MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES OCTOBER 22, 2013

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1 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES OCTOBER 22, 2013 The MS Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Commissioners met Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 3:00 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; Rip Daniels; Jeff Descher; Danny Hansen; Chett Harrison; Bill Holmes; Jerry Levens; George Schloegel; Carla Todd; Clay Wagner via telephone conference HCTC Staff Members Present: Beth Carriere, executive director; Torye Hurst, director, sports marketing; Traci Dauro; Gaye Goodwin, director, finance Others Present: Hugh Keating, legal counsel; Laura Hasty, Reed Guice, Andy Hurt, Kerry Stoddard and Nicole Grier, the Big Three; Bob Thunelius; Mike Buckley, Grand Bear; Linda Hornsby, & Bob Bennett, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn; Janice Jefferson, MS Coast Coliseum; Marcia Crawford, HC Development Commission; Supervisor Kim Savant, Harrison County Board of Supervisors; Ken Cole, Shular Properties; Ann Stewart; Janet McCarroll & Bob Taylor, Gulf Cost Winter Classic; Malcolm White, director Tourism, MDA; Myrna Green, Hancock County Tourism Development Commission; Dustin Gontarski, Compass Media; Rusty David, Woody Bailey, Cruisin the Coast; Commissioner McKenzie called the meeting to Order. 1. Commissioner Schloegel made the motion to accept the agenda as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 2. Commissioner Levens made a motion to accept the minutes from the September 17, 2013, meeting as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Descher, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 3. Public Janet McCarroll, Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show, introduced herself to the Commission and presented the following: o 650,000 horses and riders compete at this event every year; Annual expenditures are in excess of $700 million; 49% are between the ages of 30 50; Average household income is $325,000; 96% 1

2 of the participants which attended came from outside the State of MS; 2013 event had approximately 3,500 people involved per week for a 5 week run; 2013 rooms booked through a service was 6,195 nights, 5,603 booked independent rooms for a total of 11,504 room nights for a 5-week period; in the 15 years the event has been held at the Harrison County Fairgrounds, the Winter Classic has paid between $1.2 million and $1.9 million for rental fees. Linda Hornsby, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn reported on the September 2013 occupancy report and also the occupancy report from October 6 12, This was the week during Cruisin the Coast. Even though registration for the event was up, occupancy was down -7.4% for the week. Woody Bailey, Cruisin the Coast reported registration for this year s event was 7,042, compared to last year s 6,169, of that figure possibly 3,000 from within the State. The Commission did not fund Cruisin this year, but he will be submitting a sponsorship application for the Power Boat Races. 4. Executive Director Report Beth Carriere Updates, News and FYI S A. SATW in full swing! Active Writers: 110 Other delegates: 199 B. Governor s Conference Tourism Awards Best CVB and Best Campaign!!!! C. Site Tour Ford Motor Company- Went very well and we expect to get business D. Cruisin the Coast- Record breaking year over 7,000 Registered Cars! Sales Departments Production Report September, 2013 Convention Sales: (Please review full reports) 1. Convention Sales Leads generated: Nine (9) YTD 128; 1,295 delegates YTD - 39,917; 2,247 room nights YTD 69,227; Estimated economic impact $971, Bookings/Definite: Six (6) YTD 54; 1,300 delegates YTD 10,390; 1,470 room nights YTD 14,729; Estimated economic impact $975, Lost Business Report: (See full report): Six (6) YTD MGC Conventions/Groups Serviced: (See full report): Groups 9 YTD 127; Delegates 1,630 YTD 33,966; Economic Impact - $1,222,500.00; CVB Cost to service - $1, Group/Leisure $200. Per room night (See full report) Leads: Eight (8) - YTD 54; Passengers YTD 5,860; Room nights YTD 5,421; Estimated economic Impact- $186, Define Per person 2.l5 nights: Four (4) - YTD- 33; Passengers 200 -YTD- 5,683; Room nights YTD- 4,619; Estimated impact - $87, Sports Sales and Marketing: (See full report) September, 2013 Leads: Three (3) - YTD 26; Attendees 1,510; Room nights YTD 21,876; Economic Impact - $377,500. YTD - $2,350,100. Meetings/Activities: (See full report) Lost/Cancelled Business None Reported Marketing & Communications Department: (Please See full report) Articles Media/Media Value: Ten (10) Articles - YTD- 151; Value $97, YTD- $514, Advertising Inquiries/fulfillment: USA 800 AD Inquiries; September 567; YTD 59,838 USA 800 Top 3 AD Source September: WEB 225: Search Engine 85; WEB/Digital - 41 USA 800 Top 3 AD Source: YTD: Oprah Magazine - 14,743; America s Best Vacation -11,482; STS Fall Insert - 7,214 USA 800 Top 3 AD Source by State September: Texas 51; Mississippi 46; Illinois - 42 USA 800 Top 3 AD Source by State YTD: Texas - 7,525; Florida - 3,717; Georgia - 2,902 Web Statistics GulfCoast.org Google Analytics September vs August 1. Visits 86, ,705 (64,729) 2. Unique Visitors 68, ,825 (46,376) 3. Page Views 302, ,138 (620,135) 2

3 4. Pages Visited Avg. Visit Duration 03:55 04:39-6. Bounce Rate 42.18% 38.80% + 7. New Visits 67.60% % + Outbound referrals to Marketing Partners Web Sites September: Partners received referrals 777; Top 3 outbound sites & numbers - Beau Rivage 779; Grand Biloxi 679; Hard Rock Mobile Statistics September: Visits - 22,100; Unique Visitors - 16,983; Page Views - 171,086; Avg. Visit Duration ; Bounce Rate %; New Visits % % Web Banner Advertising (gulfcoast.org) September: Page impressions: Palace Casino Resort - 12,984; Preserve Golf Course - 1,544; South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites - 2,543; MS Hotel & Lodging Assoc./Golf - 2,543; MS Hotel & Lodging Assoc /Hotel - 1,544; Shular Properties - 2,543 Click Through events: Palace Casino Resort 258; Preserve Golf Course - 46; South Beach Biloxi Hotel 225; MS Hotel & Lodging Assoc. /Golf 21; MS Hotel & Lodging Assoc./Hotel 9; Shular Properties - 46 Social Media Facebook Fans/Likes 15,693 Twitter 1,409 Tweets- 3, Tweets- 681 Pinterest Boards - 15 Pins- 348 Followers- 314 YouTube September Views 1,266 Lifetime views- 54,275 Food Spotting Spots- 1,410 Points (points on likes/responses) Executive Director - Activities, Meetings & Events: MGCRCVB Commission meeting; MCCC Linda Craft/Tourism Class Speaker; Airport Authority Monthly Board meeting; Board Meeting MCCCC; Silver Slipper Hotel Ground Breaking Ceremony; Governor s Conference on Tourism Tunica, MS; Interview Writer Marlene Successful Meetings Magazine; Governor s Tourism Awards Luncheon Tunic MS; SATW Planning Committee meeting; SATW Conference Call; MGCRCVB Marketing Committee Meeting; Big 3 Meeting; Mark Browning TRIPinfo.com Conference Call; SATW Planning Meeting; Jill Mastrototaro National Wildlife Assn Meeting; MGCRCVB Governance Committee Meeting; Tropical Storm Preparedness Meeting; EOC Tropical Storm Karen Meeting -11:00 am; EOC - Tropical Storm Karen Update Meeting 4:00 pm; EOC Tropical update Saturday call; Meeting with Bill Webb MDA- Tourism Film office; Cruisin the Coast Week; Phillip McAlphin Basketball Tournament Promoter; MS Hotel/Lodging Monthly meeting; Department Heads Marketing Plan meeting; SATW Committee meeting; Meeting with Big 3 Ad Agency; Meeting with Dean Fletcher Auditor; Meeting- Agency Rep. Laura Hasty/Big 3; Telephone Hearing /Employment with Hugh Keating Beth presented the Commission with the awards received at the MS Governors Conference on Tourism luncheon for CVB of the Year with a budget of $750,000+ and, Tourism Promotion of the Year for its work with the Play Your Way campaign, created by The Big 3 advertising agency. Also receiving an award at the luncheon was Mrs. Andi Oustalet. Nominated by the CVB for her constant hard work and dedication to supporting the Mississippi Gulf Coast and its tourism efforts, Oustalet was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award for the state. 5. Commissioner Holmes made a motion commending the Big Three advertising agency for Play Your Way campaign which received an award from the MS Governors Conference on Tourism Luncheon. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 3

4 Treasurer s Report 6. Commissioner Ladner reported the October 22, 2013 disbursements as follows: check disbursements for 10/22/13--$234,701.29; total travel advance/reimbursements for September $450.00; grand total disbursements--$235, Commissioner Levens moved these disbursements be approved. Seconded by Commissioner Holmes, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 7. Gaye Goodwin reported on the following items: a. Room sales tax revenue of room sales tax collections for October 22, 2013 actual 5% collection was $526, with HCBOS s 2.75% share being $289,606.64and HCTC s 2.25% share being $236, for a 1.99% change in total collection, and total loss of income of -1.99% year to year changes. b. World Choice Travel Revenue collections for the month of October 2013 being $1,041.60, with a total year to date $1, New Business 8. Commissioner Harrison made the motion to approve entering into negotiations with Hancock County Tourism Development Commission for a new Memo of Understanding. The negotiation team will include the President, Vice President, Commissioners Ladner and Harrison, and Legal Counsel which will report their progress to the full Commission at their November 26, 2013 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Holmes, the president called the question, with the following results; Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 9. President McKenzie reported that the application for D & O Insurance has been submitted, and a quote should be presented shortly for the Commission to consider taking action on. 10. Commissioner Levens made a motion to approve a uniform policy for all Committee meetings to be recorded. The recording is only necessary for any motions, seconds and discussion on items taken and should reflect same as part of the synopsis presented to the commission for any recommendations from each Committee. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Fritz Voted ---- No Commissioner Ladner Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes 4

5 Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone Old Business 11. Commissioner Ladner made the motion to award the bid for Financial Institutions received at the September 17, 2013 meeting to the Peoples Bank for a two year period. Seconded by Commissioner Descher, the president called the question, with the following results; Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone Legal Counsel 12. Mr. Keating reported on the following items: a. Reviewed and commented on guidelines for the Marketing, Finance and Development committees b. D&O Insurance c. Personnel matters represented the Commission in an appeal hearing for Unemployment for former employee. Commission won the appeal, former employee has 14 days to refile another appeal d. Hancock County MOU discussed revision with Commissioner Harrison e. Bank Bid proposals f. Big Three resignation g. Marketing & Conventions/Sales Group committee meeting h. General counseling and/or review regarding various matters i. Off-shore drilling position statement MGCRCVB Reports Governance Committee Commissioner Levens 13. Commissioner Levens made the motion to adopt the Finance Committee Charter as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Ladner, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 14. Commissioner Levens made the motion to adopt the Marketing & Conventions/Group Sales Charter as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Ladner, the president called the question, with the following results: 5

6 Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 15. Commissioner Levens updated the Commission on the Project/Tracking worksheet. Marketing & Conventions/Group Sales Committee Commissioner Descher 16. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to approve contract renewal with Simpleview for the Customer Relationship Management annual hosting, technical support and application upgrade in the amount of $51,000 - $17,000 per year for 3 years. Seconded by Commissioner Todd, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 17. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to accept the resignation of the Big 3 effective December 31, 2013, as the Agency of Record. Seconded by Commissioner Shabazz, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 18. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to approve soliciting Request for Qualifications for an Advertising Agency. Seconded by Commissioner Shabazz, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 6

7 19. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to approve advertising placement in the MS Planner Guide s annual publication in the amount of $8,000. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone DUE TO PREVIOUS APPOINTMENT COMMISSIONER LEVENS ABSENT & EXCUSED HEREONIN 20. Commissioner McKenzie requested the Commission hold an additional meeting in November to approve the Marketing Plan. The Commission consented to set November 4, 2013 as a Special meeting to approve the plan. Community Development Committee Commissioner Schloegel 21. Invitation letters have been sent out for a meeting October 30 th at 10am at the Convention Center Hall A, included in the letter is an inventory and assessment information sheet. 22. Executive Committee No report 23. Audit Committee Commissioner Levens covered under the Project tracking worksheet 24. Finance & Funding Committee Covered under finance report Executive Session 25. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to enter into Closed Session to discuss the need to enter into Executive Session. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 26. Commissioner Daniels made the emotion to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- A&E 7

8 Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 27. Commissioner Daniels made the motion to reconvene from Executive Session. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- Yes-Via Phone 28. Commissioner Schloegel report No action taken in Executive Session 29. Commissioner Descher made a motion directing the Executive Director to conduct staff performance reviews for use in evaluating merit based pay increases for members of the staff based on a One (1) to Four (4) percent scale and for the Executive Director to report back to the Commission to obtain approval. Seconded by Commissioner Holmes, 30. Commissioner Schloegel made an amendment to the motion that the percentage is not to exceed a total of Four (4) percent for any individual and Commissioner Descher accepted the suggested amendment. The amended motion was Seconded by Commissioner Holmes, and the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- via phone 31. Reminders: 1. MGCRCVB meeting Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 1:30pm 32. Commissioner Descher made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Levens Voted ---- A&E Commissioner Todd Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Wagner Voted ---- via phone CONVENTION SALES: 8

9 Tentative Leads: September 2013: 9 Fiscal YTD: 128 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Origin Mississippi Association of Broadcasters 2015 Annual Convention Mississippi Association of Personnel Administrators 2014 Annual Conference Miss Nationwide Pageant, LLC 2015 Miss Nationwide Competition National Association of State Personnel Executives 2015 Annual Conference May 27 29, / 210 Client Meeting October 1 3, / 200 State Tourism Office June 13 17, / 95 CVENT July 17 22, / 320 CVENT United States Deputy Warden s Association 2014 Annual Conference July 25 August 1, / 321 Website Air Force Sergeants Association Regional Annual Conference April 23 27, / 320 Phone Call Mettler Toledo, Inc. National Sales Meeting February 16 20, / 361 Website Carr Family Reunion 2014 Reunion June 27 29, / 120 Phone Call Stinson Couch Family Reunion 2015 Reunion July 17 19, / 300 Phone Call TOTALS 1,295 / 2,247 YTD TOTALS 39,917 / 69,227 Estimated Economic Impact: $971, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Site Visits: September 2013: 1 YTD: 21 Fiscal Name Tentative Dates # Attendees / # Room Nights Mississippi Society of Association Executives 2014 Mid Year Conference April / 210 Definite Bookings: September 2013: 6 Fiscal YTD: 54 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel Mississippi Society of Association Executives 2014 Mid Year Conference April 29 May 1, / 210 Bay St. Louis property Free Spirit Vacations Spotlight on the Southeast Conference August 11 13, / 120 Biloxi property Show Pros, LLC Woods and Water Hunting and Fishing Expo 2013 Sept 19 22, / 100 Biloxi property Mississippi Assessors & Collectors Association 2015 Annual Meeting July 12 16, / 435 Biloxi property Southern Organization for Human Services 2016 Regional Conference April 5 9, / 360 Gulfport Property / MGCCC SuperValu, Inc. Supervalu SE Selling Show Feb 10 13, / 245 Biloxi property TOTALS 1,300 / 1,470 YTD TOTALS 10,390 / 14,729 Estimated Economic Impact: $975, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Conventions Serviced: 9

10 September 2013: 9 Fiscal YTD: 127 Name Meeting Date # Attendees Service included: The 99 s Sept 5 8, Bags, brochures Regions Insurance Sales Conference Sept 10 13, Registration assistance, brochures Det 8 Association Sept 15 19, Name badges, bags, pens, brochures MS State Auditors Association Sept 16 18, Pens, bags, brochures Louisiana Realtors Association Sept 17 19, Bags, brochures Harley Owners Group Sept 19 21, Bags, brochures MS Council of Teachers of Mathematics Sept 20 22, Name badges, bags, brochures 33 rd Avenue High School Reunion Sept 26 27, Bags, brochures Southern Public Relations Federation Sept 29 Oct 1, Bags, pens, brochures TOTALS 1,630 YTD TOTALS 33,966 Total HCTC Investment in Services: $1, Estimated Economic Impact: $1,222, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Client Meetings / Client Events / Client Projects: September 2013: Name Dates # Attendees / # Room Nights Sons of Confederate Veterans 2018 Convention July /??? Travel: September 2013: Name Dates Sales Manager Attending MSAE Luncheon & Sales Calls (Jackson, MS) September 17 19, 2013 Annette Rand MTA Governor s Conference on Tourism September 22 24, 2013 Crystal Johnson and Annette Rand Lost /Cancelled Business: September 2013: 6 Fiscal YTD: 67 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Reason Lost Incentive Offered Nat l Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 2012 MS State Convention Nov 7 11, / 137 Group met at Whispering Woods Conference Center in Olive Branch, MS Center for Deployment Psychology All Hands Staff Meeting Mar 9-14, / 190 They are required to federal meeting space. International Association of Workforce Professionals June 15 24, / 875 Board of Directors narrowed down locations to California, New Orleans, or Texas. National Academic Advising Association Winter Events Feb 3 17, / 877 Hotels declined to bid because meeting had 2 holidays in the pattern and they were unable to change the pattern. Tennessee Valley Public Power Association Annual Meeting The Main Event, Inc. Marriage Enrichment for the US Navy May 14 18, / 1,035 Sept 13 15, / 40 This group alternates between a beach and non-beach location. They will be meeting in Point Clear in 2014 and think we are too close for We will be able to re-bid for Could not reconnect with client and none of our hotels booked the business turned over as lost. 10

11 LEISURE TRAVEL: Tentative Leads: September 2013: 8 54 Fiscal YTD: Name Tour Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Delores Butler and Friends May 2014 May 18 22, / 88 Granite City Travelers Springtime on the MS Gulf Coast March 23 26, / 84 Lakefront Lines, Inc. Deep South Tour September 7-10, / 75 Madison United Methodist Church VIP s November 14 15, / 16 Sunshine Express Tours Fall Mystery Tour October 13 15, / 50 Tally Ho Vacations Gaming Trips Feb 2014 February 3 6, / 75 Travel Lodge Virginia Lynchburg Jump into Spring 2014 April 27 30, / 75 Vandalia Bus Lines, Inc. Gaming Trip 2014 October 19 21, / 50 TOTALS 372 / 513 YTD TOTALS 5,860 / 5,421 Estimated Economic Impact: $186, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Assists: September 2013: 4 Fiscal YTD: 27 Name Tour Date # Passenger / # Room Nights Assisted with Andrea Crawford Crawford Group 2013 October 4 6, / 34 Welcome bags Delores Butler and Friends May 2014 May 18 22, / 88 Tour ideas Lamers Bus Lines, Inc. Florida Group June 2 3, / 25 Shrimp trip and boil information Rybicki Tours April 6 9, / 75 Step-on Guide information TOTALS 174 / 222 YTD TOTALS 1,146 / 1,281 Estimated Economic Impact: $87, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Definite Bookings: September 2013: 4 Fiscal YTD: 33 Name Tour Date # Passenger / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel Lakefront Lines, Inc. Sept 7 10, / 75 Biloxi property Tally Ho Vacations Antebellum South and Civil War March 17 21, / 52 Biloxi property Vandalia Bus Lines, Inc. Gaming Trip 2014 Oct 12 14, / 50 Biloxi property Vandalia Bus Lines, Inc. Gaming Trip 2014 Oct 19 21, / 50 Biloxi property TOTALS 200 / 227 YTD TOTALS 5,683 / 4,619 Estimated Economic Impact: $100, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) Travel: 11

12 September 2013: Name Dates Sales Manager Attending MLT University/Delta Vacations (Minneapolis, MN) (REPORT ATTACHED) Sep 27 Oct 1, 2013 Annette Rand Lost/Cancelled Business: September 2013: 5 Fiscal YTD: 42 Name Tour Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Reason Lost/Cancelled Crown Coach Corporation 6 th Grade School Group Memphis Apr 28 May 2, / 64 Group is going to stay in New Orleans, LA Jazzy Travelers October Trip Oct 18 20, / 50 Unable to reconnect with client turned to lost Louisiana Travel Services Florida Group March 9 12, / 75 Have put these plans on hold for now. Patti Tours dba Gotta Go Tours by Patti Oct 2 4, / 50 Could not sell enough seats tour cancelled Sunshine Express Tours Overnighter Nov 7 8, / 20 Not getting any reservations tour cancelled Staff Meetings: September 2013: Meeting Name: SATW Committee Meeting Meeting with Ken Cole Shular Propeties Ohr-O Keefe Museum of Art Board Meeting LSAE Fam Meeting Breakfast with the Mayor Meeting with Scott Russell Springhill Suites Snowflakes in the Bay Committee Meeting HSMAI Gulf South Chapter Meeting Ford Motor Company Planning Meeting Staff Member Crystal Johnson Crystal Johnson and Linda Stewart Annette Rand Janet Harrington, Annette Rand and Crystal Johnson Linda Stewart Crystal Johnson Janet Harrington Linda Stewart Crystal Johnson Sports Department SPORTS: Tentative Leads: September 2013: 3 Fiscal YTD: 26 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Origin Biloxi Diamond Cheer and Dance Championship December 13, / 15 Coliseum Sales Staff 2014 Symetra Tour Road to the LPGA April 7 13, / 560 SPORTS Conference 2013 Diamond 9 Coastal Showcase November 14-16, /1625 Local Contact TOTALS 1,510 /2200 Estimated Economic Impact: $377, (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.5 nights) YTD Direct Room Night Impact: $2,350, (based on $100 per room x 23,501 room nights) Definite Bookings: September 2013: 0 Fiscal YTD: 13 12

13 Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Headquarter Hotel TOTALS Estimated Economic Impact: $0 (based upon $ per person for an average of 2.0 nights) YTD Direct Room Night Impact: $1,422, (based upon $ per room x 14,225 room nights) Site Visits: September 2013: 0 Fiscal YTD: 4 Name Tentative Dates # Attendees / # Room Nights 0 Events Serviced: September 2013: 0 Fiscal YTD: 9 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: September 2013 Meeting Name Staff Member Description SPORTS The Relationship Confenence, Daytona Beach, FL Eco-Tourism Summit SATW Orientation Meeting Harley Owners Group MS Gulf Coast Golf Association Board of Directors Meeting Diamond 9 Coastal Classic Showcase Kevin O Donnell Torye Hurst Gary Benson Torye Hurst, Gary Benson Torye Hurst Gary Benson Torye Hurst Attended tradeshow in Daytona Beach, FL and had appointments with the following event owners: Baseball Players Association, Dixie Softball, EVP Tour, Southern Sports Group, USA Pickelball Association, World Karting Association, Youth Amateur Travel Sports Association, International Skateboard Association, Youth Basketball of America, Professional Disc Golf Association, 3v3 Live Soccer, International Quidditch Association, Big Shots, National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association, Independent Softball Association, National Horseshoe Pitchers Association Attended with Executive Director Beth Carriere and 34 others at Ohr-O Keefe Museum of Art. First time all parties had met to discuss Eco- Tourism and a Task Force is being formed. Gary Benson will be a member of the Task Form. Attended separate meetings at the Biloxi Welcome Center for Orientation for the upcoming SATW Conference. Checked on group during registration for their Rally to be sure they had everything for the events. Regular board meeting where Dustin Gontarski, VP of Sales & Marketing for COMPASS Media made a presentation concerning Sales & Marketing Strategies. Phone conference call to discuss housing and other issues for the upcoming November 13

14 Heritage Trails Partnership Eco-Tourism Task Force Governor s Conference on Tourism Huddle Up Group- Mike Duvarney Jam Fest Cheer and Dance Competition April Laframboise Field & Stream Expo Jake Steingraeber Symetra Tour (LPGA) David Lafrennie Travel: September 2013: Torye Hurst, Gary Benson Gary Benson Torye Hurst Gary Benson Gary Benson Gary Benson Gary Benson tournament at the Gulfport Sportsplex. Attended monthly meeting which included discussions with Jim Foster, President, Paul Nettles, Outdoor Recreation Manager about their signature project, The Mississippi Coastal Heritage Trail. Initial meeting at Gulfport Yacht Club where task were identified as: 1) Tell the story, 2) Formulate a Funding Source and 3) Develop an Organization to Support the Work. Attended with other CVB staff members educational seminars on tourism marketing, funding and social media Discussed The BIG Tournament which is billed as the world s largest amateur charity golf tournament. Group is seeking hosts for regional sites. Bid fee: $ Discussion of Jam Bash 2014 Regional which will be held in February at the MS Gulf Coast Convention Center Contact obtained from Connect Sports. Discussion of 2015 event which requires 150, ,000 sq. ft. with peak room nights of over three days. Concentration is on whitetail deer and turkey hunting. Contact obtained from SPORTS. Women s pro golf event looking for March or September 2014 date. Seeking title sponsor of $100,000 which is the prize money for the event. Approx. 600 room nights with at Tuesday-Saturday pattern. Lead sent to hotels and potential host golf courses contacted to gauge level of interest. Name Dates Sales Manager Attending SPORTS Daytona Beach, FL September Torye Hurst Governor s Conference on Tourism Tunica, MS September 22-24, 2013 Torye Hurst Lost /Cancelled Business: Name Meeting Date # Attendees / # Room Nights Reason Lost Incentive Offered None Marketing Department Ad Source Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Totals AAA Southern Traveler AAA Tour Book America's Best Vacations 4 7, , ,482 Another Web Site Banner Advertisement Better Homes & Gardens Budget Travel City/Regional Magazine Insert 14

15 Compass Media Facebook Likes Endless Vacations Explore the Southeast (Spring) Fall Travel Planner (Compass) 1,097 1, ,346 Family Circle Family Travel Insert 1, ,891 Friend or Family Member Golf Digest go-mississippi.com Ladies Home Journal Magazine/Newspaper Midwest Living ,265 Midwest Traveler Mississippi Tour Guide Mississippi Travel Guide More Magazine OPRAH Magazine 1, ,753 1,979 3,132 2,262 1, , ,743 Postcard Contest 2 2 Radio ReachLocal Search Engine ,729 Southern Living Spring Travel Planner 2 2 STS Fall Insert 1,655 1, , ,214 STS Spring Insert 1 2 1,449 1,399 1,070 2,753 6,674 Television: Cable Television: Satllite Travel 50 & Beyond Travel meredith.com Unknown Visit South 1 1 Web ,304 wegoplaces.com Where to Retire Totals 6,227 11,632 2,394 6,543 4,175 4,947 5,148 7,986 4,357 5, ,838 TOP 10 AD SOURCES MONTHLY 2013 Fiscal Year-To-Date Top 10 Ad Sources Web 225 Oprah Magazine 14,743 15

16 Search Engine 85 America's Best Vacation 11,482 Another Web site 41 STS Fall Insert 7,214 Midwest Living 30 STS Spring Insert 6,674 Friend Referral 29 Web 4,304 Unknown 29 Fall Trvel Planner (Compass Mktg) 3,346 go-mississippi.com 21 Search Engine 2,729 Fall Travel Planner (Compass) 20 Midwest Living 2,265 Mississippi Tour Guide 11 Family Travel Insert 1,891 Mississippi Travel Guide 10 Another Web Site

17 FISCAL YEAR IN-HOUSE INQUIRY SOURCE REPORT INQUIRY SOURCE OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP TOTAL AAA Southern Traveler AAA Tour Book America's Best Vacation Another Web Site Banner Advertisement 1 1 Budget Travel Chamber of Commerce Referral City/Regional Magazine Insert Contact Us Form Escape to the Southeast (STS Insert) 1 1 Family Travel Insert 2 2 Fall Travel Planner Family Circle 1 1 Friend Referral go-mississippi.com Golf Digest Internet Request Magazine/Newspaper Mail 1 1 Midwest Living 1 1 Mississippi Tour Guide Mississippi Travel Guide MNI Publications 1 1 Oprah Magazine 3 3 Previous Visitor Radio Reach Local Search Engine Southern Living Televsion: Cable Television: Satellite Tourism Professional 1 1 Unknown Wegoplaces.com Totals ,919 Top 10 Monthly Ad Sources FYTD Ad Sources Contact Us 28 go-mississippi.com 436 Internet Request 15 Contact Us 348 Search Engine 13 Internet Request 245 AAA Tour Book 12 Search Engine 166 Friend Referral 10 Friend Referral

18 Chamber of Commerce Referral 7 Chamber of Commerce Referral 99 Previous Visitor 5 AAA Southern Traveler 97 Unknown 5 Unknown 93 Mississippi Tour Guide 4 Previous Visitor 80 Another Web Site 3 AAA Tour Book 50 Fiscal Year USA 800 State Inquiry Report STATE/COUN TRY Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept TOT AL Alabama ,779 Alaska Arizona Arkansas ,590 California ,219 Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida ,717 Georgia ,902 Hawaii Idaho Illinois ,864 Indiana ,628 Iowa Kansas Kentucky ,528 Louisiana ,616 Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan ,696 Minnesota Mississippi ,960 Missouri ,101 Montana Nebraska

19 Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey ,245 New Mexico New York ,179 North Carolina ,670 North Dakota Ohio ,427 Oklahoma ,227 Oregon Pennsylvania ,929 Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina ,007 South Dakota Tennessee ,077 Texas 424 3, , ,525 Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia ,779 Washington DC West Virginia Wisconsin ,331 Wyoming ,85 4 4,292 4, Total States 6,016 11,407 2,269 6,424 4,104 4,837 5,075 COUNTRIES Canada ,144 Total Countries ,144 Top 10 States Monthly 2013 Texas 51 Mississippi 46 Top 10 States FYTD Texas 7,525 Monthly US Total 544 Monthly International Florida 3,717 Total 13 Illinois 42 Georgia 2,902 Total 557 Louisiana 36 Illinois 58,53 7

20 Florida 30 Missouri 29 Alabama 24 Indiana 22 Minnesota 22 Georgia 21 2,864 North Carolina 2,670 FYTD Total Louisiana 2,616 Ohio 2,427 Canada New York 2,179 Missouri 2,101 Tennessee 2,077 1, ,68 1 FISCAL YEAR IN-HOUSE STATE INQUIRY REPORT STATE OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP TOTAL Alabama Alaska 1 1 Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia 0 Florida Georgia Hawaii 0 Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana 1 1 Nebraska New Hampshire

21 New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico 1 1 Rhode Island 1 1 South Carolina South Dakota 1 1 FISCAL YEAR IN-HOUSE STATE INQUIRY REPORT page 2 STATE OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP TOTAL Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont 0 Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming International Canada Brazil 1 1 France Germany India Israel 1 1 Italy 1 1 Pakistan Philippines 1 1 Portugal 1 1 South Africa 1 1 Thailand 1 1 United Kingdom

22 Total ,926 3,659 Top 10 States Monthly 2013 FYTD Florida 10 Mississippi 249 Mississippi 10 Texas 157 Texas 10 Louisiana 128 Tennessee 9 Missouri 117 Louisiana 8 Illinois 109 Alabama 7 Florida 108 Illinois 7 Tennessee 107 Missouri 6 Arkansas 87 Arkansas 4 Georgia 86 Wisconsin 4 Wisconsin 74 SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook September 2013: New Fans Total Fans 15,693 Total Increase since February ,316 Twitter Followers Septembe To-Date Tweets September To-Date MSGulfCoastCVB 1, , MeetMSGulfCoast To-Date increase is since February 2013 Foodspotting Spots September To-Date Points September To-Date ,410 To-Date Increase is since February 2013 Youtube September 2013 Lifetime Views 1,266 54,275 Pinterest Boards September Pins September Follows September Increase since February MEDIA RELATIONS: Articles April May June July August September FYTD Media Value $7, $1, $54, $21, $ , , Identified INQUIRIES: USA 800 Ad Sources September FYTD 59,838 Web 225 Oprah Magazine 14,743 Search Engine 85 America's Best Vacation 11,482 Another Web site 41 STS Fall Insert 7,214 Unknown 30 STS Spring Insert 6,674 Friend Referral 29 Web 4,304 Midwest Living 29 Fall Trvel Planner (Compass Mktg) 3,346 go-mississippi.com 21 Search Engine 2,729

23 Mississippi Travel Guide 20 Midwest Living 2,265 AAA Tour Book 11 Family Travel Insert 1,891 Southern Living 10 Another Web Site 751 USA 800 States September FYTD 59,681 Texas 51 Texas 7,525 Mississippi 46 Florida 3,717 Illinois 42 Georgia 2,902 Louisiana 36 Illinois 2,864 Florida 30 North Carolina 2,670 Missouri 29 Louisiana 2,616 Alabama 24 Ohio 2,427 Indiana 22 New York 2,179 Minnesota 22 Missouri 2,101 Georgia 21 Tennessee 2,077 GOOGLE ANALYTICS: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG July September + / - Change FYTD 873,659 Visits 151,705 86,976-64,729 1,235,538 Unique Visits 114,825 68,446-46, ,569 Pageviews 620, , ,135 4,552,697 Pages per visit Average Visit Duration 4:39 0:03:55-0:04:07 Bounce Rate 38.80% 42.18% % % of New Visits 67.60% 68.53% % OUTBOUND REFERRALS September 2013 Link Report August Total Events August Unique Events September Total Events September Unique Events Listings 21,800 9,326 16,887 7,001 Events 5,807 4,333 8,762 6,475 WTC 7,719 5,869 5,541 4,171 Request a Visitors Guide 2,860 2,248 2,187 1,705 Banners outgoing links FYTD Down 4,706 compared to August ,003 20,895 32,291 18,543 September 2013 Listings- 16,887 Total Referrals Unique Referrals FYTD - 247,467 Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel & Spa Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Island View Casino Resort Golden Nugget Biloxi IP Casino Resort & Spa Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi Palace Casino Resort Hollywood Casino Down 4,913 compared to August 2013 September 777 marketing partners received referrals versus 788 in August FYTD 1,145 marketing partner referrals 23

24 September 2013 Events - 8,762 Total Referrals Unique Referrals FYTD - 110,452 32nd Annual Biloxi Seafood FestivaL 1,211 1,052 Professional Bull Riders - Battle at the Beau th Annual MS Songwriters Festival th Annual Feast Of Flavors Taste The Town th Annual Volkslauf Mud Run th Annual Wavefest Inaugural Hancock County Fair Christmas at Beauvoir st Annual Chefs Of The Coast Field Of Fright at Seward Farms Maze Increased 2,955 compared to August 2013 September 371 events received referrals versus 372 in August 24 FYTD 1,367 event referrals SEARCH SOURCES Organic & Referral September 2013 Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration google / organic 39, :03:51 m.gulfcoast.org / referral 12, :02:46 (direct) / (none) 11, :03:55 bing / organic 6, :04:43 yahoo / organic 4, :04:35 biloxi.ms.us / referral 3, :07:18 aol / organic 1, :04: / referral :00:27 ask / organic :03:51 Referring Sites September 2013 Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration m.gulfcoast.org 12, :02:46 biloxi.ms.us 3, :07: :00:27 facebook.com :01:43 pixel.mathtag.com :00:31 visitmscoast.org :04:26 search.mywebsearch.com :05:23 mscoastcoliseum.com :04:19 flygpt.com :02:32 GEOGRAPHIC Top 10 States Visits Top 10 Cities Visits Top 10 Countries Visits Mississippi 29,436 Biloxi 6,102 United States 85,103 Louisiana 11,923 Gulfport 5,282 Canada 479 Texas 7,227 New Orleans 2,659 United Kingdom 234 Florida 5,561 Ocean Springs 2,549 (not set) 171 Georgia 4,632 Jackson 2,262 Germany 120 Alabama 4,267 Hattiesburg 2,130 India 103 Tennessee 2,619 Houston 1,943 Japan 60 California 1,894 Atlanta 1,921 Philippines 43 Illinois 1,448 Long Beach 1,729 Australia 41 Oklahoma 1,298 Tupelo 1,545 France 36 Most Viewed Content Visits Unique Visits Avg. Visit Duration /events/ 28,691 18,649 0:02:51 /(homepage) 19,667 16,488 0:01:33 /attractions/ 14,464 10,475 0:00:48 /?mobile= 13,835 12,044 0:01:13 /casinos/ 12,984 6,853 0:01:15 /coupons/ 8,753 6,314 0:01:17 /includes/itinerary/ 6,657 5,610 0:00:34 /restaurants/ 6,221 4,439 0:01:16 /hotels/ 6,095 4,452 0:01:09 /visitors/attractions/beaches-and-harbor-activities/ 5,288 4,249 0:01:40

25 Top Landing Pages Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration /(Homepage) 15, :04:46 /?mobile= 11, :02:42 /events/ 9, :04:14 /attractions/ 4, :06:10 /casinos/ 3, :05:29 /visitors/events/index.cfm?eventid=409 Biloxi Seafood Festival) 2, :02:44 /visitors/attractions/beaches-and-harbor-activities/ 2, :03:34 /coupons/ 1, :04:16 /restaurants/ 1, :06:15 /visitors/attractions/family-activities/ 1, :07:05 Simpleview Analytics: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG 6 Month Traffic Overview Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Visits: 110, , , ,705 98,145 86,976 Unique Visitors: 89,204 93, , ,826 75,976 68,446 Bounce Rate: 48% 44% 37% 39% 41% 42% Pageviews: 370, , , , , ,332 Average Pageview per Visit: Average Time on Site: 0:03:42 0:04:07 0:04:56 0:04:39 0:04:15 0:03:55 Total Organic Search Traffic: 68,294 79,355 89,610 87,956 59,097 53,069 % of Traffic From Organic Search: 62% 67% 65% 58% 60% 61% Entry Pages From Search: 2,122 2,138 2,258 2,263 2,015 1,997 Total Organic Keywords: 21,911 24,706 28,135 27,612 18,965 13,026 Mobile Site Visits: 60,844 55,004 49,931 41,605 23,311 22,100 All Traffic: 171, , , , , ,076 SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION Overview: Visits to the main site are up 19% year over year. Organic visits to the attractions page are up 94% over last September sending over 1,200 additional visits. Organic search traffic has increased 4% year over year Pageviews on the main site are up 13% as compared to September MOBILE SITE STATISTICS: VISITOR OVERVIEW GULFCOAST.ORG - MOBILE September 2013: 16,983 August September + / - Change FYTD - 262,651 Visits 23,311 22, ,349 Unique Visits 17,832 16, ,651 Pageviews 199, ,086 28,851 3,113,496 Pages per visit Average Visit Duration 0:06:36 0:05:23-0:06:17 Bounce Rate 21.80% 22.51% % % of New Visits 66.05% 65.92% % GEOGRAPHIC-Mobile State Visits Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration % New Visits Bounce Rate Mississippi 7, :05: % 19.99% Louisiana 3, :05: % 23.66% Texas 2, :05: % 27.91% Georgia 2, :05: % 21.68% Florida 1, :05: % 23.22% Oklahoma 1, :06: % 19.75% Tennessee :06: % 18.31% Alabama :05: % 21.25% California :03: % 33.99% Illinois :05: % 26.92% 25

26 BANNER ADVERTISEMENTS: September Banner Page Impressions September Click Thru September Average time on Banner Page FYTD Banner Page Impressions FYTD Click Thru Palace Casino : ,191 South Beach Biloxi Hotel :11 78,218 6,571 Preserve Golf Course :15 42, MSHLA Golf AD(July 1-10) Hotel/Motel and Golf pages MSHLA Golf AD Hotel/Motel page :11 7, MSHLA Golf AD Golf page :15 2, Shular Properties :11 2,

27 DMA report cbsa_title monthtotal monthpct Unknown % Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI % Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX % Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI % Baton Rouge, LA % Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX % 27

28 St. Louis, MO-IL % Jackson, MS % Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA % New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA % Memphis, TN-MS-AR % Meridian, MS % Indianapolis-Carmel, IN % Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN % Birmingham-Hoover, AL % Gulfport-Biloxi, MS % Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA % Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI % Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA % Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL % Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD % New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA % Huntsville, AL % Kansas City, MO-KS % Jacksonville, FL % Madison, WI % Marion, IN % Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI % Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX % Rockford, IL % San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX % Pittsburgh, PA % Somerset, KY % Syracuse, NY % Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL % Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV % Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL % Dayton, OH % Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL % Fargo, ND-MN % Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR- MO % Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL % Montgomery, AL % Mobile, AL % Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT % 28