /coupons/ 9,937 7,256 0:01:21 /includes/itinerary/ 8,692 7,194 0:00:45 /visitors/attractions/family-activities/ 7,917 5,911 0:00:54 15

16 Top Landing Pages Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration /?mobile= 21, :02: / Homepage 18, :04: /events/ 11, :03:56 36 /attractions/ 7, :06: /visitors/attractions/beaches-and-harboractivities/ 4, :04:30 56 /casinos/ 4, :05:37 31 /visitors/events/index.cfm?eventid=90 (Coliseum Crawfish Festival) 2, :01:58 1 /restaurants/ 1, :06:02 7 /visitors/hotels/rv-parks-and-campgrounds/ 1, :05:48 8 /coupons/ 1, :04:00 13 Requested Fun Times Guides Simpleview Analytics: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG 6 Month Traffic Overview Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Visits: 66,440 75,122 96, , , ,586 Unique Visitors: 52,672 58,938 76,584 89, ,039 88,181 Bounce Rate: 44% 42% 40% 43% 41% 40% Page views: 213, , , , , ,033 Average Page view per Visit: Average Time on Site: 0:03:44 0:03:49 0:04:07 0:03:46 0:04:05 0:04:05 Total Organic Search Traffic: 44,709 48,143 61,164 70,995 80,967 65,518 % of Traffic From Organic Search: 67% 64% 64% 62% 57% 58% Entry Pages From Search: 1,793 1,725 1,902 1,987 2,358 2,186 Total Organic Keywords: 8,004 8,895 10,229 11,197 13,498 10,202 Mobile Site Visits: 16,284 21,897 24,636 39,859 49,988 35,618 All Traffic: 82,724 97, , , , ,204 SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION Overview: Total sessions to the main+mobile sites are up 22% year over year Bounce Rate has improved 16% this April compared to last Organic sessions to casinos is up 15% year over year Direct traffic has increased 90% year over year Pages per session have increased 7% this April compared to last MOBILE SITE STATISTICS: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG MOBILE April 2014: 27,651 March April FYTD 153,776 Visits 49,988 35,618-14, ,261 Unique Visits 38,116 27,651-10, ,776 Page views 362, ,294-98,911 1,503,861 Pages per visit Average Visit Duration 0:02:49 0:02:48-0:03:29 Bounce Rate 22.28% 22.26% % % of New Visits 70.51% 70.40% % 16

17 GEOGRAPHIC-Mobile Top 10 States Visits Top 10 Cities Visits Top 10 Countries Visits Mississippi 13,743 Tupelo 4,356 United States 35,501 Louisiana 5,954 New Orleans 3,294 Canada 44 Texas 4,620 (not set) 2,447 United Kingdom Tennessee 2,423 Nashville 2,051 Argentina 7 Georgia 1,766 San Antonio 1,545 Japan 4 Oklahoma 1,241 Gulfport 1,457 Australia 3 Florida 1,075 Biloxi 1,355 Germany 3 Alabama 846 Houston 1,148 Puerto Rico 3 Missouri 413 Tuttle 1,127 United Arab Emirates Illinois 331 Atlanta 1,118 Afghanistan BANNER ADVERTISEMENTS: April 2014 Banner Page Impressions Click Thru Average time on Banner Page FYTD Banner Page Impressions FYTD Click Thru Island View Casino Resort 16, :13 83,972 1,465 Palace Casino 16, :13 102,309 1,494 South Beach Biloxi Hotel 10, :12 53,449 1,734 MSHLA Golf Ad/Hotels 10, :12 53, Preserve Golf Course 2, :17 14, MSHLA Golf Ad/Golf 2, :17 14,