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Boards & Commissions - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 11/26/2024 (2)
Lodging Tax Advisory • Committee KEN T Tuesday, November 26, 2024 WASH I NGTON 3:00 PM City of Kent Centennial North and South 400 West Gowe Street Kent, WA 98032 Microsoft Teams meeting Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 256 448 459 63 Passcode: nWnkU6 +1 872-239-8456, 993193040# Chair Bill Boyce Burl Battersby Gaila Haas Tim Higgins Jim Moran David Kwok ************************************************************** Item Description Action Speaker Time 1. Call to Order Chair 2. Roll Call Chair 3. Agenda Approval Chair 4. Business Chair A. Approval of Munutes Chair 01 MIN. i. Approval of September 19, YES Chair 01 MIN. 2024 Minutes B. Review of Available Budget NO Shane Sorenson 05 MIN. and Revenue Trends C. Evaluate and Score Lodging YES Michelle Wilmot 90 MIN. Tax Grant Applications Unless otherwise noted, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meets in April and October to review grant requests, and meetings are held in the Centennial Center Conference Room, 400 West Gowe Street, Kent, WA, 98032. For additional information please contact City Clerk, Kim Komoto at 253-856-5725 or via email at CityClerk@KentWA.gov. Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City Clerk's Office at 253-856-5725 in advance. For TDD relay service call Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at 7-1-1. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Lodging Tax November 26, 2024 Advisory Committee-Regular Meeting D. Jay Ray 2024 Summary and YES Michelle Wilmot 20 MIN. 2025 Proposal 5. Adjournment Chair 4.A.1 Pending Approval Lodging Tax Advisory ' T Committee KEN WA9H... Lodging Tax Advisory Committee-Regular Meeting Minutes September 19, 2024 Date: September 19, 2024 Time: 4:00 p.m. Place: Centennial Center #401 Members: Bill Boyce, Chair Burl Battersby, a Gaila Haas, Tim Higgins, ' Jim Moran, 0 David Kwok, 0 L Agenda: Q 1. Call to Order 4:00 p.m. a 0 2. Roll Call N Attendee Name Title Status Arrived N Bill Boyce Chair Present 4:00 PM Burl Battersby Remote 4:00 PM Gaila Haas Present 4:00 PM co Tim Higgins Present 4:00 PM 0 Jim Moran Present 4:00 PM David Kwok Present 3:50 PM 3. Agenda Approval 0 Motion to Approve Agenda - Gaila Haas 2nd the Motion to Approve - David Kwok Approval - unanimous a a� 4. Business c A. Approval of Minutes i. Approval of Minutes dated January 25, 2024 MOTION: Move to approve the Minutes dated January 25, 2024 R SE ULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Tim Higgins SECONDER: Gaila Haas, David Kwok AYES: Boyce, Battersby, Haas, Higgins, Moran, Kwok B. Review of Available Budget and Revenue Trends ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Page 1 of 2 Packet Pg. 3 4.A.1 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Lodging Tax September 19, 2024 Advisory Committee-Regular Meeting Kent, Washington Minutes Shane displays a corrected chart which will be appended to these minutes. Based on current revenues, and the required minimum fund balance of 50K, we have approximately 280K the committee could consider awarding. D. Kwok mentions that the relative stability of the LTAC funds is a little surprising given that booking rates have increased since the pandemic. Shane and Michelle both note for the group that the number of available hotel rooms in Kent is actually down, due to conversion of a couple of different properties to other uses, such as one conversion to apartments and one to emergency housing. ;n a� r Burl mentions that when he was a hotelier he would keep an close eye on statistics like room attrition and occupancy rates, that the committee should 4- probably be apprised of significant fluctuations in the hotel market. 0 0 The committee does discuss the committee seat occupied by Gaila Haas, �. which is expiring at the end of 2024, and Chair Boyce asks her if she has Q interest and ability to serve another term on the committee. Gaila indicates that she does wish to continue serving, so her appointment to a new term on a the LTAC will go before the Committee of the Whole on October 15th, 2024. o Assuming approval by Council, her new term will begin January 1, 2025 and go thru December 31, 2026. N C Bill proposes that the committee open a grant application window during the a month of October, and make a final determination on the amount available to N award at the time of first application review, which is set for November 26th, 0 from 3-5pm. w 3 C Chair Boyce calls for any additional items for discussion and receiving none, 2 adjourns the meeting at 4:29 PM. c 5. Adjournment 4:29 p.m. a Committee Secretary N a� c ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Page 2 of 2 Packet Pg. 4 4.6 LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE 4^4� 220 Fourth Avenue South Kent, WA 98032 KENT WASHINGTON DATE: November 26, 2024 TO: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee SUBJECT: Review of Available Budget and Revenue Trends SUMMARY: Shane Sorenson from the Finance Department will provide an overview of revenues available to the committee to award, as well as year over year trends in Lodging Tax receipts. He will also take questions from committee members. ATTACHMENTS: 1. October 2024 Lodging Tax Operating Report (PDF) Packet Pg. 5 4.B.a Lodging Tax Operating Fund Report October 31, 2024 c m 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2024 m Actual Actual Actual Actual Adj Budget YTD -a m a� Beginning Fund Balance 185,825 73,678 129,210 450,235 423,050 423,050 Revenues Q Lodging Tax 155,591 222,759 280,772 278,551 284,200 221,647 18 Transfer In - General Fund 285,000 Reimbursements 19,500 Interest Income 2,793 (1,508) (37) 9,804 4,610 10,479 00 Total Revenues 158,384 221,252 565,735 288,355 288,810 251,626 0r0 Expenditures o Projects & Events* 205,108 136,500 220,500 296,500 330,000 291,020 0 Allocations 65,423 29,220 24,210 19,044 19,230 7,909 c Transfer to Kent Events Center 30,000 30,000 Total Expenditures 270,532 165,720 244,710 315,544 379,230 328,929 a O Change in Fund Balance (112,148) 55,532 321,025 (27,189) (90,420) (77,303) x m H Ending Fund Balance 73,398 128,930 450,235 423,046 332,630 345,747 Finance Policy: $50,000 minimum fund balance J *Projects and Events YTD Paid in 2023 Paid in 2024 Remaining Available Budget in 2024: 38,980.15 N Game Time Events 5,000 25,000 Inspice Productions, Inc 10,000 12,500 0 Gut Check Tournament& Events 30,000 U Kent Chamber of Commerce 32,500 7,500 O Kent Downtown Partnership 10,000 20,000 Kent International Festival 3,000 E Pacific Raceways 17,500 37,500 PNAA(Tech Innovation Expo) 13,500 Seattle Thunderbirds 67,000 37,000 Q Women in Manufacturing WA Chap 4,500 10,000 JayRay Ads 133,500 111,520 Total YTD Projects and Events 296,500 291,020 Packet Pg. 6 4.B.a Lodging Tax Operating Fund 2024 vs. 2023 Comparison by Month Using Month of Tax Revenue Activity First Quarter Jan Activity(March Tax Receipts) February Activity(April Tax Receipts) March Activity(May Tax Receipts) Total Q1 C 2023 2024 Increase/ Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/ Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/(Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/(Decrease) O Revenues Actual d Lodging Tax 19,117 15,165 (3,952) -20.7% 18,686 15,550 (3,136) -16.8% 21,694 17,727 (3,968) -18.3% 59,497 48,442 (11,055) -18.60/n Interest Income 570 1,181 611 107.1% 789 1,175 386 49.0% 1,140 1,112 28 -2.5% 2,499 3,468 969 38.8% 3 Total Revenues 19,687 16,346 (3,341) -17.0% 19,475 16,725 2 749 -14.1% 22,834 18,838 (3,996) -17.5% 61,996 51,909 (10,086) -16.3% m _d Total Expenditures 740 769 29 9,875 73,283 63,409 42,403 46,644 4,241 53,018 120,696 67,679 !d Net Revenues 18,947 15,577 (3,370) -17.8% 9,600 56 558 (66,158) -689.1% 19 569 27 805 (8,237) 42.1% 8,978 68 787 (77,765) -866.1% Q Second Quarter April Activity(June Tax Receipts) May Activity(July Tax Receipts) June Activity(August Tax Receipts) Total Q2 O 2023 2024 Increase/ Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/ Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/(Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/(Decrease) 3 Revenues 0) Lodging Tax 20,950 22,054 1,104 5.3% 21,311 23,290 1,979 9.3% 35,390 26,622 (8,768) -24.8% 77,650 71,965 (5,685) -7.3% Interest Income 1,048 974 73 -7.0% 1,150 20,432 19,282 1677.1% 1,140 960 180 -15.8% 3,337 22,366 19,029 570.30/6 Total Revenues 21,997 23,028 1,031 4.7% 22,460 43,722 21,261 94.7% 36,530 27,581 (8,948) -24.5% 80,987 94,331 13,344 16.5% 00 00 Total Expenditures 25,756 45,055 19,299 74.9% 10,072 10,721 649 6.4% 23,431 21,902 (1,529) -6.5% 59,259 77,677 18,418 31.1% Net Revenues (3,759)1 (22,027)1 (18,268) 486.0%1 12,388 1 33,001 20,613 166.4%1 13,098 1 5,679 (7,419) -56.6%1 21,728 1 16,654 5 074 O IZ Third Quarter July Activity(Sep Tax Receipts) August Activity(Oct Tax Receipts) September Activity(Nov Tax Receipts) Total Q3 d 2023 2024 Increase/ Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/ Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/(Decrease 2023 2024 Increase/(Decrease) Revenues C Lodging Tax 36,530 30,963 (5,566) -15.2% 28,313 39,541 11,227 39.7% 27,160 - 92,003 70,504 (21,499) -23.4% Interest Income 1,153 1,034 118 -10.3% 1,143 1,003 140 -12.3% 962 954 8 -0.8% 3,257 2,991 266 -8.2% L 0) Total Revenues 37,682 31,998 (5,685) -15.1% 29,456 40,544 11,087 37.6% 28,121 954 (27,168) -96.6% 95,260 73,495 (21,765) -22.8% CL O Total Expenditures 90,345 32,400 (57,946) -64.1% 44,931 55,356 10,426 23.2% 22,236 10,769 (11,467) -51.6% 157,512 98,525 (58,987) -37.4% X t- Net Revenues (52,663)1 402 52,261 -99.2% (15,474)1 (14,813)1 662 -4.3%1 5,885 9 815 (15,701) -266.8% (62,252)1 (25,030)1 37,222 -59.8% C Lodging Tax Revenue J Revenue Percent N Month of Occupancy To City 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Variance G N November January 17,381 10,625 15,985 17,581 16,287 1.9% L December February 17,708 9,541 14,912 16,694 14,450 -3.1% January March 19,555 11,155 14,246 19,117 15,165 6.5% O February April 11,429 11,141 15,106 18,686 15,550 2.9% 1 March May 5,688 13,698 18,838 21,694 17,727 -5.9% Q April June 12,244 16,336 20,056 20,950 22,054 10.0% May July 16,925 17,850 23,459 21,311 23,290 -0.7% C June August 14,750 22,015 28,398 35,390 26,622 -6.3% July September 13,638 26,950 32,596 36,530 30,963 -5.0% t August October 14,843 28,082 33,602 28,313 39,541 17.7% t) September November 13,211 24,644 36,324 27,160 -100.0% October December 13,142 19,992 23,873 18,665 -100.0% Q Year End Adjustment (14,923) 10,731 3,378 (3,539) Total YTD 155,591 222,759 280,772 278,551 221,647 Packet Pg. 7 4.0 LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE 4^4� 220 Fourth Avenue South Kent, WA 98032 KENT WASHINGTON DATE: November 26, 2024 TO: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee SUBJECT: Evaluate and Score Lodging Tax Grant Applications MOTION: Recommend to Council grant awards and funding amounts for requests submitted during the Fall 2024 grant application cycle. SUMMARY: The Fall 2024 funding cycle is to support events primarily occurring in 2025. A portion of lodging tax revenues are returned from the state to the City which generated them. These funds are to be used by the cities to promote business and leisure tourism, with the awarding of these funds overseen by a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Lodging tax revenues in Kent have returned to levels approximate with pre-Covid numbers, and the public appetite for leisure or business focused travel and events has returned. This year's window for applications drew 14 requests, with a mix of repeat events with past success and momentum to expand, and new ideas with the potential to draw visitors from new markets for a wider array of activities. BUDGET IMPACT: Grants funded from lodging tax revenues returned by the state to the City for the purpose of tourism promotion. SUPPORTS STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL: Thriving City - Creating safe neighborhoods, healthy people, vibrant commercial districts, and inviting parks and recreation. ATTACHMENTS: 1. October 2024 LTAC Grant Applications (XLSX) 2. Fall 2024 Grant Application Review Packet (PDF) Packet Pg. 8 4.C.a Fall 2024 Lodging Tax Grant Applications Previous Amount Event/Project Est. Awardee y/n Org Name Contact Address 1 Phone Number email Event requested Budget Dates Event Location attendance Grant Y/N Award year Prior Award$ Committee Member Notes/Comments: Gaila Haas Kent Downtown 202 W.Gowe Street <GHaas@kentdownt Burlington yes Spring 23 Partnership Gaila Haas Kent,WA 98032 253-813-0976 own.org> Cajun Festival 20,000.00 44,845.00 August 9,2025 Green Park 5,000+ and 24 $20,000.00 N Meeker Street 0 O and Cross Streets in 2 V Historic Q- Gaila Haas Downtown with Q Kent Downtown 202 W.Gowe Street <GHaas@kentdownt Meeker Street Nerd Retro and Nerd Partnership Gaila Gutierrez Kent,WA 98032 425-381-3697 own.org> Party 4,500.00 5,800.00 May 28,2024 Core Appeal 800 n no M 50,000 accessoShoWar Weekly on K Seattle 625 West James Street jasont@seattlethund 2025 Seattle e Ctr.+ digital Yes,multiple Thunderbirds Jason Thomsen Kent,WA 98032 253-856-6834 erbirds.com Thunderbirds 58,500.001 5,000,000.00 January thru Dec 2025 TV/Media 1platforms years $67,500.00 Kent Culinary Tourism Assorted p -Social Media itineraries in J Christina 12919 SE 257th Street Kent, info@culturegenerati Promotion of Kent/Dedicated Yes,multiple i Ins ice Productions Arokiasam WA 98930 206-859-9566 on.or Businesses 28,000.00 40,000.00 January thru Nov 2025 Website+FB IG ears C p� Y � V / Y $12,500.00 U Kent International P.O.Box 6434 Kent, nancv@simplyicelebr Kent International accessoShoWar Yes,multiple .a Festival Nancy Skipton WA 98064 206-601-6957 ations.com Festival 10,000.00 41,069.00 May 31,2025 a Ctr 5000 years $3,000.00 Digital r Marketing to Bigger acts Promotional support engage the draw W for 2025 Funds used target audience attendence , to target event of event from farther00 o� accesso ShoWare 625 West James Street promotors and promoters away=more Ctr Kell S eitzer Kent,WA 98032 253-856-6705 performer reps Y p ks reitzer accessosh p p 30,000.00 30,000.00 January thru December managers heads in beds. Yes,2024 $30,000.00 to Pints&Professionals O 2025- low barrier networking event held y Pacific Northwest P.O.Box 1379 Lake at brewery or other Q- Ct Defense Coalition Denise Ryser Oswego,OR 97035 407-227-2955 denise@pndc.us hospitality space 3000 6,000.00 Summer 2025 TBD 60-75 yes,Spring 20 $3,000.00 Q Conference p ann +' C In-person networking June 2025,HH events will i and digital promotion occur in months leading 0 of Kent area space up to conference in Q conference-at Denver,Houston,LA,SF Space Happy Hour 4521 SW Massachusets St craig@spacehappyho multiple out of state Bay Area,Cape Canaveral 100+per J LLC Craig Baerwaldt Seattle,WA 98116 206-200-8143 ur.com venues 15,000.00 15,000.00 and DC. TBD event no Iq N 100+tourney o N First Annual Kent participants, yes,for other Chamber of 15-20 purposes- Kent Chamber of 524 W.Meeker,Ste.1 253-854-1770 x zharris@kentchambe Commerce Golf overnight this is a new v Commerce Zenovia Harris Kent,WA 98032 140 r.com Tournament 25,000.00 50,000.00 June 15,2025 ? partcipants event $15,000.00* Q r yes,for other y 200+ purposes- E Kent Chamber of 524 W.Meeker,Ste.1 253-854-1770 x zharris@kentchambe Kent Chamber Civics Green River attendees and this is a new v Commerce Zenovia Harris Kent,WA 98032 140 r.com Bee 15,000.001 40,000.001 May 2025 College or other their families event a Packet Pg. 9 4.C.a Previous Amount Event/Project Est. Awardee y/n Org Name Contact Address i Phone Number email Event requested Budget Dates Event Location attendance Grant Y/N Award year Prior Award$ Committee Member Notes/Comments: National draw motivational speaker, plus new"pitch competition"to highlight Kent's most exciting 200+ yes,for other N entreprenuers and give attendees, purposes- 0 Kent Chamber of 524 W.Meeker,Ste.1 253-854-1770 x zharris@kentchambe Kent Chamber Annual them feedback from accesso local and non this is a new , Commerce Zenovia Harris Kent,WA 98032 140 r.com Business Expo 1 25,000.00 50,000.00 business experts ShoWare Ctr. local event v 3 in person events held in TBD,but likely Q. The Leader Within Kent throughout 2025 Green River yes,for other Q' Professional (q2,q3,q4), College or purposes- Women in 6227 95th Place SW jessica.i.kinman@pw Development Speaker professionally recorded Meridian Valley 110 in person this is a new L Manufacturing Jessica Kinman Mukilteo,WA 98275 425-737-0327 c.com Series 10,000.001 12,000.00 for digital distribution CC attendees event (� + K wrestlers H coaches, Gut Check High School Boys and family Tournament& 4250 Martin Way East, marcgloball@yahoo. Girls Wrestling accesso members and Yes,multiple O Events Marc Kaye Olympia,WA 98516 206-300-0706 com Tournament 1 30,000.00 100,000.00 January 2-4,2025. ShoWare Ctr. supporters years $30,000.00 J Totals: 280,000.00 5,445,214.00 0.00 *most recent award amount i O U c a� r w c� 00 r N C O cC V .Q Q a ,L^ V U Q li- J N O N L O r V O r I_ V a Packet Pg. 10 4.C.b LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 N General Information O c0 V This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q. on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments CL to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. Q C O L *1.Title of the Event/Activity 0 Cajun Fest K R H *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable C Burlington Green Park 101 Railroad Ave 'a Kent WA 98032 O J d *3.Grant Amount Requested($) p 20,000 V 13 *4.Total Project Cost($) C 44,845 O d O *5.Name of Organization 7 Kent Downtown Partnership O W 00 V_ Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. r (D Y *6.Contact Name v Gaila Haas a 3 *7.Title ) Executive Director > d *8.Mailing Address C 202 W Gowe St Ste A r Kent WA 98032 V *9.Phone CL Q. 253-813-6976 Q r C *10.Email O L ghaas@kentdowntown.org 0 Iq *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) O 91-1573465 N O LL r.� C d Event/Activity Information E z v to This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You Q might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. * 12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Leisure or business tourism promotion/marketing by a non-profit or the City Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers Operational expenses for a tourism-related facility operated by a non-profit or the City Pa Packet Pg. 11 4.C.b 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? *Answer 13 The Cajun Fest is a one-day cultural celebration in historic Kent.It features 4-5 live music performances,Cajun food trucks,local artists and vendors,a beer garden,a Second Line Parade,and fun activities for kids.This event is perfect for live music lovers,foodies,and festival fans!It's family-friendly and offers something for everyone, whether you're a local or a visitor.With a mix of music,entertainment,and attractions,it appeal to all ages.We're promoting the festival across King,South King,and Pierce Counties using radio,social media,digital ads,printed materials,posters,banners,and A-boards.We also use Eventbrite,KDP e-blasts,press releases,online calendars,and neighborhood platforms like Next Door,Meetup.com,and Juice.Plus,we're tapping into our media followers,Altha's 11K followers,KDP's social and email O reach(5,500+),and the fan bases of musicians and vendors p t) .Q 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? C C *Answer 14 i The Cajun Fest promotes a positive image by showcasing the city's commitment to cultural diversity,community engagement,and tourism.It highlights Kent's openness to 0 celebrating and embracing diverse traditions,fostering a sense of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.The fest promotes Kent as a leisure destination by offering a unique K R and exciting cultural experience that draws both local,regional and interstate visitors and builds a reputation as a city with a thriving entertainment scene.Featuring local H artists,vendors,and food trucks not only boosts the local economy but also highlights Kent's thriving small business community.It shows the city's support for local of entrepreneurs and creative talent.By offering family-friendly activities and a welcoming environment,the festival brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.This E strengthens community ties and positions Kent as a hub and demonstrates its dedication to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all ages,reinforcing its image as a welcoming and inclusive place to live and visit.Together,these aspects help create a positive and vibrant image of Kent as a city that values culture,community,and J connection. d O U 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic fA organization support)? C O d *Answer 15 +' O The KDP is proud to partner with Altha's Louisiana Cajun Spices who brings authentic cultural expertise to the event.Altha's has built a loyal following of over 12K fans, O spanning Washigton,the Pacific Northwest,and even reaching into Canada,Oregon,and Idaho.We're excited to have KNKX as our media partner once again,shining a O spotlight on Kent across Western Washington,Seattle/Tacoma,and British Columbia.Plus,being an official Seafair-sanctioned event means well benefit from extensive W promotion and reach a massive audience.Our success is also fueled by the City of Kent,local businesses,property owners,and nonprofit organizations who join us in bringing the community together.We're teaming up with a local brewery/winery,20+volunteers,25-30 artists and vendors,and 8+food trucks to make this one of a kind00 memorable. r 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you Y applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. a 3 *Answer 16 KDP seeks sponsorships,private donations and receives funding from vendor/food truck fees and beer garden sales.We will not apply for LTAC funds from other > d municipalities. DC C O 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. co t� CL *Answer 17 Q' This event is growing and demands more professional sound,staging and day of labor.If funding is reduced we would need to significantly modify the event and or possibly Q considering charging a ticket fee,which isn't ideal as we want this to be a barrier free event.The funding would enable us to continue at the current level,attract high quality musicians and grow tourism around it. i 0 Iq N 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing N project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please describe. @ LL r.� Answer 18 y The funding would be essential to expand this event and take it to the next level as it continues to grow.With rising attendance and increased interest,we're seeing a E demand from both attendees and musicians for a more professional setup,including high-quality sound engineering and upgraded staging.Right now,the small stage from V our general tent rental company simply isn't meeting the needs of the event.With additional funding,we could invest in proper stage infrastructure,professional sound systems,and lighting that would create a more dynamic and polished experience for both performers and the audience.This would not only elevate the quality of the Q festival but also help us attract bigger talent,potentially bringing in acts from Louisiana,the home of Cajun culture.Furthermore,expanded funding would allow us to broaden our marketing efforts,drawing in more visitors from across Washington and beyond,turning the event into a larger regional attraction.The momentum is undeniable,and with the right support,we can firmly establish this event as a must-attend celebration,boosting tourism and solidifying Kent as a destination. Scope of Work Pa Packet Pg. 12 4.C.b This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. 19.Goals N C 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 O Deliver a high-quality and inclusive event that celebrates Kent as a tourism and leisure destination.Stimulate economic growth by attracting visitors,supporting local 4' c0 businesses,restaurants,and hotels,while generating revenue for the community.Highlight the assets of downtown Kent,boosting visibility for its small businesses and local V attractions.Promote economic vitality by fostering partnerships with local vendors and enhancing community engagement. & C. 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 a Celebrate the unique culture of Louisiana.There are no events on this scale in WA state which makes it so unique and a West Coast destination.Similar successful events r_ cc that include Zydeco/Cajun music and attract thousands of people include the Portland Waterfront Blues Fest and San Diego's Gator by the Bay festival L 0 K 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 cc Boost Hotel and Local Business Bookings:Drive tourism-related spending by encouraging overnight stays in local hotels,and creating partnerships with restaurants,shops, 0 and attractions to offer exclusive deals for event attendees. C 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 0 O Leverage Media and Influencers:Partner with regional and national media outlets,influencers,and travel platforms to generate buzz about the event,emphasizing its J appeal as a must-visit for food,music,and festival enthusiasts. ` O 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 O Encourage repeat visitors who schedule their trips specifically around the festival dates.Secure sustainable funding sources beyond grants to ensure long-term success. 'D Focus on expanding and growing the festival to enhance its reach and impact. r_ d 20.Outcomes/Deliverables 7 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 > The primary deliverable/outcome for this event is to successfully produce a high-quality,culturally vibrant festival that attracts a diverse audience,fosters community LV engagement,and boosts local economic activity and tourism. co 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 Increase attendance growth,enhancing the visibility of downtown Kent and its businesses,and establishing the event as a signature attraction that draws repeat visitors and r tourists,contributing to Kent's reputation as a cultural and leisure destination. Y v 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 a Create lasting partnerships with local businesses,sponsors,and regional organizations,enhance overall event experience with professional systems and diverse entertainment.This also includes laying the groundwork for future festival expansion,securing additional funding sources,and increasing media exposure to further elevate the event's profile both locally and regionally. GC 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 C Marketing and promotion by creating and distributing promotional materials,including flyers,brochures,posters,and digital marketing campaigns.Engaging social media C presence to generate buzz and reach a wider audience.Positive media coverage and press releases about the event. t� 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 C- Financial success by meeting or exceeding revenue projections and goals through grants,sponsorships,booth fees,beer garden revenue Q r C 21.Estimated Completion Date i 0 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet i Iq Saturday,August 9,2025 p N 22.Success Measures IL 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 1 +' C Attendance;Track the total number of attendees compared to previous years,aiming for a specific percentage increase to gauge growth and popularity. d E t 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 V Sponsorship and Funding:Monitor the level of sponsorship and funding secured for the event,aiming to establish reliable partnerships that support future growth. M Q 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 Visitor Demographics:Collect data on the origins of attendees(local vs.out-of-state)to assess the event's reach and effectiveness in attracting tourists. 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline Pa Packet Pg. 13 4.C.b October-Dec 2024:Sponsorship outreach and grant application(s)January 2025 Planning committee kick off meeting February 2025:Graphic design,call to vendors March -May 2025 hire musicians,jury/confirm vendors May-August 2025;vent logistics and planning August 9,2025:Day of event August 20,2024:Post event follow up and reporting 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? *Answer 24 C 5000-6000 G c0 t) 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? Q. C. Q *Answer 25 <50 note-we envision this growing as our event becomes a west coast attraction. K R H Z3f 26.Additional Forms If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms 0 O to LTAC(alKentWA.gov: J d • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) O • Form W 9 PDF) UCn • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance 13 Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) C You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACCaIKentWA.gov. +d, Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to C less than 10 MB. cc LLI 00 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an additional insured. d • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and v a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format a determined by the City. 3 a� The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. 2 d *27.1 Certification I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. �. t� Q Q r C ,L^ V Iq N O N C LL C d E t V M Q Pa Packet Pg. 14 4.C.b LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 N General Information O c0 2 This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q. on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments CL to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. Q C O L *1.Title of the Event/Activity 0 Kent Nerd Party K R I— *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable C 1st Ave S(entire block),portions of Meeker Street Kent WA 98032 G J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) y 5,000 0 O c� *4.Total Project Cost($) 13 10,000 r_ d *5.Name of Organization +' O Kent Downtown Partnership 7 W 00 Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. r *6.Contact Name d Y Gaila Haas v R o_ *7.Title 3 Executive Director d *8.Mailing Address GC 202 W Gowe Street,Suite A C KENT WA WA 98032 r O *9.Phone 2 253-813-6976 Q' Q. Q *10.Email C ghaas@kentdowntown.org 0 *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) N 91-1573465 O N O LL Event/Activity Information y E z v to This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You Q might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. * 12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Leisure or business tourism promotion/marketing by a non-profit or the City Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers Operational expenses for a tourism-related facility operated by a non-profit or the City Pa Packet Pg. 15 4.C.b 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? *Answer 13 The Nerd Party is a unique,one-day celebration of"cool nerd"culture that showcases downtown Kent's community and nerdy businesses.This event invites sci-fi enthusiasts,creative thinkers,cosplayers,and curious minds of all ages to enjoy the ultimate nerd experience.Marketing efforts will reach King,So King,and Pierce counties through multiple channels to spread the word.To boost visibility for both the event and partner with hotels,we propose:Social Media Promotion:Features on the event and local hotels as official partners across our event's social media.Email Marketing:Including hotel special offers in newsletters sent to our attendee list.Promotion: fA Displaying signage in various areas throughout Kent as well as the event,provide promotional materials in welcome packets at hotels(if applicable).We'll also promote O through printed materials,newsletters,and social media from local nerd hubs like Retro Emporium and Page Turners Books,Sure Lock Escapes to further amplifying our reach.Our goal is to grow Kent's nerd culture,support local businesses,and create unforgettable experiences for fans. v .Q Q 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? Q r C ca L *Answer 14 The nerd parry promotes Kent as a business and leisure destination by highlighting its unique blend of creatively,community and economic opportunity.We do this through K spotlighting local businesses boosting engagement,attracting tourism and revenue,showcasing Kent's forward-thinking spirit and building positive buzz through medial and R H word of mouth.The event ultimately frames Kent as a city where unique interests and business innovation intersect. C 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? J N L O *Answer 15 Yn This is a highly collaborative event that thrives on partnerships and community involvement.This year we are partnering with Emilio Morales,founder of Renton City Retro, U) Dpad Retro Gaming and Evergreen Tabletop Expo.Emilio brings over 15 years of expertise in the convention world,bringing new connections and elements to the event. The event also relies on dedicated volunteer efforts from local enthusiasts to event coordinators,who bring passion and creatively to every detail.The nerd party receives strong support from the downtown business community.Local nerd centric business like Retro Emporium,Page Turner Books,Sure Lock Escapes,Snooker&Billiards, +O+ Moore than Rocks,and local vendors,authors and celebrities are integral to the event programing and marketing efforts.The multi-faceted partnership approach makes the 7 event a model of community collaboration and reinforces Kent's commitment to supporting local culture and business innovation. W 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. 00 r *Answer 16 d Other funding sources would include sponsorships and vendor and food truck fees.We are not seeking LTAC funding from other communities. v tC d 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. d *Answer 17 The partial funding,the nerd party can still proceed with adjustments,but it would restrict our ability to expand or introduce new features.We would focus on the most O popular element and streamline or omit additional activities.These modifications would allow us to deliver a memorable experience,though it wouldn't support growth , opportunities at this stage. R V .Q O_ 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing Q project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please describe. R ,L^ V Answer 18 C We have applied for LTAC funding in Spring 2024,which was not funded.This event is a celebration of all things nerd culture,including gaming,comics,and pop culture, N attracting a diverse crowd of enthusiasts and families.The nerd party is expected to draw 2400 attendees.We have produced the event 3 times since 2022 and feel strongly it has a significant growth potential and may eventually move to ShoWare in the future.For the 2025 event we plan to expand by closing 1st Ave So,and possiblyLL Meeker Street for a street fair type event which would accommodate outdoor vendors and a more people.We plan to increase the vendors to 40+adding more food trucks and attracting celebrity host partners and a life BMX freestyle performance and exhibition in collaboration with Cycle Therapy bike shop. d E t v R r Scope of Work Q This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. 19.Goals Pa Packet Pg. 16 4.C.b 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 Create an event that resonates with attendees building a strong sense of community and increase attendance from previous years and attract return visitors. 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 Making Kent a destination for awareness and lodging options;promote hotel deals and room discounts w/booking codes,and"make a day of it"promotion,visit nerd party, then stay late to attend a ShoWare event or Sure Lock Escapes,Snooker&Billiards and breakfast a Kent's iconic diners. N 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 O O Offer diverse programming including panels,workshops,gaming and activities that cater to different interests. +� c0 t) 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 Q. Foster local community involvement by partnering with local businesses and involving other niche businesses throughout Kent Q- Q 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 O L 20.Outcomes/Deliverables R 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 ~ Attendance reporting:analysis of attendance numbers,compared to previous events,highlightingtrends and goals P 9� Y P p 9 C 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 0 O Detailed financial reporting of revenues,vendor fees and overall P&L along with analysis and recommendations for future events. J d 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 O t� Boost hotel partnerships:track bookings through partnerships and aim to increase it each year (� 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 O O Exhibitor feedback summary regarding their experiences,including space utilization,traffic,opportunities for networking and increased revenues y O 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 O Feedback analysis collected from attendees,vendor,volunteers and highlighting key themes,areas for improvement,and actional insights from future events.Social media > analytics by tracking engagement metrics before,during and after event including post interactions and overall reach. LV 21.Estimated Completion Date co 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 1 Planning has begun;event date is Saturday,June 7,2025 d Y V fC 22.Success Measures d 3 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 1 2 Compare numbers of attendees to previous events and track number of returning visitors > d fY 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 Revenue metrics assessment from vendor fees,grants,sponsorships and hotel stays compared to previous years. r M t� 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 CL Evaluate participant satisfaction/engagement levels through post event surveys and tracking attendance at panels,cosplay and other activates to evaluate engagement and Q overall experience. Q r C O L 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. 0 Iq N *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline N October 2024:planning kickoff Nov 2024-May 2025:event planning,call to artist,confirm sponsors,vendors,grants,participating businesses,hotel partnerships June 7: event day Li r.� C 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? d E t V *Answer 24 y0+ 2400 Q 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? *Answer 25 5-10 if we are able to secure funding to attract celebrity guests who prefer to spend the night.As event grows,we anticipate this number to increase. Pa Packet Pg. 17 4.C.b 26.Additional Forms If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTAC(aKentWA.gov: • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) N C • Form W 9 PDF) O • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance , Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement(PDF) R V You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACCcIKentWA.gov. O- Q Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to Q less than 10 MB. ca /L^ V K 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: H i3f • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an additional insured. • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and 0 O a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format J determined by the City. i O The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. v fn C *27.1 Certification O I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. 0) O 7 W 00 r a+ d Y V fC (L 3 A) m c O CU U .Q a a ,L^ V N O N R LL r C d E t V R r a Pa Packet Pg. 18 4.C.b LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 to General Information O c0 2 This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q. on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments CL to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. Q C O L *1.Title of the Event/Activity 0 2025 Seattle Thunderbirds K R I— *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable C 625 West James(and across the Northwest and across western Canada) Kent Washington 98038 G J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) y 58,500 0 O c� *4.Total Project Cost($) 13 5,000,000 r_ d *5.Name of Organization +' O Seattle Thunderbirds 7 W 00 Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. r *6.Contact Name (D Y Jason Thomsen v R a *7.Title 3 Vice President-Corporate Partnerships ) d *8.Mailing Address DC 625 West James C Kent Washington 98032 r O *9.Phone 2 253-856-6834 CL Q. Q *10.Email C jasont@seattlethunderbirds.com O ,L^ V *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) N 45-0483157 O N O LL Event/Activity Information y E z v to This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You Q might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. * 12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? Pa Packet Pg. 19 4.C.b *Answer 13 Through database marketing(50,000+people weekly during the season),over 1,000,000 ValPak mailers,social media posts for each of our 66+games to over 100,000 followers across all platforms(6,6000,000+reach),Radio and Television mentions throughout the season across multiple stations. 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? N *Answer 14 0 O We promote Kent as a destination for the best family affordable entertainment experience in the Pacific Northwest. V 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event event exhibit volunteer involvement,inte 'urisdictional corporate,business and/or civic CL 9 P P P ] / ( rJ . P organization support)? Q r C ca L *Answer 15 (� The Thunderbirds Community Sports Foundation has awarded over$1,500,000 to local youth sports organizations.We host food drives,toy drives,coat drives and more to K give back to the community.For example,the 68 Les Schwab Locations throughout the northwest use Kent as the focus of their large collection event that wraps up the R H annual Toy Drive bringing a large positive spotlight on Kent.Many of our corporate partners use their relationship with the Thunderbirds as a platform to give back to the community in many different ways. C O 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you J applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. i O v *Answer 16 U) NO—Our goal is to create KENT as the destination for fans,teams,families and more for their affordable destination for entertainment,stay or dining. d 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. 7 *Answer 17 W Based on our expert opinion,this level of partnership maximizes your effectiveness and investment,just as we do with all our corporate partners.And at just$886.36 PER EVENT,this advertising package gives you the widest reach and most effective messaging opportunity available to you anywhere. 00 r 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing y project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please Y V describe. ca (L 3 Answer 18 N This is an Advertising/Media Buy to promote Kent and all it has to offer and is different from any other one-off events.This is an ongoing promotional package that spans a) OVER 66 events,and at the price of just$886.36 per event. C O R v Scope of Work Q a This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses L (7 into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. N O N 19.Goals — R LL 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 r Increase awareness of all Kent has to offer Through radio,streaming,signage,social media,direct reach and television,you will be messaging to MILLIONS of people throughout Washington,Oregon and across Western Canada what Kent has to offer. t 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 v R Share how there are a wide range of events and food options in Kent Your package with us allows you to highlight to people throughout the Pacific Northwest what makes Q Kent special and why they need to experience all Kent has to offer. 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 Kent is a good,centrally located place to visit the south sound Educate people how Kent is centrally located and is the perfect place to stay whether you are coming to a game or the region.By being centrally located,it is the perfect home base for your visit. 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 30 Word Limit Pa Packet Pg. 20 4.C.b 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 30 Word Limit 20.Outcomes/Deliverables 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 Webcast bug-The Visit Kent Logo will be on the"scorebug"on all 30+games broadcast out of accesso ShoWare Center across Washington,Oregon,Western Canada AND V! BEYOND!We average over 2,500 people watching each broadcast which would mean over 75,000 people would see the Visit Kent logo on the broadcast. O O 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 V Print at Home-You would own one panel on our"Print at Home"tickets,putting your message in the hands of people heading to Kent and encouraging them to visit the Q Visit Kent website to see what's happening while they are here. C 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 Dasher boards-Dasher board ads are the premier signage in all sports.Your signage is right next to the action meaning not only will the 170,000 fans in attendance see i your signage during this period,but your signs will also be seen on television,our streaming broadcasts and in the background of many social media posts during the season. K tv H 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 C Radio Package-Your radio package will include over two hundred seventy-five(275):30-second radio spots over the course of the package,giving you reach beyond the walls of the arena. 'a O J 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 y Television-Your television package will include over 30 television commercials that will be seen throughout the region,putting you in front of the casual sports fan that may p or may not attend games,but will ensure the story of Kent is seen throughout the region. V 13 21.Estimated Completion Date r_ d 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 1 Jan 2025—Dec 2025—66,or more,events! 7 22.Success Measures W 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 1 00 Success is measured by the completion of the games,placement of the radio,television and streaming elements.Continuing to deliver the premier family friendly, affordable events in Kent and across the Pacific Northwest to continue capturing the imaginations of fans and the excitement around the team.Making it to the WHL Finals in 4 of the past 8 seasons,the passion around the team is at an all time high,allowing you to capitalize on fans affinity for the team. y Y V 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 R 30 Word Limit 0_ 3 a� 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 > 30 Word Limit d C O 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. t� CL *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline 0. Sign the agreement in Mid-November and all elements can be in place starting January 1,2025.You will be ready for the 66+events you will be part of with a small Q investment of just$886.36 per game.-July 17,2025:Day of event-July 19,2025:Post event media follow-up O ,L^ V 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? Iq N O N *Answer 24 January 2025 through December 2025—160,000 in attendance Streaming reach—over 80,000 people online Radio—over 66 games on broadcast radio and streaming Li radio Television—12+games broadcast across Western Washington }; C d 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? V O *Answer 25 Q January 2025 through December 2025—over 4,000 26.Additional Forms If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms Pa Packet Pg. 21 4.C.b to LTAC(@KentWA.gov: • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient(PDF) • Form W-9(PDF) • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement(PDF) You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTAC(&KentWA.gov. N Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to 0 O less than 10 MB. ++ R V .Q Q 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: Q r • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an tC additional insured. i • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and K a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format tp determined by the City. F_ i3f The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. O *27.1 Certification J I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. i O v U) C d 7 W 00 r a+ d Y V fC d 3 A) m c O CU U .Q a a ,L^ V N O N R LL r C d E t V R r a Pa Packet Pg. 22 4.C.b LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 N General Information O c0 2 This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q. on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments CL to LTAC0KentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. Q C O L *1.Title of the Event/Activity 0 Kent Culinary Tourism K R I— *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable 12919 SE 257TH ST Kent WA 98030 G J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) y 28,000 0 O c� *4.Total Project Cost($) 13 40,000 r_ d *5.Name of Organization }' O Inspice Productions Inc 7 W 00 Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. r *6.Contact Name d Y CHRISTINA F AROKIASAMY CLARK o_ *7.Title 3 Director d *8.Mailing Address DC 12919 SE 257TH ST C Kent WA 98030 r O *9.Phone 2 206-859-9566 CL Q. Q *10.Email C info@culturegeneration.org 0 *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) N 27-4849484 O N O LL Event/Activity Information y E z v to This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You Q might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. * 12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Leisure or business tourism promotion/marketing by a non-profit or the City Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers Operational expenses for a tourism-related facility operated by a non-profit or the City Pa Packet Pg. 23 4.C.b 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? *Answer 13 Kent Culinary Tourism offers a unique opportunity for King County residents and visitors to WA to experience the culinary heritage of Kent's immigrant community and celebrate their cultural contributions.Our mission is to establish Kent as a prominent cultural culinary destination that highlights diversity and showcases vibrant communities of color.In partnership with the Port of Seattle and 4Culture to attract visitors nationwide,we have planned six public tours and immersive cultural destination cooking classes for the media 2025,led by international chef and cultural ambassador Christina Arokiasamy,a Kent resident who highlights the culinary traditions of the V! city's immigrant BIPOC communities.Our website,www.culturegeneration.org features a professionally produced Kent Culinary Tourism Brochure,listing local minority- C O owned markets and restaurants with professional photos,interviews,and write-ups about these businesses to draws attention to diverse food offerings in Kent.The brochure also includes hotels in Kent,parks,and authentic recipes to attract food enthusiasts eager to explore immigrant cuisines.The program's goal is to position Kent as V a"Global Culinary Melting Pot of Cultures,"encouraging local spending and drawing visitors from out of state.Chef Arokiasamy will promote Kent Culinary Tourism to her Q 63,000+Facebook followers.Visitors from other states have embarked on culinary tours of Kenyan,Afghan,Mexican,Vietnamese,Thai,and Japanese cuisines,exploring C. Kent's local markets and restaurants.Many immigrant-owned businesses,like Hong Kong Market and Byblos Mediterranean Market,are eager to share their stories. Q Through a combination of cultural food tours,website features,videos,printed brochures and QR code leaflet,and social media campaign,Kent Culinary Tourism aims to grow the local economy while positioning Kent as a welcoming destination for diverse cultural experiences. i 0 K 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? R H of C *Answer 14 M The Kent Culinary Tourism project elevates Kent into a vibrant business and leisure destination by highlighting its rich cultural diversity and celebrating its unique heritage -0 O through food.Led by Chef Christina Arokiasamy—a cultural ambassador and dedicated advocate—this initiative has already garnered national attention.In September 2023, J Chef Arokiasamy welcomed The New York Times to Kent,guiding them through local spice markets and preparing traditional dishes that showcase the city's multicultural ` Flavors.This coverage,featured in The New York Times with over 8.6 million digital subscribers,provides significant visibility,linking curious readers globally to Kent v Culinary Tourism.Such high-profile exposure enhances Kent's reputation as an inclusive,diverse,and culturally rich destination,inviting visitors to discover the city's unique offerings firsthand.In partnership with the Port of Seattle,Kent Culinary Tourism targets out-of-state travelers through digital campaigns in cities like San Francisco, attracting culinary-focused visitors.The program's website,social media,and digital brochure feature Kent's minority-owned markets,restaurants,hotels,and parks, tC creating an enriching visitor experience.Local gems such as Fortune Seafood,Byblos Mediterranean Market,Curry and Kebab,Maharaja Cuisine of India,and Nana's y Southern Kitchen have seen new visitors from nearby cities,drawn by campaigns on The Spice Merchant's Daughter Facebook page,which spotlight Kent's authentic Flavors O and unique dining experiences.Kent Culinary Tourism positions the city as a"Global Culinary Melting Pot of Cultures"and an exemplary regional leader in culinary tourism. O The program connects visitors to Kent's community life,inviting them to explore traditions and stories behind each dish through reduced-rate tours led by Chef Arokiasamy. tC These experiences foster local pride and strengthen Kent's image as an inclusive city that honors its immigrant communities. LLI 00 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? r d Y *Answer 15 Our project demonstrates a high degree of partnership across multiple sectors,including immigrant-owned businesses,tour operators,and cultural organizations.We d proudly collaborate with numerous immigrant-owned businesses—such as Hong Kong Market,Afghan Cuisine Restaurant,Punjabi Bazar,and others—that play a vital role in ?� supporting our tours.These partners extend special discounts,allow the distribution of promotional materials,and offer their spaces for tour stops,cultivating strong _C community pride.For 2025,we are also partnering with Inquisi Tours,led by land tour expert Robin Glaeser,Port of Seattle and with 4Culture,to host media tours and > d cooking classes for state food bloggers and national press.Many restaurants have graciously agreed to host private dinners and media tours,providing immersive QC experiences in Kent's culinary landscape.We will create custom culinary tours in Kent,guided by Chef Christina Arokiasamy as our culinary ambassador.These tours C showcase the rich Flavors of immigrant cuisines in the Pacific Northwest and promote Kent's local hotels,fostering economic growth.Through these partnerships,our O r project exhibits a deep commitment to supporting immigrant-owned businesses,enriching cultural tourism,and positioning Kent as a prominent destination. CL 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you C' applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. Q C O L *Answer 16 0 Budget For 2025 Kent Culinary Tourism Marketing Campaign with modest stipends for professional volunteers,extensive in-kind contributions,and an impactful digital and Iq N in-person campaign.1.Kent Culinary Digital Brochure to Redesign to Printed Brochure-$4,200 Professional Design&Non-Staple Bound Printing:Creation of a high-quality, C redesigned Kent Culinary Digital Brochure for increased accessibility.Printed Leaflets with QR Code:Distribution to hotels,restaurants,and markets to broaden reach and cm attract tourists.2.Culinary Tours&Press Events-$24,000 Six Culinary Tours:Highlighting Kent's minority-owned markets and restaurants.Two Press/Food Blogger Invitations:Hosting immersive cultural cooking events to raise awareness and visibility.Event Photography:Professional photography to document and promote events for LL extended outreach.3.Social Media Marketing-$5,000 Creation of 15 professional tourism videos tailored for Instagram and Facebook campaigns.Targeted Advertising = Campaigns:Aimed at raising awareness,drawing visitor interest,and showcasing Kent's unique culinary experiences.4.Website Development-$4,000 Developing 10-15 d landing pages to support minority-owned businesses without websites with Ubed to reach a broader audience beyond their immediate neighborhood.5.General Contingency Fund-$3,000 Allocated for modest food donations and unforeseen expenses in campaign.Total Project Budget:$40,200 Contributions In-Kind Contributions/ V Donation(Spice Production):$5,000 Fundraising:$7,000 Request City of Kent Contribution:$28,200 This campaign will establish Kent as a premier regional tourist destination in 2025,showcasing its diverse culinary and cultural heritage.With professional services/in-kind support,it will create impactful marketing that highlights Kent's Q vibrant culture,encouraging visitors to stay in Kent's hotels and boosting the city's tourism economy. 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. *Answer 17 Yes,the project will need to be scaled down significantly,with minimal social media promotion,fewer interviews,and reduced video features of immigrant businesses on Pa Packet Pg. 24 4.C.b our website.Marketing outreach to the media,community,and tour opportunities will also be limited to match the grant amount.This reduction may impact the project's success in maintaining consistent promotion and visibility,potentially affecting the minority-owned businesses that rely on our marketing assistance to reach a broader audience and help sustain their growth. 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please describe. N C O Answer 18 This funding request aims to expand an ongoing,successful Kent Culinary Tourism project led by Chef Christina Arokiasamy and her team,who has been fostering a deep appreciation for minority and immigrant cuisines since 1996,highlighting that"every dollar spent in the restaurant or stores helps keep a person's heritage alive."The Q- CL project's culinary tours offer participants an authentic connection to Kent's cultural diversity through immigrant stories and cuisine.The expansion will focus on enhancing Q Kent's visibility as a culinary and cultural destination through several new,clearly defined initiatives:Broader Marketing Campaigns:We plan to develop and launch digital marketing campaigns targeted at out-of-state visitors,including paid social media ads and print brochures highlighting Kent's minority-owned restaurants,cultural markets, O and local accommodations.Expanded Culinary Tours and Media Engagement:Building on our current tours,we will increase the number of culinary and cultural tours VrL offered,adding two exclusive media-focused events;providing Kent with valuable media exposure.New Digital Resources for Minority Businesses:We will create 1I-15 K individual landing pages for minority-owned businesses currently without an online presence,helping to increase their visibility and customer access.Enhanced Social Media cc Content:The campaign will add 15 professional video features focused on Kent's culinary tourism to Instagram and Facebook,each highlighting unique dining experiences. 13f This expansion aims to drive measurable increases in visitor engagement,support economic growth for minority-owned businesses,and solidify Kent's position as a key cultural hub in the region. O J d L O Scope of Work v Cn C to This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses � into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. O 7 19.Goals LLI 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 co Taste of Kent/Taste of Community objective is to celebrate immigrant-owned food businesses as cultural pillars,showcasing their vital role in Kent's economy and highlighting generations of food traditions that enrich the community. r d Y 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 v Our objective is to position Kent as a Global Culinary Melting Pot,shining a light on the often-overlooked culinary contributions of immigrants and BIPOC communities. d 3 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 ) Our purpose to use local and national media and social media to promote Kent as global cultural destination to attract tourist and business travelers. > d DC 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 C Positioning Kent as a Global Culinary Melting Pot,attracting tourists and business traveler to uncover Kent hidden culinary gems,and emerging chefs to consider Kent for O r culinary business ventures. 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 Q' Q. Empowering minority businesses with equal access to tourist dollars,this initiative promotes their success through inclusion,fairness,and opportunities to thrive in Kent's Q vibrant tourism economy. C O L 20.Outcomes/Deliverables 0 Iq 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 0 Chef Christina Arokiasamy,with 25+years in world-class culinary expertise,directs this project,supporting minority-owned food businesses to thrive,promoting Kent's N cultural diversity across WA,a key tourist destination for food nationwide.Visit www.themalaysiankitchen.com. LL 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 = Provide more culinary tours to consistently support minority-owned businesses,expanding community engagement and driving steady customer traffic to Kent's diverse a) Flavors. t V 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 M Engage additional media representatives to amplify awareness of minority-owned businesses,positioning them as prominent destinations within Kent and attracting new Q visitors. 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 Economic and Cultural Impact:Foster economic growth and inclusivity by supporting Kent's unique food culture,creating lasting benefits for minority-owned businesses and the broader community. 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 Pa Packet Pg. 25 4.C.b Develop targeted resources like marketing strategies and printed resources,empowering small businesses to build a sustainable presence in the community 21.Estimated Completion Date 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 1 November 15,2025,event conclusion. 22.Success Measures N C O_ 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 1 +' c0 Track growth in tour attendance,aiming for a 25%increase in participants and rise in sales or customer traffic for featured minority-owned businesses. V 0. 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 CL Secure at least 5 new media mentions or features annually,boosting visibility for minority food businesses and drawing visitors to Kent for their ethnic cuisine Q C O 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 L 0 To ensure 75%of participating businesses access the new resources like website,digital and print Kent Culinary Tourism brochure,with measurable improvements in K customer engagement. H i3f C 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. O J *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline 0 January-March 2025 Onsite Video Preparation:January-Video team captures engaging market and restaurant footage.Brochure Creation/Professional Printing:Complete L_ O professionally printed brochure with high-quality photos and print specs by February.Plan distribution with partner hotels,Port of Seattle,Tourism Board,Marinas,Markets, f0 Cafes,Restaurants and to the Media.Tour Planning:February-Schedule culinary and cultural tours with local business owners.Website Write-up:Begin website landing pages for minority businesses by March.Leaflet Printing&Distribution:Finalize,print,and distribute hi-end promotional leaflets across Kent and partner locations by late 3 March.April-July 2025 Social Media Outreach:Launch Instagram campaign for immigrant businesses in early April.Culinary&Cultural Tours:April,May,June,July: O Conduct one culinary tour each month.Website Business Profiles:Complete and upload business profiles on the website by June.August-September 2025 Video �0) Promotion:August-Share engaging content on Instagram,YouTube,featuring business stories and chef interviews.Personal Journey Videos:Highlight minority business O 7 owner journeys across social media.Website Updates:Add chef interviews and an interactive digital map by September.Additional Culinary Tours:Conduct two culinary tours in September.October-November 2025 Host Media Cooking Classes:October and early November-Two cultural cooking classes for media engagement.Community > Building on Social-Media:Strengthen online community through targeted ads and content.Marketing&PR:Amplify Kent tourism visibility,sustaining momentum and LI.I reaching new audiences through continuous marketing.Our professional timeline ensures well thought out process with experienced ongoing engagement to achieve the 0) project goals. 00 r 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? G) Y V fC *Answer 24 0_ 50 in person and over 100,000 people exposed via social media and more on print media exposure 0 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? C O r *Answer 25 t4 t� 30 — CL :Z Q r C O 26.Additional Forms L If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms N to LTACCaIKentWA.aov: C N • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) • Form W-9 PDF) LL • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement(PDF) Gs E You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACC@KentWA.aov. O Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,toy-., less than 10 MB. Q 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an additional insured. • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and Pa Packet Pg. 26 4.C.b a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format determined by the City. The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. *27.1 Certification I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. N C O c0 V .Q C. Q C O ,L^ V x cc I— O J d L O c� C O d O 7 W 00 r d Y V fC a 3 a� m GC c O Q C. Q c ,L^ V Iq N O N O U. C d E t V O Q Pa Packet Pg. 27 4.C.b LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 General Information O r tv 2 This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight D_ on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments CL to LTAC@KentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. Q C ca L *1.Title of the Event/Activity 17th Annual Kent International Festival K R H *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable 625 West James Street Kent Washington 98032 'p O J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) y 10,000 L O v fn *4.Total Project Cost($) .a 41,069 d *S.Name of Organization Kent International Festival 7 W Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. � r *6.Contact Name d Y Nancy Skipton R d *7.Title 3 Executive Director d *8.Mailing Address P.O.Box 6434 C Kent Washington 98064 0 R V *9.Phone — 206-601-6957 CL Q- a *10.Email +' C nancy@ssimplycelebrations.com i (7 *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) N 83-2641455 O N R LL r Event/Activity Information d E t v R This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You Q might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. * 12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Leisure or business tourism promotion/marketing by a non-profit or the City Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event Pa Packet Pg. 28 4.C.b to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? *Answer 13 The Kent International Festival(KIF)is an annual celebration of the cultures represented in Kent and South King County.People of all ages and cultures come to see cultural dances,music,and taste food from around the world.When we learn about each other,we understand,appreciate and most importantly,respect people who are our neighbors.Since 2009,KIF has focused on the shared experience of people of enjoying entertainment,fun and tasty food.The KIF Committee has been successful in making this event one of the biggest in South King County that brings diverse communities together.Our next festival will be held on the Saturday after Memorial Day on the proposed date of May 31,2025.KIF's committee dedicates group efforts toward social media promotion and public relations.We continue to use traditional signage V! advertising the festival including roadside signs and the accesso ShoWare marquee.The festival has an established presence on Facebook and Instagram.We have a C O dedicated person posting to these social media pages with relevant hash tags.KIF uses free listings in local and King County community calendars and publications,posts cc flyers a month before the festival in schools and local retailers,employs ample word-of-mouth networking.KIF plans to post articles/promotion in local publications such as 0 ILoveKent and a small ad in Seattle Times to expand our reach.We are creating brochures to be distributed to hotels promoting our festival to visitors.KIF's website Q averages over 6,000 views per month leading up to the festival. C. Q C 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? i 0 K *Answer 14 H Dedicated to the theme of Learn from Each Other,the Kent International Festival highlights the local community's cultural talent through sharing its rich diverse traditions. Attendees can watch entertainment on two stages throughout the day,visit cultural passport booths,enjoy local ethnic dishes from the International Food Court,and shop C at booths featuring local clothing,jewelry,products and services.The Arena Stage has local dance companies and musical groups from our community and some >� professional performers from King County throughout the day.The Plaza Stage outdoors features community members giving presentations or demonstrations about many 0 O aspects of their culture as well as performances during the day.Cultural Passport booths provide kids and adults with activities and knowledge about each culture J represented.The International Food court in 2025 will feature food trucks and pop-up food booths.These will be serving international dishes and will be locally owned if ` possible.Surveys collected at past festivals reflect attendees learning about other cultures and trying new foods that they had not tried before.Our surveys also show that v our attendees come from all over King and North Pierce counties.Many Cultural Passport booths tell us they felt more connected to and accepted by others at the festival. Some cultural booths have been at our festival for 10 or more years.Our festival offers a view into Kent's wonderful diversity and as a positive,welcoming,inclusive city. '13 C O 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? O W *Answer 15 Kent International Festival attracts a variety of communities from Kent and the surrounding South King County.One City Council member is on our planning committee, 01 Brenda Fincher.Both our committee and our executive board have long term members,like Uriel Varela from the Mayor's office.Nancy Skipton,Executive Director,has been 00 on the committee since the first year and owns an event planning business.Shelby Reynolds,Entertainment Coordinator,who owns a planning company,has been with the festival for 8 years.We have the support of the current Mayor of Kent,multiple businesses,and associations in the city such as the Kent Chamber.Several performers are from Kent,including private dance and musical groups as well as clubs from our local K12 schools.Most of our cultural Passport booths are local Kent groups.Last year we Y had 5 new Passport booth representing countries not previously represented at our festival.Quite a few attendees are from recent refugee or immigrant groups along with v R the long-standing populations who have lived here for decades.Some of our volunteers come from several local groups:John Volken Academy,church groups,Rotary clubs i1 and Toastmasters.We also recruit students from the Kent School District and local colleges.We also use Volunteer Match to gain new volunteers each year. ?� d 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. C O r O *Answer 16 C1 Kent International Festival is a community driven and funded event that is free to attend.Each year it partners with local businesses and community organizations to support Q. the event as$500 sponsors.To name a few,Sound Credit Union,Kent Community Foundation,and Cruise Planners have supported the event for multiple years.We have C- gained the support of local banks,Sound Transit,King Country Metro,and medical insurance providers as sponsors.We anticipate 10 to 12 of these sponsors.We apply for Q multiple grants every year with good success:4Culture,CASP grant from City of Kent(pending award for 2025),and ArtsWA Grant(awarded$4000 for 2025).This year we are also applying for$5000 from Muckleshoot Tribe.Last year we were awarded$7500 from the Community Accelerator Grant.We are not applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality.Kent Community Foundation has sponsored an Art Exhibition featuring the artwork of Kent school district students for numerous years for our festival.Local service organizations have booths at the festival to educate attendees on the services they offer.We charge for booths at the festival($100/booth—60 booths � N estimated)and rely on individual donations including in-kind work for professional services.All this revenue combined covers renting the accesso ShoWare Center, c N administrative costs,professional sound services,artist fees for professional performers,insurance,stage rentals,publicity/marketing,printing materials,general supplies, _ and other miscellaneous fees. O LL J C 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. G1 E t V *Answer 17 M Kent International Festival will happen with or without LTAC Grant because of its established network of committed volunteers,community partners and ongoing sponsors Q and grant awards.LTAC support would enable the festival to grow in the following areas.We could expand our publicity and advertise to thereby draw larger audiences.We would distribute our festival brochures and flyers to hotels in a wider geographical area with the additional funding.This would potentially bring attendance by people visiting our state during the day of our festival.As an established festival of 16 years,we have the experience to adjust to varying funding levels.Each year we gain new funding from new local businesses and new grant opportunities like this one.Although we have had minimal attrition by past supporters,most of our sponsors and partners have supported us for several years.Our broad base of fundraising gives us stability and longevity.We have been able to produce a successful in-person festival every year since 2009 except during COVID when we produced two livestreamed online celebrations of our festival in 2020 and 2021. Pa Packet Pg. 29 4.C.b 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please describe. Answer 18 This funding request is to expand an ongoing event.After holding the virtual event in June of 2020 and 2021,we returned to holding an in-person festival again in June of 2022.We have,until 2020,held the festival annually in person without interruption.Attendance had grown from 1,500 in 2009 to over 6,500 attendees in 2019.Our N attendance in 2022 was estimated at around 2500 for our first year back after COVID.We grew back to 3500 in 2023 and 4000 in 2024.We strive to get back to 5000 G attendees in 2025.Funding by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee(LTAC)Grant would support the following areas of growth and expansion:•Expand our publicity to , reach audiences from a wider geographical area—more of King County and Pierce County•Pay for ads in publications or social media—budget$600.•Produce festival R v brochures to be distributed to hotels and chambers of Commerce in a larger region of King County and North Pierce.•Increased roadside signage and publicity to attract a larger base of attendees from a broader region.(Large signs—add thirty at$20.00 per sign) O- Q Q C cC /L^ V Scope of Work K O H 0) c This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. O J N 19.Goals L O v 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 0) Kent International Festival enhances community building.Attendees come together to"Learn from Each Other."We will continue to showcase Kent as a positive inclusive city that welcomes visitors and tourists to enjoy Kent's diverse offerings. O d 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 O 7 Keep the festival free to attend W 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 Maintain cost effective booth rental fees for a diverse,representative mix of local businesses to gain exposure and grow their customer base. 00 r 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 Entertain audiences with a comprehensive schedule of cultural performances and presentations enhancing our theme of Learning from Each Other Y 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 Ensure a wide dissemination of event publicity,performance schedules,and printed materials to encourage attendance from a larger region across King and Pierce County. d 3 s 20.Outcomes/Deliverables 'a! d 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 Continue to secure funding to continue to keep the festival free to attend p r� R 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 v Find 4 distinct new cultural Passport Booth groups and 4 new local businesses to expand the number of cultural groups and businesses involved with our festival. a O_ 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 Q Deliver high-quality entertainment schedules for both performance stages R L 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 Advertise on all media:roadside signage,social media ads,word-of-mouth,community groups,newspapers,and brochures/flyers to draw a wider region of attendees C N 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 30 Word Limit LL L r 21.Estimated Completion Date d E 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 1 V May 312025 r a 22.Success Measures 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 1 High Turnout:4500 attendees 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 Happy Attendees:95%positive experience survey responses Pa Packet Pg. 30 4.C.b 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 Referrals/Social Proof:80%would recommend to a friend or give positive reviews online as survey responses 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline N On or before 12/1/2024—Secure festival date at accesso ShoWare Center 1/1/2025—formally begin KIF 2022 preparations ongoing—fundraising and grant submittals G Monthly—planning committee and executive board meetings 2/1/2025—update website 2/8/2023—all festival applications finalized 2/10/2025—release of all applications , Twice per month—planning committee meetings Monthly Executive Board meetings 3/15/2025—begin publicity and volunteer recruitment campaigns 3/31/2025—reserve v rental of plaza stage and ten 4/4/2025—Secure liability event insurance 4/19/2025—All flyers and brochures produced and ready for distribution On or before 5/3/2025— all festival applications due and roadside signs placed 5/17/2025—Finalize volunteers and entertainers ready for the festival program ongoing—training,meetings,logistics CL Q 5/31/2025—Day of Festival By mid-June—Post Festival Review with board and committee 6/30/2025—All final reports for grants completed and submitted Q r C ca 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? L X M *Answer 24 F_ 4500 or more C 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? O J N L *Answer 2S v The festival has not traditionally attracted guests requiring overnight stays.Our attendees come mainly from South King County and North Pierce County.As the KIF grows to in attendance each year,guests requiring overnight stays may increase. C d 7 26.Additional Forms > W If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTAC(c0KentWA.gov: 0) 00 r • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF • Form W-9 PDF) • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance d Y Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement(PDF) You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTAC(cbKentWA.gov. d 3 Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to N less than 10 MB. C O 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: c�C V • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an a additional insured. Q- • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and Q a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format determined by the City. The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. N O N *27.1 Certification R I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. LL r C d E t v R r a Pa Packet Pg. 31 4.C.b LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 to General Information O c0 2 This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q. on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments CL to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. Q C O L *1.Title of the Event/Activity 0 2025 Events at accesso ShoWare Center K R I— *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable 2025 Events at accesso ShoWare Center-625 W James Street Kent WA 98032 G J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) y 30,000 0 O c� *4.Total Project Cost($) 13 30,000 r_ d *S.Name of Organization accesso ShoWare Center 7 W 00 Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. r *6.Contact Name (D Y Kelly Spreitzer a *7.Title 3 Director of Sales&Marketing ) d *8.Mailing Address GC 625 W.James Street C Kent WA 98032 r t4 *9.Phone 2 253-856-6705 Q- Q. Q *10.Email C kspreitzer@accessoshowarecenter.com 0 *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) N 600-679-592 O N O LL Event/Activity Information y E z v to This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You Q might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. * 12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Leisure or business tourism promotion/marketing by a non-profit or the City Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event Pa Packet Pg. 32 4.C.b to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? *Answer 13 accesso ShoWare Center is a sporting and entertainment venue located in the downtown Kent district.Our methods of promotion will include sending emails to our database,social media posts,coordinating digital advertising campaigns. 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? jp C O r *Answer 14 v Events at accesso ShoWare Center promote a positive image for Kent as a regional destination giving the local and regional community opportunities to see artists and shows in a convenient location.The amenities in the surrounding area that include free parking,nearby hotel accommodations and nearby dining enhances guest's CL Q experiences. Q r C cC IS.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic L organization support)? X R H *Answer 15 of C The degree of partnership can vary dependent on event's booked throughout the year.Event promoters are very important to the booking operation of accesso ShoWare Center,and these relationships are imperative for success. O J N 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you LO applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. v fn C *Answer 16 At this time accesso ShoWare Center in not seeking an additional funding source 7 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. > W *Answer 17 00 If partial funding is available,accesso ShoWare Center management will be able to modify the use of funds.While events are booked on a rolling calendar basis, r management projects the amount of events hosted at the venue annually based on previous years. r d Y 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing v cC project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please d describe. 3 N d Answer 18 The funding request for accesso ShoWare Center will help create opportunities to bring in shows to the venue.The opportunities will be created by working with local, O regional and national promoters to leverage these funds to enhance their advertising efforts on events that are booked at the venue. 2 R v .Q O_ Scope of Work Q c tv ,L^ V This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses N into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. N R 19.Goals LL r C 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 G) Provide exposure to events booked at accesso ShoWare Center.Events will drive additional foot traffic to the core of Downtown Kent and overnight stays in one of our hotels. v R r 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 Q Increase attendance at events booked at accesso ShoWare Center in 2025 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 Increase number of heads in beds for Kent hotels 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 Connect with former and new promoters of events to broaden our offerings at accesso ShoWare Center in 2025 Pa Packet Pg. 33 4.C.b 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 Encourage visitors of accesso ShoWare Center to utilize VisitKent.com website to plan their upcoming visit to the City of Kent in hopes to increase tourism dollars spent in the area. 20.Outcomes/Deliverables 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 N Increase the number of promoters that utilize accesso ShoWare Center in 2025 which will in-turn increase the number of events hosted at the venue. C O r 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 v 30 Word Limit .Q CL 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 Q 30 Word Limit C ca L 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 (� 30 Word Limit X M H 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 of 30 Word Limit 21.Estimated Completion Date O J N 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 1 December 31,2025 fn 22.Success Measures C 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 1 Increase of annual attendance of event at accesso ShoWare Center O 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 Ll W 30 Word Limit 00 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 r 30 Word Limit r d Y 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. v tC IL 3 *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline ) Throughout 2025 calendar year > d C 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? O r� R V *Answer 24 Q. Upwards of up to 10,000 Q- a 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? i *Answer 25 N O Estimating approximately 200 N M LL r C d 26.Additional Forms E t If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms v to LTAC(:0KentWA.aov: r a • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) • Form W-9 PDF) • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACPKentWA.00v. Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to Pa Packet Pg. 34 4.C.b less than 10 MB. 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an additional insured. _ • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and N a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format p determined by the City. +_ t0 t) The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. Q C. Q *27.1 Certification +' C I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. i 0 K R H i3f C O J d L O t� C d 7 W 00 r d Y V fC a 3 a� m GC c O Q C. Q c ,L^ V Iq N O N C U. C d E t V M Q Pa Packet Pg. 35 4.C.b LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 N General Information O c0 2 This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q. on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments CL to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. Q C O ,L^ *i.Title of the Event/Activity V PNDC-Pints and Professionals K R I— *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable TBD Kent WA 98030 G J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) y 3,000 0 O c� *4.Total Project Cost($) 13 6,000 r_ d *5.Name of Organization +' O Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition 7 W 00 Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. r *6.Contact Name d Y Denise Ryser v R a *7.Title 3 President and CEO d *8.Mailing Address DC P.O.Box 1379 C Lake Oswego OR 97035 r O *9.Phone 2 407-227-2955 Q' Q. Q *10.Email C denise@pndc.us O ,L^ V *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) N 20-3180915 O N O LL Event/Activity Information y E z v to This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You Q might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. * 12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Leisure or business tourism promotion/marketing by a non-profit or the City Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event Pa Packet Pg. 36 4.C.b to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? *Answer 13 Pints and Professionals is a lively,PNDC-hosted gathering that offers a unique in-person networking opportunity for those in the defense and security sectors.This event invites PNDC members—primarily defense industry manufacturers—as well as other businesses within the defense industrial base to connect,collaborate,and enjoy great food and refreshments.Targeted to companies contributing to the defense ecosystem,the event particularly appeals to businesses across the Pacific Northwest,including the large aerospace community in the greater Kent area.Attendees span the defense industrial supply chain and also include companies providing vital support,such as materials testing,technology services,or certification management.Events like Pints and Professionals provide invaluable opportunities to navigate the complex web of V! suppliers,partners,and processes essential for success in defense contracting.To attract a diverse crowd,PNDC will promote the event through our newsletter,social O O media,and other advertising,aiming to engage both current members and new companies looking to deepen their connections within this dynamic industry. t) 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? CL Q C *Answer 14 !0 L This event has seen great success in various regions where PNDC supports its members,including Oregon,southern Washington,and more recently Idaho and Montana. Vr These events have become favorites,sparking new business connections and expanding networks across the industry for future opportunities.While recent events in Kent K have been well-received,this particular gathering highlights our commitment to the rapidly growing manufacturing and aerospace sectors in the city and surrounding areas. R PNDC's mission to strengthen the defense industrial supply chain is supported by linking Kent's dynamic growth to the larger Pacific Northwest.Our Pints and Professionals H event promotes Kent as an ideal destination for both business and leisure,drawing PNDC members and businesses from across the region to experience its thriving C business environment firsthand.As Kent continues to establish itself as a major hub for the space industry,a robust supply chain is essential to sustaining this growth.By 0) showcasing Kent's thriving business and inviting social scene,we demonstrate why this city is an excellent choice for companies looking to expand. -0 O J d L 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic O organization support)? V 13 C *Answer 15 ra The Pints and Professionals(P&P)event showcases collaboration across the Pacific Northwest,uniting businesses from Washington,Oregon,Idaho,and beyond.In 2024 +0) PNDC hosted a P&P locally in Auburn with attendance reaching almost 50.Our 2023 event in Kent drew 54 attendees eager to connect and explore regional business opportunities.Looking ahead to 2025,we anticipate even greater participation,expanding on turnout and enhancing cross-state business flows into Kent.At our last event, a corporate partner provided branded take-home items for attendees,adding a personalized touch to the networking experience.With support from the City of Kent,we can > W continue elevating this event,attracting more businesses and facilitating connections with Kent's prominent defense and aerospace companies. 0) 00 V_ 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. d Y V *Answer 16 PNDC implements a low-barrier entrance fee and seeks business sponsors to support the financial cast of networking style events such as our Pints and Professionals.2024 i1 has been ripe with businesses joining PNDC or participating in our innovation programs indicating increased participation in 2025.Support from the City of Kent allows PNDC d to adjust resource allocation to reach the widest audience and attract our members from beyond the local area.PNDC is not applying for Lodging Tax Funds from any other j municipality at this time. C O 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. t� *Answer 17 O. Q. Yes.PNDC is the host of many events in the PNW throughout the year.The Pints and Professional event is a regular staple in our rotation and will occur even if only partial Q funding is available.Some of our members work in the Kent area and we plan our events around the PNW to meet them where they are.Even a partial funding of this event in Kent will go a long way for our non-profit mission of supporting defense manufacturers in the NW. 0 Iq 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing C project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please N describe. LL J Answer 18 This will be the third year of specifically hosting a Pints and Professionals in the Kent region.PNDC hopes to use this momentum to continue shaping our presence in the area as a go-to expert in defense information and opportunity.With the continued growth in the space and aerospace industries through the Kent area this seems like a t likely future outlook.As we are able to host more events in and around Kent the value of our members and businesses relocating or expanding operations to the area V O becomes more apparent. Q Scope of Work This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses Pa Packet Pg. 37 4.C.b into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. 19.Goals 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 Create an access point of exposure to the defense manufacturing and aerospace industry in Kent to the entire Pacific Northwest defense industrial base ecosystem N 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 O O Create an environment conducive to business networking and business expansion for companies in Kent and throughout the Pacific Northwest ' t) 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 Q. Bring recognition to the robust defense industrial supply chain and expand opportunities for business security,resiliency,and durability C 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 Support the Kent ecosystem b leveraging the PNDC network and bringing companies to the area to see what Kent has to offer from both business and leisure perspectives i pp Y Y 9 9 9 9 p p p � 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 30 Word Limit Z3f C 20.Outcomes/Deliverables O 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet i J Increase the participation at the Kent Pints and Professionals by 50%to having 70 participants and increasing the out of town guests from Oregon,Idaho,and Washington ` beyond the greater Seattle region O c� 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 13 Attract a second corporate partnership for the event to entice more small businesses and provide an opportunity to share their business value with larger companies in the r_ O industry d O 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 Connect with Kent based companies that could benefit from PNDC or the PNDC network and continue to lean into the area with our organization O LU 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 30 Word Limit 000 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 r 30 Word Limit d Y V 21.Estimated Completion Date o_ 3 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 1 a> Planning for our 2024 event began November 2023.Venue was secured prior to December 2023 which included marketing and promotion.A similar schedule will be followed for the 2025 event. C 22.Success Measures C r O 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 1 2 Positive feedback from participants about business connections made and event structure CL Q. Q 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 C Additional participation from Kent-based companies interacting with the defense supply chain throughout the Pacific Northwest i 0 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 Iq Increased registration and participation from the 2024 event p N O 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. LL r.� C *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline d November 2024:begin planning,venue contact,prepare socials and promotional outreach,sponsor outreach December/January 2024:secure venue,launch social and t promotional outreach,begin registrations February 2025:Pints and Professional event February-March 2025:survey feedback from participants,metrics evaluation V M Q 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? *Answer 24 60-75 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? Pa Packet Pg. 38 4.C.b *Answer 25 15-20% 26.Additional Forms N C O If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms c0 to LTAC(alKentWA.gov: t) .Q • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) Q. • Form W-9 PDF) Q • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) i 0 You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACCaIKentWA.gov. K R Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to less than 10 MB. C O 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: J d • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an O additional insured. V • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format determined by the City. O d The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. *27.1 Certification LV I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. p) 00 r d Y V fC a 3 a� m GC c O CL a Q c n: ,L^ V Iq N O N O U. C d E t V O Q Pa Packet Pg. 39 4.C.b Submission# 3588438 IP Address 198.134.98.50 Submission Recorded On 10/31/2024 9:10 pm Time to Take Survey 43 minutes,23 seconds LTAC Grant Application N C LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 2 General Information Q- CL This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. L *1.Title of the Event/Activity A X In-Person Networking and Digital Promotion of Kent area Space Conference ~ Z3f *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable Not applicable,will occur in multiple locations across 6 out of state cities. G Seattle WA 98116 J *3.Grant Amount Requested($)A O 15,000 *4.Total Project Cost($)9 13 C 15,000 d *S.Name of Organization Space Happy Hour LLC W Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. CD *6.Contact Name 00 Craig Baerwaldt r *7.Title 1 Founder and Principal v R *S.Mailing Address 0_ 3 4521 SW Massachusets St a> Seattle WA 98116 *9.Phone C 206-200-8143 O r *10.Email v craig@spacehappyhour.com Q. Q. *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) Q r 93-4981938 0 Event/Activity Information Iq N This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You N might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. W LL *12.Check all categories that apply to this application: r.� Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to t business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? V M *Answer 13 0 Q Space Happy Hour LLC is organizing a space industry conference to be held in early June of 2025 in the greater Puget Sound area during"Seattle Space Week."The goal of this grant$15,000(fifteen thousand)is to support outreach across the United States to bring several hundred out of town guests to the greater Seattle area and to the City of Kent.The conference will be a collaboration of key space industry centers within Puget Sound including the cities of Kent,Tukwila,Renton,Redmond and Seattle.While the conference may touch multiple cities,some conference activity(ies)will take place within the City of Kent.Outreach to potential attendees will include:in-person announcements and networking at Space Industry events in the largest U.S.Space Industry Hubs(see list below),marketing banners for both City of Kent and the space conference at Space Happy Hour in Q1 of 2025 at those events,social media posts on Space Happy Hour Social Channels and mentions in the Space Happy Hour eNewsletter. •Denver•Houston•Los Angeles•Worldcom 51st Space Conference(Jan 28-30)•San Francisco Bay Area•Space Coast Florida(Jan 30)•Washington D.C.(Jan 22&23) 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? *Answer A Packet Pg. 40 While Kent is uniquely positioned to serve the space industry with its specialized workforce,convenient accessible location and advanced manufacturing,there is little 4.C.b awareness nationally to the depth,breadth and extent of the robust space industry that exists in Kent and greater Puget Sound.Even within the space industry,very few people know that the vast majority of global satellite production(SpaceX Starlink,Amazon Kuiper and LeoStella)happens in the greater Puget Sound and Kent Valley.While most people are fairly aware that Blue Origin is from Kent,very few are aware of Stoke Space and other Kent companies.The goal of the outreach goes beyond just driving out of town attendance to a conference with a Kent presence,it aims to put Kent and the greater Puget Sound area on the map as a space industry powerhouse with equal representation to greater Los Angeles,Denver,Houston and Space Coast,FL space industry.The conference will bring national space reporters and foreign trade delegations (economic development)to the Puget Sound and a conference goal is to increase national awareness to the robust space industry business in the Puget Sound. 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? O *Answer 15 0 The primary goal of this grant is support outreach to out of town space industry and influencers(media,international trade delegation,space industry influencers)to promote V the space conference in early June,drive registrations for the conference and ultimately get hundreds of space industry professionals to travel 50+miles to greater Kent for 0. the conference.A secondarygoal is to shine a light on the Kent Valle and greater Puget Sound region as a premier location to locate a space industry business economic 9 9 Y 9 9 9 P P rY ( Q development).While the primary goals will be executed by Space Happy Hour,Craig Baerwald principal has a long history of interdisciplinary interaction with key Puget Sound area institutions.Leveraging coordination amongst these collaborative organizations is key for success of the conference.A few highlight of past collaborations:Seattle Space O Week•State of the Space Industrial Base Reception o 140 Registered Included:Space Industry,City of Kent,City of Tukwila,City of Renton,NewSpace Nexus,Federal ` Government,Space Northwest and One Redmond o Sponsorship from City of Tukwila,Washington State Department of Commerce•Spaceball—Space Industry Night at the K Seattle Mariners o Over 300 attendees from greater Seattle Space Industry in our first year.One Redmond Space Multi-Year presence at One Redmond Space innovations cc meetings. Z3f 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. -p O *Answer 16 A Yes,Space Happy Hour has previously received funding from City of Tukwila and Washington State Department of Commerce.Space Happy Hour will be soliciting funding to O support the conference from City of Tukwila,Washington State Department of Commerce,and Greater Seattle Partners.Additionally,we will be pulling in corporate sponsorships for the trade show once we have show size(targeting 300-1000 people and potential venues for our audience.)The direct ask for the City of Kent grant funding is for conference outreach to space industry outside the State of Washington and education on Kent as a marquee space industry hub.Grant requests from other organizations and entities will focus on marketing of the conference and funds to support the operational logistics of the conference.The number of attendees staying in Kent O is nebulous at this time as final venue has to be chosen.The goal is to get several hundred people to attend the conference from out of town,and for several conference �0) related activities to take place in Kent.We're currently exploring one-day of tradebooth exposition one day in Kent and another in Redmond.We're also exploring a potential O 7 partnership on this aspect of the show with the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance(PNAA) 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. W *Answer 1700 0 Yes,if only partial funding is available the number of in-person visits to cities visited and supporting outreach would be reduced defined in the deliverable section. 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please Y describe. v R a Answer IS A 3 Yes,this grant request is to support outreach to out of state space industry professional for a greater Kent and Puget Sound space industry conference that has never existed 0 before. > 0 DC C Scope of Work O r t4 This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into 2 bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. CL Q. 19.Goals Q r C 19.1 Goal Bullet 10 O L Create awareness and drive registrations for a greater Kent Valley and Puget Sound space industry conference in early June of 2025 through in-person networking events 0 outside of Washington State. Iq N 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 A N Create awareness for a greater Kent Valley and Puget Sound space industry conference in early June of 2025 through Space Happy Hour Social Media and eNewsletter placements. LL 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 A c G1 Media Outreach to encourage national space industry reporter,podcasters and influencers to visit Kent and during space conference in early June 2025. E t 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 0 v O Put Kent and greater Puget Sound area on the map as a space industry powerhouse with equal representation to greater Los Angeles,Denver,Houston and Space Coast,FL Q space industry. 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 NA 20.Outcomes/Deliverables 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 0 •Travel costs to metropolitan areas during Q1 2025:o Denver(2)o Houston o Los Angeles(2)o San Francisco Bay Area(2)o Space Coast,FL o Washington D.C. 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 A Packet Pg. 41 •Creation of Two(2)pop-up trade show type pop-up banners to be displayed during visits to space industry hubs listed above and displayed during Spacel events. 4.C.b 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 a •Advertising placements in Space Happy Hour media properties with national reach:o Social Media channels(LinkedIn,Instagram,Facebook,Twitter)o eNewsletters 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 0 •Outreach and leveraging relationships with nationally recognized space industry journalists to attend the conference and visit Kent space company facilities. 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 0 NA N C O 21.Estimated Completion Date cc 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 10 —t) Q All travel to 9 events in six cities,digital outreach and other deliverables are expected to by complete by Q1 2025,end of March 2025. Q Q 22.Success Measures ++ C 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 10 L Announcements and marketing materials were displayed to 1100 people at 9 different in person networking events,across 7 cities in Q1 of 2025. cc 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 A H Thousands of impressions touting Kent as the place to do business in the space industry to users across the United States. C 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 0 .a Multiple national space media attend June space conference,visit Kent area space company facilities and write positive articles about the greater Puget Sound Space Industry. O J 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. O *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline(i C j Digital Outreach]an 012025•Travel costs for in-person networking,announcements and activation o Denver Two Space Happy Hour events January—March 2025 o Houston One Space Happy Hour events January—March 2025 o Los Angeles(2) Two Space Happy Hour events January—March 2025 o San Francisco Bay Area(2) O Two Space Happy Hour events January—March 2025 o Space Coast,FL Space Happy Hour,January 30,2025 o Washington D.C. Space Happy Hour January 22 2025, G) location TBD SSPI Winter Soiree January 23 2025,Amazon HQ2 National Media Engagement 01 January 2025-30 March 2025 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? *Answer 24 LI.I Roughly 1100 for in-person networking,across 9 events in 6 cities. 00 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? *Answer 25 G) Y Total Kent specific attendance is unknown. a 26.Additional Forms 3 d If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTACCbKentWA.aov: • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) • Form W-9 PDF) O • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) 2 You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACOKentWA.aov. Q Q Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to less than 10 MB. �p L 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: 0 N • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an O additional insured. N • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and a W signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format LL determined by the City. d The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. E t *27.1 Certification V O I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agencyapplying for fundin and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. 9 P P 9 q Q Packet Pg. 42 4.C.b Submission# 3588232 IP Address 174.164.28.221 Submission Recorded On 10/31/2024 5:14 pm Time to Take Survey 8 minutes,20 seconds LTAC Grant Application N C LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 2 General Information Q- CL This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments to LTACCaIKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. L *1.Title of the Event/Activity A X Kent Chamber's 1st Annual Golf Tournament ~ Z3f *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable na 'a Kent wa 98031 O J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) 25,000 fU *4.Total Project Cost($) 13 C 50,000 m *S.Name of Organization Kent Chamber of Commerce W Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. 0) *6.Contact Name 00 Zenovia Harris r *7.Title I CEO v R *S.Mailing Address d 3 524 West Meeker St.Suite 1 a> Kent,wa WA 98032 *9.Phone C 253-854-1770 ext.140 O r *10.Email v zharris@kentchamber.com Q. Q. *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) Q r 91-0762912 0 Event/Activity Information Iq N This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You N might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. W LL *12.Check all categories that apply to this application: r.� Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to t business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? V M *Answer 13 0 Q The Kent Chamber of Commerce's 1st Annual Golf Tournament will be an exciting networking event targeting business professionals,community leaders,and golf enthusiasts. Scheduled for[insert date]at[insert golf course name],the event will draw participants from Kent and surrounding areas,aiming to foster business connections while promoting local economic engagement.We plan to promote the event through targeted email campaigns,social media channels,and partnerships with local businesses and media outlets to maximize visibility and reach a broad audience.Additionally,well use press releases,digital advertising,and community event listings to attract leisure travelers and business professionals alike.This tournament will position Kent as a vibrant and connected business community,attracting both regional visitors and local residents to Kent's leisure and business offerings. 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? *Answer 14 Hosting the 1st Annual Golf Tournament establishes Kent as a thriving hub for business networking and community engagement.This event will showcase Packet Pg. 43 premier destination for corporate gatherings,leisure events,and recreation,highlighting its beautiful landscapes,community spirit,and local amenities.By drawing business 4.C.b professionals and leisure visitors,the event will also stimulate economic activity for local businesses,including hotels,restaurants,and retail establishments,enhancing Kent's reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination for both work and play. 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? *Answer 15 This tournament will involve extensive collaboration with local businesses,media,and community organizations:Corporate Sponsorships:Local businesses will be N approached to sponsor tournament holes,prizes,and event activities,fostering partnerships and community engagement.Volunteer Involvement:Community members and C chamber volunteers will assist with event logistics,setup,registration,and on-course activities.Media Partnerships:Collaborations with local media will help promote the O r event,ensuring wide visibility and community support.These partnerships will increase the event's impact and provide mutual benefits,supporting both the Chamber's v initiatives and community engagement. .Q 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you C applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. r C *Answer 16 L Additional revenue sources include:Corporate Sponsorships:Sponsorship opportunities will be offered to local businesses,supporting the event financially and providing exposure to Kent's business community.Participant Fees:Golfers will pay a registration fee,which will help fund event operations and amenities.In-Kind Donations:Local R businesses will be encouraged to contribute prizes,refreshments,and volunteer support to reduce expenses.This request is solely for Lodging Tax Funds from Kent,as we H are not applying in any other jurisdiction. C 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. O *Answer 17 J Yes,the tournament can proceed with adjustments:Scale Reduction:We can reduce the number of participants or limit some event activities to fit within a smaller budget. i Venue Adjustments:A more cost-effective venue can be selected if needed,or certain amenities scaled back.Program Adjustments:Essential components will be prioritized, O v with non-essential activities reduced.These changes will ensure the tournament's core goals are met within budget. fn 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing C project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please O describe. 7 Answer IS This funding request is for a new event:the inaugural Kent Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament.This event is anticipated to become an annual tradition, I j supporting Kent's business community and increasing exposure to Kent as a key destination for business networking and leisure activities. 0) 00 Scope of Work This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into d bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. Y v tC 19.Goals d 3 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 Attract 100 participants from local and regional businesses. d 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 O Secure at least 10 local business sponsors. 2 R 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 y Raise funds to support Chamber programs and community initiatives. Q' O_ 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 Q C Promote Kent as a premier destination for business networking events. R L 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 Foster lasting connections among business and community leaders. C 20.Outcomes/Deliverables N R 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 LL. Successful execution of the 1st Annual Kent Chamber Golf Tournament. d 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 E t Distribution of promotional materials to all participants. v R 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 a Media coverage of the event to highlight Kent's community engagement. 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 Post-event survey indicating satisfaction from participants and sponsors. 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 Strong partnerships established for future events. 21.Estimated Completion Date 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet i Packet Pg. 44 Event scheduled for June 2025 with all activities concluding in that month. 4.C.b 22.Success Measures 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 10 Achieving a minimum of 100 participants. 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 A Securing at least 10 corporate sponsors. 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 A Positive feedback from 90%of participants and sponsors. G c0 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. 2 Q *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline( CL February 1,2024:Launch event promotion through social media,email,and Chamber channels.April 1,2024:Secure sponsorships and finalize event logistics,including Q vendor agreements.May 1,2024:Open registration and distribute promotional materials to local businesses.June 1,2024:Confirm participant list,volunteers,and finalize all cc event details.June 15,2024:Host the 1st Annual Kent Chamber Golf Tournament,including registration,tournament rounds,and awards ceremony.June 30,2024:Send L post-event surveys and compile feedback for future planning. cc 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? H of *Answer 24 100-150 participants,including golfers,sponsors,and community members O 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? J d *Answer 25 0 O We anticipate approximately 15 to 20 attendees will require overnight accommodations in Kent j 13 26.Additional Forms d If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTAC(CKentWA.aov: 7 • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) • Form W-9 PDF) LV • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement(LDF) 00 You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACC@KentWA.00v. Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to y less than 10 MB. Y V R 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: d 3 • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an d additional insured. > • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and a p� signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format determined by the City. C r The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. t) CL *27.1 Certification Q. I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. Q C ,L^ V Iq N O N U. a+ C d E t V M Q Packet Pg. 45 4.C.b Submission# 3588219 IP Address 174.164.28.221 Submission Recorded On 10/31/2024 4:50 pm Time to Take Survey 16 minutes,56 seconds LTAC Grant Application rn C LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 2 General Information Q- CL This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments to LTACCaIKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. L *1.Title of the Event/Activity R Civics Bee ~ Z3f *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable Green River College-Kent Station G Kent,wa WA 98032 J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) O 15,000 fU *4.Total Project Cost($) C 40,000 d *S.Name of Organization Kent Chamber of Commerce W Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. 0) *6.Contact Name 00 Zenovia Harris r *7.Title I CEO v R *S.Mailing Address 0_ 3 524 West Meeker St.Suite 1 a> Kent,wa WA 98032 *9.Phone C 253-854-1770 ext.140 O r *10.Email v zharris@kentchamber.com Q. Q. *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) Q r 91-0762912 0 Event/Activity Information Iq N This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You N might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. W LL *12.Check all categories that apply to this application: r.� Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to t business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? V M *Answer 13 0 Q The National Civics Bee is a nonpartisan competition aimed at engaging middle school students in civic knowledge and community involvement.By hosting this event in Kent, we aim to attract participants,their families,educators,and civic enthusiasts from across the region.Promotion strategies will include targeted social media campaigns, email newsletters to educational institutions,press releases to local and regional media outlets,and collaborations with civic organizations to broaden outreach.These efforts will highlight Kent as a hub for civic engagement and educational excellence,drawing visitors to the city. 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? *Answer14 A Hosting the National Civics Bee positions Kent as a leader in promoting civic education and community involvement.The event will showcase the city's commitment to fostering informed and active citizenship,enhancing its reputation as a community that values education and civic responsibility.Additionally,the influx of attendees will boost local businesses,including hotels,restaurants,and retail establishments,thereby promoting Kent as a vibrant and welcoming destina Packet Pg. 46 business and leisure travelers. 4.C.b 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? *Answer 15 A The event will be a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders:Educational Institutions:Local schools will participate by encouraging student involvement and providing volunteers.Civic Organizations:Partnerships with groups such as the U.S.Chamber of Commerce Foundation will provide resources and support.Local Businesses: Sponsorships and in-kind contributions from businesses will enhance event offerings and provide mutual promotional opportunities.Volunteers:Community members will be engaged as volunteers to assist with event logistics,fostering a sense of local ownership and pride.This multi-faceted partnership approach ensures broad community V! engagement and support. O O 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you V applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. Q *Answer 16 CL Q In addition to the requested grant,funding will be sought from:Corporate Sponsorships:Local businesses will be approached for sponsorships to support event costs.In-Kind Donations:Contributions such as venue space,promotional materials,and volunteer time will be solicited to offset expenses.Participant Fees:Nominal registration fees may L be considered to contribute to the event's sustainability.We are not applying for Lodging Tax Funds from any other municipality. Vr 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. K R H *Answer 17 a1 C Yes,the event can proceed with modifications:Scale Adjustment:Reducing the number of participants or event duration to align with available funds.Venue Selection: Choosing a more cost-effective venue or utilizing community spaces at a lower cost.Program Streamlining:Focusing on core activities and eliminating non-essential G components to reduce expenses.These adjustments will ensure the event's objectives are met within the constraints of the available budget. J 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please O 0 describe. fA C Answer 18 v O This funding request is for a new event in Kent.The National Civics Bee has been successfully hosted in other regions,and this will be its inaugural occurrence in our city. 0) Bringing this event to Kent will introduce a proven program that promotes civic engagement and education,tailored to our community's unique characteristics and needs. Scope of Work W This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into 0) bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. 19.Goals r d 19.1 Goal Bullet 1 Y v Engage 100 middle school students in a civic knowledge competition. a 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 A Attract 200 attendees,including participants'families and educators,to Kent. j d 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 0 DC Foster partnerships with at least five local businesses and civic organizations. p r O 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 0v Enhance Kent's reputation as a center for civic education and engagement. Q Q. 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 A Q Provide educational resources to all participants to encourage ongoing civic involvement. C O 20.Outcomes/Deliverables L Iq 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet i A N Successful execution of the National Civics Bee event in Kent. N 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 A LL Distribution of educational materials to 100 student participants. C 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 A d Media coverage in at least three local or regional outlets highlighting the event. V 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 A O r� Post-event survey indicating increased civic knowledge among participants. Q 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 A Establishment of ongoing relationships with participating schools and organizations for future events. 21.Estimated Completion Date 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 10 The event is scheduled for May 2025,with all activities concluding by that date. 22.Success Measures 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 10 Packet Pg. 47 Achieving a minimum of 100 student participants in the competition. 4.C.b 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 A Securing attendance of at least 200 individuals,including participants and their families. 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 9 Receiving positive feedback from 90%of participants and attendees in post-event surveys. 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. N *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline p November 2024:Begin promotional campaign via social media,email newsletters,and partnerships with local schools and civic organizations to raise awareness.December p 2024:Finalize partnerships and secure sponsorships with local businesses and civic organizations to support event funding and logistics.January 2025:Open registration for V student participants and begin outreach to schools,encouraging student sign-ups for the National Civics Bee.March 2025:Confirm event logistics,including venue setup, Q. volunteer assignments,and final list of participants.March 2025:Conduct a media day to further promote the event through local press,radio,and television coverage.April CL 2025:Finalize distribution of educational materials to participants and confirm details with all volunteers and vendors.May 2025:Host the National Civics Bee event,including Q participant registration,opening ceremony,competition rounds,and awards presentation.M15,2025:Send post-event surveys to participants and attendees to gather feedback,and distribute a press release recapping the event highlights and outcomes.June 30,2025:Review survey responses,compile feedback,and prepare an event L summary report to evaluate success measures and outline improvements for future events. 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? of *Answer 24 300 z3 O 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? J d *Answer 25 O c� 10 (q 13 26.Additional Forms d If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTAC(@KentWA.aov: 7 • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) • Form W 9 PDF) LU • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) 00 You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTAC(bKentWA.aov. Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to (D less than 10 MB. Y v R 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: d 3 • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an ) additional insured. • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and a p� signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format determined by the City. C r The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. C1 Q *27.1 Certification Q. I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. Q C ,L^ V Iq N O N U. a+ C d E t V M Q Packet Pg. 48 4.C.b Submission# 3588254 IP Address 174.164.28.221 Submission Recorded On 10/31/2024 5:35 pm Time to Take Survey 4 minutes,41 seconds LTAC Grant Application N C LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 2 General Information Q- CL This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments to LTACCaIKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. L *1.Title of the Event/Activity A X Kent Chamber Annual Business Expo ~ Z3f *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable SHOWARE CENTER G Kent wa 98031 J *3.Grant Amount Requested($) O 25,000 fU *4.Total Project Cost($) 33 C 50,000 d *S.Name of Organization KENT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE W Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. 0) *6.Contact Name 00 Zenovia Harris r *7.Title I CEO v R *S.Mailing Address d 3 524 West Meeker St.Suite 1 a> Kent,wa WA 98032 *9.Phone C 253-854-1770 ext.140 O r *10.Email v zharris@kentchamber.com Q. Q. *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) Q r TIN/EIN ,L^ V Event/Activity Information Iq N This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You N might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. W LL *12.Check all categories that apply to this application: r.� Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to t business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? V M *Answer 13 0 Q The Kent Chamber Annual Business Expo is a premier networking and business event designed to connect local businesses with new customers,industry professionals,and potential partners.This year,we are elevating the experience by inviting a high-profile motivational speaker from out of town to deliver an opening keynote,drawing additional attention and excitement to the Expo.This event targets Kent business owners,professionals,entrepreneurs,and out-of-town visitors looking for opportunities to connect with the Kent business community.We will promote the event through a multi-channel marketing strategy,including email campaigns to Chamber members,targeted social media ads,partnerships with regional business organizations,and press releases to local and regional media outlets.Promotional efforts will highlight the keynote speaker,emphasizing the event as an opportunity to gain insights from a renowned business figure while connecting with key stakeholders in the region.This marketing strategy will position the Kent Business Expo as a must-attend event for both local and visiting professionals. 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? *Answer 14 A Packet Pg. 49 The Kent Chamber Annual Business Expo showcases Kent as a vibrant business hub dedicated to supporting growth and innovation.By featuring a well-known motivational 4.C.b speaker,the event highlights Kent's commitment to providing valuable resources,inspiration,and networking opportunities for businesses.This high-caliber keynote will not only draw local attendees but also attract visitors from surrounding areas,encouraging them to experience Kent's business-friendly environment,local hospitality,and amenities.The event positions Kent as an ideal place for businesses to thrive,establishing a positive and dynamic image of the city.Local hotels,restaurants,and other businesses will benefit from the influx of attendees,promoting Kent as a desirable destination for business-related travel and events. 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? *Answer 15 A The Expo will bring together various partners to ensure a successful event:Corporate Sponsorships:Local businesses will have opportunities to sponsor different parts of the G Expo,including the keynote session,exhibitor booths,and breakout sessions.Business and Civic Organization Support:The Chamber will work closely with neighboring Chambers,regional economic development groups,and business organizations to promote the event.Volunteer Involvement:Chamber members and local community members will volunteer to assist with logistics,registration,and event support.This collaborative approach engages a broad network,ensuring the event is impactful andCL Q- well-supported by the community. Q 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you C applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. i *Answer 16 A X Additional revenue sources include:Corporate Sponsorships:We will approach local and regional businesses for sponsorship opportunities,including support for the keynote H speaker.Exhibitor Fees:Businesses will pay fees to set up booths,which will contribute to event funding.Ticket Sales:General admission tickets for the keynote session and C entry to the Expo will be sold to cover expenses.This application is only for Lodging Tax Funds from Kent;no applications have been submitted to other municipalities. 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. p J *Answer 17 ` Yes,the event can proceed with modifications:Speaker Adjustment:We could arrange a more budget-friendly keynote speaker or opt for a local motivational figure if O U necessary.Event Scaling:The number of exhibitor booths or attendee capacity could be adjusted to align with the available budget.Marketing Reduction:If necessary,we fA can scale back on some marketing expenses and focus on digital channels.These adjustments will allow the Expo to fulfill its goals even with limited funding. C 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please describe. Answer IS > W This funding request is for an expansion of our ongoing Kent Chamber Annual Business Expo.The addition of a high-profile motivational speaker is a new feature that aims to attract a larger audience and enhance the event's overall impact.This expansion will elevate the event's profile,making it more appealing to both local attendees and out-of- 00 town visitors. r Scope of Work Y v This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into R bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. i1 3 19.Goals 19.1 Goal Bullet 10 p� Attract 200 business professionals and attendees,including locals and out-of-town visitors. O 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 A Secure at least 15 corporate sponsors to support the Expo and keynote session. 2 CL 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 0 Q.Q Establish Kent as a key destination for business events and networking. +' C L 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 0 0 Provide valuable learning and networking opportunities for the Kent business community. Iq N O 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 0 N Generate positive media coverage to promote Kent as a vibrant business hub. — cc 20.Outcomes/Deliverables LL r.� C 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 10 y Successful execution of the Annual Business Expo and keynote session. E t 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 A M Increased attendee satisfaction,as indicated by post-event surveys. Q 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 A Media coverage highlighting Kent and the Expo. 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 A New business connections and partnerships among attendees. 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 A Strong interest from sponsors to participate in future Expos. 21.Estimated Completion Date Packet Pg. 50 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 10 4.C.b The event is scheduled for May 2025 with all activities concluding on that date. 22.Success Measures 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 10 Achieving at least 200 attendees. 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 A Positive feedback from 90%of participants in post-event surveys. O 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 A cc 30 Word Limit 2 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. CL Q *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline 8 January 2025:Begin marketing and outreach to Chamber members and local businesses.March 2025:Finalize keynote speaker contract and secure sponsors.April 2025: i Open registration and exhibitor sign-ups;continue marketing campaign.April 2025:Confirm participant list,exhibitors,and finalize event logistics.May 2025:Host the Kent C9 Chamber Annual Business Expo,including keynote,networking,and exhibitor booths.June 30,2025:Collect post-event survey feedback and compile event summary report. R 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? ~ of C *Answer 24 500-1000 attendees,100 business vendors,15 state agency vendors 0 O J 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? *Answer 25 V 10 13 C 26.Additional Forms 0) If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTACCaIKentWA.gov: 7 • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) � • Form W-9(PDF) W • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) 00 You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTAC(,aKentWA.gov. r Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to Y less than 10 MB. v R a 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: 3 d • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an additional insured. • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and a signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format 0 O determined by the City. The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. 2 CL *27.1 Certification Q' Q I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. C ,L^ V Iq N O N O U. a+ C 0) E t V M Q Packet Pg. 51 4.C.b Submission# 3586193 IP Address 130.41.52.74 Submission Recorded On 10/30/2024 8:23 am Time to Take Survey 51 minutes,14 seconds LTAC Grant Application N C LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 2 General Information Q- CL This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. L *1.Title of the Event/Activity A X Women in MFG Leader Within Series ~ i3f *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable Meridian Valley Country Club or Green River College Event Center G 24830 136th Ave SE J Kent WA 98042 y *3.Grant Amount Requested($) v 10,000 33 C *4.Total Project Cost($) cc 12,000 d -W *5.Name of Organization Women in Manufacturing Washington W Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. 0) T_ *6.Contact Name Jessica Kinman ++ d *7.Title v R State Chair a- *8.Mailing Address d 6227 95th PL SW d Mukilteo Washington 98275 *9.Phone 0 O 425-737-0327 2 *10.Email G. jessica.j.kinman@pwc.com Q- Q *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) 47-3472686 i CD Iq Event/Activity Information c N This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(You might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. LL *12.Check all categories that apply to this application: _ Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers E 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to V business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? +M., *Answer 13 Q WiM WA is hosting events in the Kent Valley that highlight local manufacturing facilities and have identified a gap for professional development training.We are launching a recorded and in-person professional development workshop series titled"The Leader Within,"which focuses on essential skills for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors.This series aims to enhance individual skill sets that can be applied to teams and business functions to boost efficiency.The topics covered will include leading change,managing conflict,decision-making,communication styles,developing individuals and teams,and inspiring and motivating people.We will be hosting workshop and events highlighting manufacturers in the Kent area.Promotion for these events will be carried out through various channels,including event registrations posted on WiM's National Website,which reaches over 20,000 members,LinkedIn events and promotional posts through WiM WA,and direct communications to WiM WA's mailing list of over 1,600 members across Washington State. 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? Packet Pg. 52 *Answer 14 4.C.b Our events unite the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors,local organizations,and educational communities to not only discuss the challenges we all face but to present practical solutions through our event activities and workshops.By incorporating feedback from previous attendees and the community,we tailor our events to address specific concerns,promoting a positive image through sponsorship from Kent.Our goal is to make a meaningful impact and help our communities tackle the issues they have raised.We have shared numerous resources available in Kent with manufacturing teams and facilitated valuable connections,not only with local companies but also with businesses across the state highlighting the exceptional work Kent has done. 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? N C *Answer 15 0 O This project showcases partnerships with corporate and business entities from both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors across the state.These companies send cc V their employees to attend and enhance their skills.WiM WA also offers opportunities for students in educational programs to attend through paid tickets,enabling them to .develop their skills and establish valuable business connections. C- C. 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you Q applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. C O L *Answer 16 0 C9 Revenue streams for our events include the Kent lodging grant,additional sponsorships from local companies,and a small portion derived from attendee fees.WiM WA is R committed to making our events accessible to individuals at all income levels,so we cover nearly all event costs to keep pricing affordable for attendees. H of 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. *Answer 17 A O Yes,if partial funding is available,we will continue to leverage our other revenue streams to host local events and our professional development series. J d 18.Is this fundingrequest for a newproject/event or to continue or expand an ongoing If the ro osal is associated with an existing 0 q P 9 9P P 9 O project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please V describe. 13 13 Answer 18 J O d New project,this is for WIM WA events for 2025. 7 Scope of Work LL This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. ao 19.Goals r d 19.1 Goal Bullet 10 Y Organize an in-person event in Kent for businesses in Washington,hosted at a local facility and recorded for broader distribution.The event will focus on providing practical solutions using tools and frameworks designed to address many common challenges faced by individuals. 0_ 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 A a3i Develop a workshop agenda that includes a mix of lectures,hands-on activities,group discussions,and real-world case studies to ensure that sessions are engaging, interactive,and conducive to active learning. C 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 A C r Equip attendees with leadership and management techniques tailored to the manufacturing industry,enabling them to lead their teams more effectively and drive O organizational success.These takeaways will be provided in handouts and executed through workshop activities. 2 Q C. 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 0 Q Highlight Kent sponsorships through media posts throughout 2025 to WiM community and WIM WA contacts. C L 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 0 0 Provide opportunities for participants to network and collaborate with peers,industry experts,and facilitators,fostering a community of practice and encouraging the Iq exchange of ideas and best practices. N 0 20.Outcomes/Deliverables N 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 10 LL Execute a minimum of 3 in-person events in Kent,one being from the"Leader Within"series workshop and a minimum of 2 events featuring Kent manufacturers = d 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 A E Professionally recorded videos from 3 Leader Within series workshop events. V O 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 A Q Provide workshop material and key takeaways to all attendees to bring back to their companies and share. 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 A Highlight Kent as key sponsor on WiM National's website,marketing collateral and thank you sponsorship social media posts and mailing flyers. 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 A Provide opportunities at each event to network and collaborate with peers,industry experts,and facilitators. 21.Estimated Completion Date 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 10 Packet Pg. 53 Will complete events in Q2,Q3 and Q4 to finish at least the minimum number of events by Nov 28. 4.C.b 22.Success Measures 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 10 A minimum of 3 events will be conducted in Kent in 2025 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 A 3 professionally recorded videos for the Leader Within professional development series will be recorded 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 A Takeaways will be provided for each developmental workshop G c0 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. 2 Q *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline Q April Q1 Mfg tour and/or networking event June Q2 Leader Within Professional Development workshop Sept Q3 Mfg tour and/or networking event C 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? i 0 *Answer 24 K R 110 in person attendees I— af 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? C *Answer 25 10-15,targeting 10%of overnight accommodations for those traveling from across state.We have a large presence in Yakima and Spokane Valley. J d 26.Additional Forms O U If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTACC@KentWA.aov: C • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) � • Form W-9 PDF) ++ • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTAC61KentWA.aov. L.0 Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to 00 00 less than 10 MB. 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: Y • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an v additional insured. a • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and a 3 signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format ) determined by the City. The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. O *27.1 Certification �. t4 I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. C1 CL Q. Q r C ,L^ V Iq N O N O LL a+ C d E t V M Q Packet Pg. 54 4.C.b Submission# 3561949 IP Address 76.135.115.9 Submission Recorded On 10/20/2024 8:15 am Time to Take Survey 18 minutes,44 seconds LTAC Grant Application N C LTAC Grant Application - Fall 2024 2 General Information Q- CL This grant application period is for activities and projects in 2025-2026. Lodging Tax grant applications are submitted electronically and must be received by midnight Q on Thursday,October 31,2024.If for some reason you're unable to submit the application online,please send your application and any possible attachments to LTAC(alKentWA.gov.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. All applications received become public records. L *1.Title of the Event/Activity A X High School Boys&Girls Wrestling Tournament ~ Z3f *2.Proposed Location,Event/Activity,if applicable accesso Showare Center G 625 W James Street J Kent WA 98032 y *3.Grant Amount Requested($) v 30,000 13 C *4.Total Project Cost($) ra 100,000 d *S.Name of Organization 3 Gut Check Tournament&Events W Please ensure the individual listed below as the organization's contact is authorized to sign financial contracts on behalf of your organization. 00 V_ *6.Contact Name Marc Kaye *7.Title v R Tournament Director 0_ *S.Mailing Address d 4250 Martin Way East d Suite 105-223 p� Olympia WA 98516 O *9.Phone 206-300-0706 2 CL *10.Email marcgloball@yahoo.com Q C *11.Federal Tax ID Number(TIN/EIN) 88-1670228 CD Iq N O Event/Activity Information N This information will be referenced by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during the grant application review period. Keep your responses within the word limits.(YouLL might consider drafting responses in a word processor and copying to the online form). Portions of responses exceeding the word limit may not be considered. }; C *12.Check all categories that apply to this application: Capital expenses for a tourism-related facility owned or operated by the City t Marketing and/or operation of a special event or conference designed to attract leisure or business travelers V M Operational expenses for a tourism-related facility operated by a non-profit or the City Q 13. Describe your business or leisure travel-related activity or event and target audience.What methods will you use to promote your project/event to business and leisure travelers(ex.mailings,advertising,social media,etc)? *Answer 13 A Our annual event in Kent is a nationally recognized high school wrestling tournament for boys and girls.Our promotion comes from many platforms including social media accounts,press releases,website marketing and national streaming. 14.How does your project/event promote a positive image for Kent as business or leisure destination? *Answer 14 Going into our 8th consecutive year in Kent,we have been able to partner with the local businesses such as hotels,restaurants,grocery stores,gas statio Packet Pg. 55 tourism groups.We have a strong partnership with Kent businesses and promote them heavily for our event,and our guests love the hospitality Kent and their businesses 4.C.b offer.Our guests feel Kent is a very positive home for our event. 15.What kind and degree of partnership does the project/event exhibit(volunteer involvement,interjurisdictional,corporate,business and/or civic organization support)? *Answer 15 0 It takes many people/groups to produce an event such as ours.We have local volunteers including parents,high school and college students,local and state businesses,non- profit and state governing body of student-athletes(WIAA)that all put their share in to make Gut Check happen. N 16.Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple sources of revenue.What other revenue sources will be used to support this project/event? Are you p applying for Lodging Tax Funds from another municipality? If yes,list the other jurisdiction(s)and amount(s)requested. cc t) *Answer 16 0 Q Yes,very much so.I search for numerous financial opportunities to enhance our sponsorship whether it being local or state-wide businesses,casinos,grants,and CL parents/businessmen.Companies such as Les Schwab,Dollamur Sport Surfaces,Cliff Keen Athletic and Maris Farms are just a few that have/are bringing in revenue for our Q event. O L 17.If only partial funding is available,can the project/event be modified and still continue? Please explain how. 0 *Answer 17 0 K R H We are very grateful for any amount LTAC and The City of Kent would consider for us,we absolutely appreciate this opportunity on any level.As inflation goes up so does 0) costs and we are experiencing that with referee costs,awards,food,staff and medical staff,etc.The amount we have asked for will make it possible for the event to be complete along with the other sponsorships for this year. 18.Is this funding request for a new project/event or to continue or expand an ongoing project/event? If the proposal is associated with an existing J project/event-in operation for more than three years-it must be for expansion or enhancements that are clearly defined or measurable. Please d describe. O t� V7 Answer 18 0 � As mentioned,this will be our 8th consecutive year holding this event in Kent at Showare.Each and every year our event has grown,and this year is no different.We will have new out of state teams coming,our staff and officials numbers are growing with the amount of student-athletes we have,and the number of fans(ticket buyers)is also d growing exponentially. O 7 Scope of Work lL This information will be used to generate a one-page Scope of Work for contracting purposes if your event/activity is awarded funds. Please summarize your responses into bulletized lists within the prescribed word limits. Each point should reference key objectives or milestones. 00 19.Goals r d 19.1 Goal Bullet 10 Y Giving our student-athletes opportunities through growing mens and womens wrestling. a 19.2 Goal Bullet 2 0 3 As womens wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the United States,our group/event is a big part of that process through our events. 19.3 Goal Bullet 3 0 DC Our event attracts many college coaches to recruit our local student-athletes for post high school education. C 19.4 Goal Bullet 4 0 Our event brings in a large group of people that increases revenue for Kent businesses. V CL 19.5 Goal Bullet 5 0 Q.Q We have/are bringing in world class athletes to help promote our sport and inspire our student-athletes. 20.Outcomes/Deliverables i 0 20.1 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 1 Iq N Kent hotels and Air BnB's have their businesses filled with reservations during the event time frame N 20.2 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 2 0 Kent restaurants are very busy with the addition of 3000 people in town for our event. LL C 20.3 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 3 0d Kent Gas Stations have a highly increased amount of sales with the large number of guests in town for our event. E t V 20.4 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 4 0 O Tourism has a large bump in business with visits to the Hydroplane Museum,Kent Station stores,pumpkin patch and Bricks and Wheels to name a few.Our guests have Q mentioned these places to my staff and I. 20.5 Outcome/Deliverable Bullet 5 0 While Showare is best known for hockey or concerts,our event has brought noticeable attention to other sports including additional wrestling tournaments that have now held events there. 21.Estimated Completion Date 21.1 Estimated Completion Date Bullet 1 Our event is in Kent from January 2-4,2025. 22.Success Measures Packet Pg. 56 4.C.b 22.1 Success Measure Bullet 10 Over 3000+people will be coming to Kent for our event this year. 22.2 Success Measure Bullet 2 A The opportunity to participate in a high level event like this for student-athletes especially after a tough few years that took some opportunities away(covid) 22.3 Success Measure Bullet 3 A Bringing our wrestling families together to start the new year with teams from 8 states and Canada is very important. 23.Outline the timeline and milestones for project completion into a list. Include dates and expectations for key activities. G c0 *23.1 Timeline/Milestone Outline Co. V 0. January 2nd Set Up,10am-4pm January 3rd Day 1 of event,6am-8pm January 4th Day 2 of event/clean up,6am-8pm CL Q. 24.What is the projected overall attendance at your proposed event/activity? Q C *Answer 24 With Student-Athletes,Fans,Coaches,Parents&Staff-3200+over the course of the event. K cc 25.What is the projected number of attendees who will stay in Kent overnight in paid accommodations? H of *Answer 25 C 800-1000. z3 O J 26.Additional Forms y If your application is awarded a grant,these forms are required for contracting purposes. To expedite the process,please submit the following forms to LTAC((hKentWA.aov: V • Vendor Form for Grant Recipient PDF) 13 C • Form W 9 PDF) cc • Copy of Current Insurance Certificate. While not required at time of application,grant awardees must obtain levels of insurance prescribed in Insurance Requirements d for LTAC Grant Agreement PDF) a 7 You may also submit any supporting documentation(presentations,reports,links,etc)to LTACeKentWA.gov. Be sure to note the name of your organization and activity/project referenced in your application in the email subject line. Keep the size of each email,with attachments,to LI.I less than 10 MB. p) 00 27. I am an authorized agent of the nonprofit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding.I understand that: • If awarded,my organization will enter into a contract with the City of Kent and provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming the City as an additional insured. Y • Half of the grant funds,unless otherwise specified,will be provided once the contract is executed.The remaining half will be reimbursed after the activity/event and a R signed reimbursement invoice,copies of receipts over$100 have been submitted to the City,as well as a report documenting economic impact results in a format d determined by the City. The certification field is required and cannot be left blank. d DC *27.1 Certification I am an authorized agent of the non-profit and/or public organization/agency applying for funding and understand the requirements outlined in#27 above. O r t� Q Q. Q r C ,L^ V N O N U. a+ C d E t V M Q Packet Pg. 57 4.D LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE 4^4� 220 Fourth Avenue South Kent, WA 98032 KENT WASHINGTON DATE: November 26, 2024 TO: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee SUBJECT: Jay Ray 2024 Summary and 2025 Proposal MOTION: Recommend Council award $167,380.00 Lodging Tax Funds to Economic and Community Development to renew and provide more intentional focus on Kent's cultural assets, including special campaigns targeting 2026 FIFA World Cup visitors. SUMMARY: Michelle Wilmot will present highlights from the 2024 Visit Kent marketing campaign and provide an overview of the strategies and recommended budget for 2025. The increase over last years budget will provide: • Tourism marketing services, website maintenance, social media, calendars, etc. • Renew Datafy geolocations services subscription to track visitor demographics, data which provides invaluable intelligence regarding marketing strategy effectiveness. • Special project to draw bring awareness of Kent attractions and budget friendly accommodations to FIFA World Cup attendees. • Enhanced media relations services, including networking events with prestigious travel writers, and a quarterly offer to sponsor one prestige creator on a customized and curated tour of Kent. BUDGET IMPACT: $167,380.00 of Lodging Tax Revenue returned from the State of Washington to support business, leisure, and cultural tourism promotion efforts. SUPPORTS STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL: Thriving City - Creating safe neighborhoods, healthy people, vibrant commercial districts, and inviting parks and recreation. ATTACHMENTS: 1. VisitKent_Q3 report_10.30.24 (PDF) 2. Visit Kent 2025 Budget_JayRay_10-31-24 (PDF) Packet Pg. 58 N JAY AY O O. O ti a` N O N C / O E Cn i C4 N O N m / 4 � m CD • - � CD t N O M O 1 �I • O L _ � M C d Y N C d h � t, ' Packet Pg. 59 CONTENTS �* s DASHBOARD :� -S • - {• pw .��{{{yySy - •1 j.*C Y� 1f i Q3 SUMMARY 4 y ;� fir• _ k RELATIONSPUBLIC WEBSITE - a ` . :dam.•1 a, SOCIAL7. 28 MARKETING �� APacket Pg. •0 3 111 f3 • 3 July-Sept. Q2 A• ril-July 2024 YTD N O Indicator of Success Q 2024 2024 • O L a Earned media (numberof articles) 11 16 36 0 N Earned PR impressions 113,630 146,778 705,828 c Total PR impressions 442,807,312 435,004,954 1,241 ,027,729 E Website visits (users) 9,439 7,001 23,758 D Social media reach (Facebook + Instagram) 116,198 87,292 253,036 0 N Social media followers (Facebook + Instagram) 10,482 10,414 10,400 avg. Social media engagements (likes, shares, comments, 6,672 9,971 24,483 Story views,video views) o Total advertising impressions NA NA NA N Earned visits to Kent and Kent hotels (geolocation ad Ci o NA NA NA attribution) L O Earned revenue in Kent and Kent hotels (geolocation ad NA NA NA attribution-estimated) aD Y r c a� E t v r Advertising did not run in Q3, so there is no data to report, as indicated by"NA" in the dashboard above. Q Advertising is planned to run in Q4 and Q1 (December-March) during slower travel seasons. 2 Packet Pg. 61 • Planned tourism videos: strategy, content, N locations, models; scheduled two video/photo 0 shoot days in October a LO N • Wrote and posted summer and blogs Cq CU r, Hosted content creator Portia Smith L * ' d (@Girlfriend Getaway Guide) E i 4 E H F�' Researching, writing Kent Food Trails updates N iw o cm Researching, planning and recruiting writers for food PR media tour • Promoted a Halloween Hullabaloo ticket package giveaway on social media with - accesso ShoWare Center N 0 • Managed VisitKent.com hosting and o maintenance o -` Researched, wrote and posted about 90 items to the events calendar Researched, wrote and managed social media Y on FB/IG, posting 3-4x/week > 77 • Updated website listings for business/ E restaurant openings and closings CU r • Monitored news coverage and added a headlines and links to the website media page 3 Packet Pg. 62 4.D.a a. LO y' N N -,L CO) ' O N 0 M O r el CY IL ' A46 ,w = �'� Packet Pg. 63 PR SUMMARY now W"W�" • Hosted content creator Portia Smith, who explored Kent's food scene and shops with her young teen daughters • Sent summerI • fall • •• I story pitches to travel writers and media outlets �� • • R ), 0 "Unexpected Fun in Kent, Wash.: 44 Ideas for Families, Couples, ■ - - V(' •fdh "Explore with Care: 5 Eco-Friendly -S, s ti, NL. . ,• r �,, Fall Activities in Kent, Washington" 77 �•• Ongoing media monitoring in Cision 01 i' • Ongoing HERO monitoring for pitch opportunities 'L . �ti 1. •r _ z I M Continued research and planning for • Il.t'i�. I Parentmedia tour with food writers Kent was mentioned in articles in the Seattle Times, Yahoo! Sports, Fox 13, Metal Injection, MyNorthwest.com and more i i �'! •+,_clef 3 PR DASHBOARD Visit Kent PR Coverage 2024 0 L- # of a ArticlesTotal # of LO Relevant PopularTopics Value c Impressions - • N Articles C R qL January 57 2,389,412 4 Hockey, concerts, trails, Globetrotters $1 ,761 .76 E February 175 358,396,730 5 Hockey, soccer, concerts, Spotlight Series $352,932.46 E March 44 2,429,321 0 Egg hunt, Cider &Ale Trail $4,922.64 0 N April 60 6,002,946 1 Space for All, sports teams, parks $4,294.4i May 118 148,907,820 8 International Festival, concerts $243,626.1; o June 82 280,094,188 7 Cajun Fest, concert, July 4th Splash $320,883.6� July 255 286,342,414 4 NHRA events, concerts, car shows $213,788.4E N 0 M August 72 140,981,053 7 Cruisin' Kent Car Show, concerts, Cajun Fest $169,011.2C i September 52 15,483,845 0 Food, Hops 'n Crops, Halloween events $551296.9C a a� L October M cY i November a Y r December Total 915 1,241,027,729 36 $1,366,517.64 U An "earned article" is one that JayRay influenced by sending a press release to the publication/writer, a provided fact checking support, hosted the writer, or an article that mentions VisitKent.com 6 Packet Pg. 65 COVERAGE SAMPLES 4miescaftleffilmes 3 �* Link to article KF.NT -� 11• it�~ REMRTER Food&Drink l Llle I+ Where to find shawarma nirvana and pastry perfection in the N South End a Link to article o L. IL 141) 04 N O N o � n si.th—.1 fay:sin'QM Car Sim.ell.yn rrpn 1tam.to 2¢m.5wda1',Au,25 a!Kmd 9dirn 417 _ Ra-m yam..COURTESY PHOTO,Nero sati- r Cruisin' Kent Car Show set for Aug. 25 at Kent Station Event will run from I I a-m-to 2 p-m-at shopping center N N By Steve Hunter Y re",Jury 31.2 5:15pm 1 N 00000 � The Craisin'Kent Car Show returns Sunday,Aug,25 to the Kent Station shopping center,raj Ramsay way. The sixth annnal event v-111 run fromrra-m-to2p.m.,with check-In for '°"+�'e•°"�"a"'d'°""'�u "'"ram'°`"`5°°"'`''""' O entries beginning at to a-m-in the breezeway by Games Workshop,lust Poke ByJmkia Varriann r and Hatstop.Participation is free. .cmmro r�,)a°1.ruR N ——————————————————————————————— One rmai stop at the Great Wall was Met Wa Bakery,where there'safull O assortment of dim sum dumplings,savory pastries and whale cakes.Amid the hot dog buns,Portuguese egg tarts and bar gow,there are two items that I O went absolutely feral for. I ashillgiton O Q O L Local Breweries and Taprooms Celebrating Oktoberfest I 9 KENOALL IONES O WTIMBER 17,2024 C > O - Y Airways Brewing(Kent) September 99 through 21-Both Airways Brewing locations,the Taproom at the brewery and the bistro and beer garden in downtown Kent.If you're looking for a very authentic festbier,you need to try this one.They'll serve up some appropriate t v Oktoberfest eats at both locations too- r r Q Link to article i. 7 Thc:y's lo[s to bve at Mel W a Bakery m Nent,Including IhlsdeiectaWe hur[nnuam bun,ruhedm Packet Pg. 66 < COVERAGE SAMPLES Parent. m 3 Link to article rn 0 a OUT+ABOUTISEASONAL FUN 0 L a Where to Play Mini Golf Around Seattle, N 'X 13 the Eastside and South Sound • WEEKEND. N . 10+family-friendly putt-putt golf courses around Seattle THINGSTBY JIAYING GRYGI EL PUBLISHED ON:AUGUST 08,2024 T y + E Link to article N NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways N Racing legend Ron Capps talks about his upcoming R+ Northwest Nationals _ F v N PHOTO:Jmlfmg GMiel M O Summer's in full swing—heh—and so are the long open hours at the miniature �I golf course!If you've got early birds who are up at the crack of dawn(even when dawn is before 5 asn.),mini golf is a winner of an outing.No worries if your crew 0 sleeps late:Miniature golf offers an all-ages good time all day long. i CO)04 CI ObilKent Valley Miniature Gnlf. Kent Y r Location:6015 S.240th St..Kent y Link to video(YouTube) Cost:59.09 per player,81 per club rental c Info:Located next to the Kent Valley Ice Cerrte,the whole family will love this N 1= Pacific Raceways in Kent hosts the NHRA Northwest Nationals from July 19 challenging mini golf course.You'll encounter water hazards,challenging jumr v to 21.The event includes car and motorcycle racing through the weekend, and even a 10-foot waterfall'The course is open every day,hours vary(check t r with additional family-friendly activities.Racing legend Ron Capps recently website for details}. Q previewed the event on Good Day Seattle.More information is available on their website regarding event schedules,directions,and accommodations. 8 Packet Pg. 67 7 CONTENT Portia Smith, @Girlfriend Getaway Guide N 0 CL We hosted content creator Portia Smith, who posts o to the Girlfriend Getaway Guide. e N She's from Arlington, WA(50+ miles away) and explored Kent's food scene and shops with her two young teen daughters. E N • Visited August 18, 2024041 • Itinerary: Miss Boba, CREAM soft serve bar, Sweet Notes Caf6, Dilettante, Venus Caf6, Great Wall Mall and Mary Olson Farm • Instagram Reel #1 link Link to Instagram reel #2 N "Best Dessert Shops in Kent, Washington" M o Published 9/3/24 _ r 0 6 seconds duration • °a 0 3,136 views c� 0 101 interactions Y • Instagram Reel #2 ' "Why You Should Explore Kent, Washington" °'° qu MIS" o Published 9/5/24 0 11 seconds duration 3�!curnlM&A oAYFtaYpred �.� V 0 5,768 views 0 189 interactions a i-- • Instagram Story highlight _ 9 13 Instagram Stories with 3,885 total views Linkto Instagram Packet Pg. 68 Story highlights girlfriendgetawayguide and 2 others < Paid partnership .nyoffe-Onginai audo m CONTENT '+ girifriendgetawayg uid e 0 Save This List Kent is the 1Oth MOST diverse city in the United States with nearly 140 languages spoke rr) @visitkentvYa isponsored cC "We had the BEST day exploring Kent! Kent is And it has so rr e of the B EST food in Wash ingto n State t ha n ks to 0 a delicious variety of over 12 different gl a bal cuisines. fl such an incredible, diverse playground with a Lr, If you LOVE dessert,this post is for you-I rounded up my C beautiful sense of community. I'm eager to favorite locally-owned dessert shops in Kent-save for future N reference i3 continue exploring it!" @swee#rotes€afe L @€rearrsoftservebar fC Portia Smith @Venus-cafeg E @m issbobawa @Girlfriend Getaway Guide @dilettantemochacafe cn le Make surety also visit the Great Wall Shopping Mall which offer o a Pan-Asian experience,to include Chinese,Japanese,Korean, N Vietnamese,Thai,Filipino and Taiwanese eateries along with @99ranc h market which is the largest Asian grocer in the U.S. R For treats to go visit @daiso_usa @kentstation for a huge 9_ selection of Japanese candies and snacks. r F If you had to choose ONE dessert-what would it be?Ice cream baba,crepe,mocha? N #GirlfriendC3etawayGuide M _ o #VisitKentWA#KentWashington#ILoveKent*KertWA �I #TasteKentWA#KentFoodTrails*Kent Food*KertFoodie #KentFoodles#KentRestaurant#SeattleCoffee*SeattleDesserts Q #SeattleFood#Seattle Foodie#SeattleFoodies' � �Mshi ` , , Ceia I w hl Q 10 Link to Instagram t o Packet Pg. 69 _. Story highlights Link to Instagram reel #2 '- •, " f tires 1 N - - CL IL N O N 7 � cn N N m -�.y�se: �-%any .: t• '7� R CD 7 C! s' N a. T O f M °Q m 00 Packet Pg. 70 r 4.D.a h i iWEBSITE SUMMARY T) R R O } • 9,439 web visits a LO O • VisitKent.com hosting and maintenance CN ' C ' Wrote and posted summer and blogs Researched, wrote updates to "8 Activities Under $10" page N N Researched, wrote, posted items to Ix events calendar every two weeks at .� minimum r Updated Kent Food Trails pages N O ch.. , . Updated business listings for openings,Moe _ closings Q • Regularly updated hotel packages and deals Y • Added links to news coverage > ti k 12 Packet Pg. 71 G 4.D.a 3 WEBSITE DASHBOARD ftf to 0. 0 mmmmmmmmmmmmmr a New Users 1,573 3,088 2,578 1,907 2,219 2,730 3,325 3,268 2,668 23,356 c N Returning 20 35 24 49 50 46 55 47 76 402 Users E Page E 6,409 5,710 8,840 4,780 5,146 9,379 9,355 7,427 6,529 63,575 Views N N O N Page Views: Total number of pages viewed. Repeated views of a single page are counted. Users/New Users:A person who has come to your website. Anew user is a first-time visitor to the website during the selected date range. c� CD Q3 Most popular landing pages Q3 Users by primary channel Iq Total 23,311 First user prim Channel Group) - + Total New N 00%of total users users O M 1 Undiscovered&Unexpected-Visit 2,995 �I Kent O_ 2 Events-Visit Kent 2,044 i 9,333 9,261 CO) 3 (not set) 1,778 Total 100%of total 100%of total CYI C 4 Things to Do-Visit Kent 1,728 1 Organic Search 6,287 6,260 Y r .N 5 Dining-Visit Kent 791 2 Direct 1,807 1,752 > Binford's Field of Dreams Friday 6 556 3 Referral 684 677 O Cruise-In-Visit Kent E t 7 WIFFCO Field-Visit Kent 529 4 Organic Social 571 566 r Q 8 Lake Meridian Park-Visit Kent 487 5 Display 2 2 9 Cajun Fest 2024-Visit Kent 485 6 Paid Social 2 2 13 10 Places to Stay in Kent-Visit Kent 424 7 Unassigned 2 Packet Pg. 72 WEBSITE AUDIENCE U) 0 a 67% from organic search (Google) a LO N 0 How users came to VisitKent.com N City - Region - x 4. Active New Engag ........... ---- ------- users users sessic ......... .---- ----------- Paid Social Organic Social E 0.02% / 6% Display 9,320 9,261 7,0 -q 0.02% Referral Total 100%of total 100%of total 100%of tc N Unassigned 1 Seattle Washington 2,569 2,446 1,9 0.02% 2 Kent Washington 882 849 7 3 San Jose California 606 545 4 rn 4 Renton Washington 187 180 1 Iq N 5 Tacoma Washington 171 155 2 M • o 6 Moses Lake Washington 149 146 1I 0 7 Ashburn Virginia 138 137 y L CO) 8 Auburn Washington 137 134 Cll c 9 Federal Way Washington 136 134 Y r 10 Los Angeles California 112 100 N Note: Paid ad campaigns did not run in E Q3 (July-Sept.), so more drive-market audiences visited the website. a 14 Packet Pg. 73 < SUMMER B • m Kent`, - Cross-promotion: Social posts link to the blog ^ WASHINGTON N 0 VisitKentBlog ) Unexpected Fun In Kent,Wash.:Ideas For Families, .com is with Kent Parks,Recreation&Community Services and 5 othel s Q u'" Kent. L. Couples, July 26•Q ( tf) i i Refresh your summer traditions with a getaway to Kent,Washington! C ®For families:Visit memorable playgrounds,build your LEGO collection at Bricks&Wheels,and N relax at family-friendly restaurants. WA..- r For couples:Ride hikes,race go-karts and sample global menus on the Kent Food Trails. For besties:Explore fun downtown shops,pick up bright flowers at Carpinito Brothers and enjoyha PPYhouroutside0 . L tv Find the details of these itineraries at http://VisitKent.com/unexpected-fun-in-kent wash- E E ideas.../ 3 ®July 15,2024 yr PGP Motorsports ParkSummer,Dine&Drink,Family Friendly,Farms&Markets, In N 0 Outdoor Recreation, ••• • Sports N R If your summer travel traditions need a refresh,considerthe unexpected fun of Kent, r3 Washington! .. O Whether you're visiting with your family,your partner or your besties,Kent is full of ways 1ALhr to make this summer memorable. y Here are tipsto launch yourtrip to Kent,Washington: r"� i N O For Families M 0 Sliding,skating,building,snacking...your _ I family will find lots to do in Kent. i Q • Explore Kent's parks with unique „r y features:space-themed Kherson Park, �� L - M with a lunar rover replica and mission control panel;West Fenwick Park,with a life-size"Slides and Climbers" playground modeled after a board Y game;and Van Doren's Landing Park, Mn centered around a Mount Rainier / 1 climbing structure. r ++ • Cool off at the Town Square Plaza splash park or lace up the skates at y • of Kent Valley Ice Centre. i • Add to your LEGO collection with a 1 �� stop at Bricks&Wheels. JAL•- Q • Grab a bite and dorit worry about spills at kid-friendly restaurants like Mary's (D 5o 1 share Fine Foods,Family Drive-in and Sweet Notes Cafe. 15 Click to read fu 11 bIog nest Packet Pg. 74 y Cross-promotion: Social posts link to the blog 4.D.a VisitKent.com is with Kent Parks,Recreation&Community Services and 7 others in f(p Kent. h Vd Blog W Events 9p Groups/Meetings 00 Media q SePt—l-25•Q KentoWhile enjoying Washington's great outdoors,you can explore more responsibly,too.Read our ws s a I u e r o M PLANYOUR STAY 3 OINE9ORINK 3 EXPLORE 3 latest blog for five eco-friendly activities to consider in a trip to Kent this fall. 1.Shop for pumpkins in a field,not a chain stare. 2.Volunteer at a"Green Kent"work party with the Kent Parks Department. N 3.Enjoy fall foliage from a trail instead of a car window. Q 4/ a IV' 4.Ride a Sound Transit train or bus from Kent to PNW landmarks. O I A cm S.Support local farmers and restaurants focused on fresh ingredients. a i Find all the details:Vis!tKent.com/Five-Fall-Ecofriendly-Activities-Kent-Wa/ Ill 1 N Fmoili—F&N* Pick the perfect hotel:VisitKent.com/Stay/Hotels N��J rl Kent Parks,Recreation&Community Services,Marcie in Mommyland C R Ach � 1 r f M E W Fit 4#7 'IL 3 y } u erp Fall.Dim&r ` ar• LL Outdoor Recreation,Shopping R While enjoying Washington's great outdoors,you can explore more responsibly,too.Here are afew ideas { 7 fortreading lightly and staying sustainable minded with a trip to Kent,Washington,this fall O 1-Shop for pumpkins in the f!eids at Carpinito Brothers rather than at a chain store.While you're there, r enjoy the corn maze,hay rides and other activities. O f M O -� sZ r - y f L k M FPI ' _ (D y a C)Q You,iBridget Baeth and 124 others 4 comments 5 shares O 2.Join Kent Parks'Green Kent volunteer work parties on Sept.21,Oct-19 and Nov.16.You can help ® M E b remove invasive species,pickup litter and plant native species that improve conditions for salmon. Maazzaa Grill aria Folformw e steaks,Burger and classic Pakistani cuisine 3w Like Reply 0 r Ludin Farm Fallow Q Thanks for the shout out! 4w Like Reply 0 A Ally Asbjameen Amsame pictures 1 4w Lilo' Reply Mary Wagon 16 ; �000 Packet Pg. 75 Click to read full bloapost 4w U� R,pJy 0 �. di w fT ■� at 7 r Ar I SOCI r� - MEDIA y �r 1 ^'I G 4.D.a 3 Q3 STRATEGY N O 0. • Reached 116,198 people Focus on culture, diverse food offerings, a overnight stays, events o • Popular posts featured: Summer Outdoor N Entertainment, Kent Parks, Kent Monthly Events, Promote Kent as an affordable, regional Eco-Friendly Activities destination for exploring the greater PNW E • Top-performing Instagram content: September N Fun in Kent, National Waffle Day & Godsmack N Giveaway Posts • Top-performing Facebook content: Cruisin' Kent Car Show & July Events Iq N M a l 'r' a owl 8 a Packet Pg. 77 FACEBOOK OVERVIEW r � � ow ov. ali•# ' #Ar - ■- • '. •, _ ''MID_ � AFC•#�-• + ti •� -+- ,• � —T,� _jr - + � z aye - , .Lr• -� f •�� a� _ 4� •�-u y � _ 4 ' - 4i �� � x • �T � _a �.4 P% r "_ L �` - +• - ,mpf -dlw G 4.D.a FACEBOOK O 0. L- a. mmmmmm qmmmmmm � Engagement* 5.01% 2.87% 10.7% 9.29% 8.34% 4.01% 2.5% 10% 6.84% 6.62°/ avera gc to FB Post Total 12,101 12,347 8,912 11,176 13,256 39,614 53,317 23,939 11,920 186,58-9 E Reach** E N O N *Engagement is the number of likes, comments and shares divided by the impressions(number of times your content entered a person's screen). **Reach is the total number of people the page's posts were served to. 0 VisitKent.com IS with City of Kent ��� 2 VisitKent.com is with Kent Station and ... °' Government in Kent,WA. Q3 most popular "' 4others in Kent,WA. Published by Travis W.Roth Published by Travis W.Roth Facebook posts 0 0 �July 1 Q O August 16•Q M Don't miss a minute of summer fun!Plan a trip to O Motor masterpieces of all types will be on display for Kent this month for events like these: �I the Cruisin'Kent Car Show on Aug.25 at Kent j July 3:Free Day at the Greater Kent Historical L O Station.The classic cars are on view 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Society and Museum 0- with vendors,a raffle and DJ.The event benefits the 0 July 4:Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Green River College VET Fund. ®July 6,13,20,27:Kent Farmers Market fJ July 10:Summer Concert Series begins(every l Event details:VisitKent.com/event/Cruisin--Kent-Car- Wed.&Thurs.) Show-3/ jilS July 12-14:Kent Cornucopia Days tv Kent Station Ip July 13:Salsa in the Streets Y wo July 13:Hydros&Hot Rods at Hydroplane and N Raceboat Museum July 31:Xtreme Xperience at Pacific Raceways +; Check the calendar for more summer fun in Kent: O VisitKent.com/events E - = t in r Pacific Raceways v 4,991 people reached, , 17, 2 Packet Pg. 79 0 1 543 engagements ements 8 g 9 d G 4.D.a � INSTAGRAM ENGAGEMENT 0. fC N O L EMMMMMOMMMMOMIL 10 Engagement* 4.8% 5.78% 5.92% 4.8% 4.77% 6.2% 5.5% 4.02% 3.74% 5'380� N AveragE c ra IGReach Post Total 4,433 5,336 6,417 9,720 7,316 6,210 5,332 9,300 12,390 66,454 E ** 3 Average 14.Oi N number of 13.21 19.58 17.15 12.1 10.9 15 10.5 17.1 11.1 AveragE likes per post �a *Engagement rate is based on the likes and comments received divided by the number ofimpressions. **Reach is the total number of people the page's posts were served to. Cn 7 v Q3 most popular Instagram posts SEPTEMBER FUN IN M 9 KENTS HISTORICAL MUSEUM I 33likes 361 reach C ar! N PARK 9.5% engagement rate 24 Hours of LemonsL 9 PACIFIC RACEWAYS M CYHops& I c N Crops - Y 36 likes 3,654 reach visitkentwa Sweet,savory or simply maple syrup? o ! N However you fop your waffle, it's time to celebrate 0.93 %engagement rate > National Waffle Day tomorrow,August 24! Kent's hest no 1,k Seattle Thurl spots for waffles include: 9 ACCESSO SHOWARE CENTEREVERY ',l Friday Cruise-In Maggie's on Meeker-traditional golden goodness l V Mary's Fine Foods-homemade buttermilk hatter r Sweet Notes Cafe-lots of sweet toppings,from Q Nutella to house-made caramel sauce visitkentwa A new month means more fun events to Wild Wheat Bakery-real maple syrup and option for look fruit topping forward to! Explore all the tastes in town on the Kent Food Trails: #LinklnBio#TasteKentWA For event details and more activit 21 a@SweetNotesCafe #LinklnBia #VisitKentWA I Packet Pg. 80 SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS U) 0 a 8,000 0 7262 7266 7274 a - • • • LO 7,000 N 6,000 71237 71274 M followers at the followers at the M 5,000 end of June 2024 end of Sept. 2024 E D 4,000 co 3185 3193 3208 N 3,000 I n stag ra m N 2000 3, 17 7 3,208 1,000 followers at the followers at the o end of June 2024 end of Sept. 2024 0 -- July August September N TOTAL FOLLOWERS: 10,482 CD 0 Added 68 followers in Q3 � ■ Facebook Instagram 0 a� L M CY a+ C N Y r .N a� E t v 0 r Q 22 Packet Pg. 81 (DSOCIAL MEDIA REACH 3 This year's budget includes a $10 boost for each social media post. The investment increases the number of people we reach, and it grows exponentially. Through Q3, we've spent $995 on boosted posts. o a 0 L a 100,000 N O N 90,000 C 80,000 E E 70,000 in le N 60,000 N 50,000 0 40,000 30,000 Iq N O 20,000 0 I 10,000 0 N L 0 CO) cY Q1 Jan-Mar Q2 Apr-Jun Q3 Jul-Sep �I a� Y Facebook Instagram a� E � • • • . • i r Q Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 331360 64,046 89,176 16,186 23,246 27,022 23 1 Packet Pg. 82 ■ ,, +'• PW M - _ ,� _7-till �LlI E - " " SOCIAL MEDIA DEMOGRAPHICS dwL 19 Packet Pg. 83 IF me _ 7 f �•' SOCIAL MEDIA DEMOGRAPHICS r SUMMARY N O O L IL N Most of Visit Kent's social media followers N are women — who make the majority ofcu ,. travel decisions _! E -- Channel followers are primarily located in Washington state, but more of our N content is seen by out-of-state residents through targeted posts (not served to followers) In-state followers primarily reside in Kent, cm o Seattle, Tacoma, Auburn, Renton and o Yakima • Instagram followers are the youngest, M r with most followers ages 35-44. Most Facebook followers are 55+ years old Y CU `p Q 25 Packet Pg. 84 '+ f3 DEMOGRAPHICS fA INSTAGRAM FOLLOWER a O L We reach people residing in OR, CA, ID and AGE RANGE N WA with paid content. Approximately 36% of Visit Kent's followers on Co Instagram are ages 35 to 44.About 27% are 25 to 34 This data does not reflect specifically who we're years old. Only 14% are 55+. reaching, just who follows Visit Kent on Instagram. SEX N 0 Approximately 52.1% of Visit Kent's followers ;, identify as female, 28.3% identify as male, and 19.6% prefer not to say. Cities r 28.0% COUNTRY About 88% of Visit Kent's followers are from the c M United States.The UK is the second most popular of country, making up 1 .7% of Visit Kent's followers. a 9.5% L 6.4% 6.3% 5 2% CITIES CY . The top five cities of Visit Kent's Instagram followers: Y 1 . Kent (28%) Kent Seattle Renton Tacoma Auburn .. 2. Seattle (9.5%) a� 3. Renton (6.4%) E 4. Tacoma (6.3%) Q 5. Auburn (5.2%) 26 Packet Pg. 85 FACEBOOK FOLLOWER DEMOGRAPHICS 0. 0 We reach people residing in OR, CA, ID and WA with paid content. a LO This data does not reflect specifically who we're reaching, just who follows Visit Kent on Facebook. N AGE RANGE CITIES 47.5% of Facebook followers are age 55+ The top five cities of Visit Kent's E 21 .6% are 35-44 years old Facebook followers: 21 .1% are 45-54 years old • Kent: 6.3% N 9% are 25-34 years old • Seattle: 4% Just under 1 % are 18-24 years old Portland: 3.1 SEX Yakima: 2.6% 67.7% of Visit Kent's Facebook fans identify • Tacoma: 2.5% Iq as women; 32.3% identify as men o M O COUNTRIES ' Most Facebook followers are from the U.S. L • United States: 92.6% CO) • Canada: 3.4% • United Kingdom: 1 .6% Cities 6 3% Y • Mexico: 0.9% • Puerto Rico: 0.3% 4.0% E 3.1 % v 2.6% 2.5% r a 27 Kent Seattle Portland Yakima Packet Pg. 86 4.D.a R N O Q O L a N N 'C C c0 N ` O N A R R ,MARKETING O � O N O M �I O i - M Packet Pg. 87 T _ y - � �� . VisitKent.com is with City of Kent Government in Kent. 4.�.a < Published by Travis W.Roth •August 15 7 Motor masterpieces of all types will be on display for the Cruisiri Kent Car Show on Aug.25 at MARKETING SUMMARY rt Kent Station.The classic cars are on view 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,with vendors,a raffle and DJ.The event benefits the Green River College VET Fund. Event details:Nisi#Kent.com/event/Cruisin-Ken#Car Show3/ • Worked with two concert promoters for W Kent Station N ticket giveaways to accesso ShoWare o Center shows. Details on next page. a in N • Continued capturing eolocation data of N gg- p over 235 points of interest in Kent, s 4��■ �i '; ,°_-_�, � ;, capturing visitor data back to 2018 --- (visitor = traveled from 50+ miles away). E • Continued spending $10 to "boost" each o social media post. The content is reaching IA more potential visitors and has increased - engagement with the posts from previous months. N r O 1 _ � o O 4M all L . . Y r .N See insights and ads :.. > C 0 525 1 comment 16 shares N E t Ib Like Q Comment r?J Share r Most relevant . Q �? Comment as VisitKent.com e Q 9 Mend Estrada Looks like a hot car Packet Pg. 88 29 7w Like Reply Bide N SOCIAL GIVEAWAYS We worked with two concert promoters for N ticket giveaways to accesso ShoWare Center o L }; shows. a N Lamb of God Aug. 7 N - � g' .� 4. o Social posts for the drawing to win L two tickets ran July 23-26. Received E five entries. N o The winner was a Kent-area resident N N who posted several Instagram Reels j from the concert (@thisisysa). Halloween Hullabaloo - Oct. 13 r o Social posts for the drawing to win four tickets was Sept. 17-22. Received M 18 entries. L o The winner was from Duval, WA and was over-the-moon excited to take M 7 her daughter and friends. She sent us CYI the photos at left. Y Ln -• E 30 Packet Pg. 89 4.D.a 0 ' I", r'�' r Al IL . � stir. �;,. •.� .�' r�:rj;Q'� .:�;� �— � � CV - •.�:�_� _ �._'fir. :+�.� '-�, •:''y �r .:.r�; k�s. N O M O I L Q Q� L M .r C - r � -77 V r_ Q Packet Pg. 90 7; Q3 Key Takeaways • The average trip was 2.3 days, consistent from Q3 of 2023 N • The total number of visitor days was down 10.2% from Q3 2023 0 • In-state travel grew by 2.8% compared to Q3 2023 a N Co N Geolocation data and estimates are considered Complete up to September 14 and Preliminary from September 15 to October 05. C Destination Summary Main Dates:7/1/24-4/30/24 In-State out-of-State Distance:50 mi-3,734 mi (Clusters:All Included for Kent WA Compare Dates:7/1/23-9/30123.1 (;POIs:SEA Airport Excluded ( Locals:0-50 miles Spend Locations:All Included E N O Visitor Volume Estimates Annual Volume by Visitor Days* ;, for Jul 1,2024-Sep 30,2024 %41/4evs 7/01/23-9/30/2 1.58M R u) 1.31 T TOTAL TRIPS p 1.05 ' r r 1,062,794 Trips ° 788 .Lnj 525 ' N 8.3% 263 K n! 0 M Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec of L 2018 0 2019 0 2020 0 2021 0 2022 • 2023 2024 0 a VISITOR DAYS i 2,420,147 Days Overnight Visitation % Share*' In-State us Out-of-State % Share ]I 10.2% for Jul 1,2024 Sep 30,2024 for Jut 1,2024-Sep 30,2024 /°T/•bvs 7/01/23 9/30/23 %T/+vs 7/01/23-9/30/23 Y_ 2 Days% 16.2% N 2.4% 3 Days% 10% N 10.7% In-State 29.6% > 0 AVERAGE LENGTH OF ¢Days/o 10.4% N 10.3% 71 2.8% C 5 Days% aD Out-of-State 70.4/° STAY 6+Days% 15.5% N 8.8% ° E � � 2.3 Days 47.9% 71 9.9% y 2.8% 0% 20% 40% 60% — 0 Days Q Percent of Visitor Days Galicia Model o Datafy-Ail Rights Reserved *Only Ul months of complete data are displayed I**I day visitors are removed 32 Packet Pg. 91 < 111111114.D.a IN m 3 Q3 Key Takeaways • Spending data is not available yet for Top points of interest visited in Q3 were N August and September. downtown Kent, in addition to select parks o • Visitors from the Yakima/Tri-Cities area, (noted below) and Kent Station. a. Portland and Los Angeles spent more in N Kentthis quarterthan in Q3 a year ago. E E Main Dates:7/1/24-9/30/24 In-State Out-of-State Distance:50 mi-3,734 mi Clusters:All Included o i I Destination Summary N Compare Dates:7/1/23-9/30/23 POIs:SEA Airport Excluded Locals:0-50 miles Spend Locations:All Included N for Kent WA c� Top Geolocation Markets Top Spending by Destination * Top POIs for 7/01/24-9/30/24 ' ,1,1 y 7/01/23-9/30/23 for 7/01/24-9/30/24 %T/4-7/01/23-9/30/23 for 7101124-9/30/24 %T/l 7101123-9/30/23 Share of Total %Change DMA %Spend Change in Share of POI Share of %Change in DMA Visitor Visitor in Visitor Share Spend Visitor Days Visitor Days N Days Days Days M Omaha 11.2% — 9.88% Kent WA 97.6% — 9.61% Portland-OR 14.1% 351,293 N 5.72% l Seattle-Tacorr 9.02% — 0.02% Downtown Kent 8.8% — 49.2% 0. N Seattle-Tacorr 12.7% 315,109 71 0.43% L CO) Yakima-Pasco 6.56% ♦ 133% Mill Creek Canyon 3.8% — 33.4% CYl Spokane 8.5% 211,620 N 8.6% C N Portland-OR 6.17% ♦ 0.31% Kent Station 3.6% — 43.2% Y r Yakima-Pasco 5.9% 147,476 N 4.9% W Spokane 5.25% -- 0.63% Linda Heights Park 2.5% ♦ 225.2% Los Angeles 3.8% 93,856 W 20.9% y Los Angeles 5.18% ♦ 0.94% Historic Downtowr 2.5% — 44.9% t Phoenix-Pres 3% 73,506 N 21% rvC r Columbus-GA 3.75% — 1.15% Cornucopia Festive 1.5% — 42.9% Q Boise 2.7% 67,156 N 12.3% *Spend Data only available:5/01/18-7/31124 Galicia Model I o D.tafy-All Rights Reserved , 33These estimates are generat"from a statistical model which has been trained using historical behavior.The spe6fic results are based on an observed sannp�e of devices that met the specified filter settings. Packet Pg. 92 Main Dates:7/1/24-9/30/24 In-State a et to et t Out-of-State) Distance:50 mi-3,734 mi Clusters:All Included) 0 Destination Summary o s for Kent WA Compare Dates.7/1/23-9130/23) ( POIs:SEA Airport Excluded Locals:0-50 miles Spend Locations:All Included a - - LO O N C Notes � L Kent WA welcomed an estimated 1,062,794 trips, a-8.3% decrease from the comparison dates. The average length of stay was estimated at 2.3 days, no change from the comparison dates. This results in an estimated 2,420,147 visitor days within the destination, a E -10.2% decrease from the comparison dates. This data suggests that while the number of trips to Kent WA decreased compared to the N previous period, the average length of stay remained constant. N 0 N Looking at all years of data for Kent WA, the peak visitation months by visitor days are July, August, and September. This means that during the summer months, Kent experiences the highest volume of visitors, likely due to favorable weather conditions and school vacations. The fall months also see a significant number of visitors, possibly due to events or attractions in the area during that time. In-State visitation increased by 2.8% while Out-Of-State has decreased by 2.8%. This shift in visitor behavior could indicate a potential preference for local or regional travel, possibly influenced by factors such as travel restrictions, safety concerns, or economic conditions. N O The top 3 visitation markets are Portland- OR, Seattle-Tacoma, and Spokane. c The top 5 spending markets are Omaha, Seattle-Tacoma, Yakima-Pasco-Rchlnd-Knnwck, Portland- OR, and Spokane. L 0 The top 5 most visited points of interest are: Kent WA, Downtown Kent, Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park, Kent Station, and Linda Heights Park. cY i c aD Y r c aD ,_ BATA E V bd Q 34 Packet Pg. 93 h • • • • 11 D 3 Q3 Key Takeaways - this data reflects travel to hotels in Kent and excludes day visitors • Total trips to hotels grew by 2.2% compared to Q3 2023 N • Out-of-state travel to hotels grew by 0.24% compared to Q3 2023 0 a- • Kent's overnight visitors stayed longer compared to Q3 2023 N Co N Geolocation data and estimates are considered Complete up to September 14 and Preliminary from September 15 to October 05. L Main Dates:7/1/24-9/30/24 In-State Out-of-State Distance:50 mi-3,734 mi, Cluster:Hotels Included Destination Summary E 1 I I I for Kent WA Compare Dates:7/1/23-9/30/23 POIs:All Included Locals:0-50 miles) spend Locations:All Included 04 N O Visitor Volume Estimates Annual Volume by Visitor Days* ; for Jul 1,2024-Sep 30,2024 i %T/J.vs 7/01/23-9/30/23 82.3K R cn 68.6 i T TOTAL TRIPS o 54.9 0 41.2 50,611 Trips 71 2.2% 27.4 N 13.7 K O 0 M Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec o1 L 12018 0 2019 0 2020 0 2021 0 2022 0 2023 2024 0 a VISITOR DAYS L 160,357 Days Overnight Visitation % Share* Y ]I 21% for Jul 1,2024-Sep 30,2024 In-State us Out-of-State % Sharefor Jul 1,2024-sep 30,2024 %T/J.vs 7/01/23-R/30/23 %T/.bvs 7/01/23-R/30/23 Y_ 2 Days% 14.5% N 16.2% ° 3 Days/° 12.6% N 11.3% In-State 21% > 4 Days/° M AVERAGE LENGTH OF 5Daysp/o 10.7% 71 4.9% N 0.24% r_ STAY ° 13.9% 71 15.8% 0_ Out-of-State 79% E 6+Days/o t 3.2 Days 48.3% 71 4.5% 71 0.24% 0% 20% 40% 60% 11 0.9 Days Q Percent of Visitor Days Galicia Model 1 a Datafy-All Rights Reserved *OnLy full months of complete data are displayed I**I day visitors are removed 35 Geolocation estimates are generated from a statistical model which has been trained using historical behavior.The specific results are based on an observed sample of devices that meet the specified filter settings. Packet Pg. 94 h • • • • D 3 Q3 Key Takeaways- this data reflects travel to hotels in Kent and excludes day visitors • Visitors from Spokane made up the largest • Hotel stays at Comfort Inn grew nearly 14% N share of hotel trips, followed by Portland, in Q3 Q. Vancouver and Yakima. • Nearly all hotels saw growth in Q3 a LO • While spending data is not available yet for compared to Q3 2023. N August and September, hotel spending from Washington state was nearly 22% of hotel revenue. E E Main Dates:7/1/24-9/30/24 In-State Out-of-State Distance:50 mi-3,734 mi Cluster:Hotels Included 1 l I Destination Summary CN o for Kent WA Compare Dates:7/1/23-9/30/23 POIs:All Included Locals:0-50 miles Spend Locations:All Included N c� Top Geolocation Markets Top Spending by Destination * O Top POIs for 7/01/24-9/30/24 %1`/y 7/01/23-9/30/23 for 7/01/24-9/30/24 %T/ b 7/01/23-9/30/23 for 7/01/24-9/30/24 %T/+7/01/23-9/30/23 City Share of Total %Change State %Spend Change in Share of POI Share of Trips %Change in Trips Trips in Trips Share Spend Trips IqN 0 M Spokane,... 3% 2,274 71 70.7% Washington 21.7% + 1.56% Comfort Inn K... 15.4% + 13.7% I O Portland,... 2.5% 1,932 71 100.8% Nebraska 11.3% — 9.86% Ramada by Wy... 15.2% — 1.68% N L CO) Vancouver... 1.9% 1,415 71 142.9% California 10.5% + 0.68% Days Inn by W... 13% + 9.54% CYI C N Yakima,WA 1.7% 1,263 — — Oregon 5.89% — 0.02% Best Western... 12.3% + 35.2% Y .N Bellingha... 1.5% 1,117 — — Texas 5.47% + 1.25% TownePlace S... 12% + 18.2% C N Salem,OR 1.4% 1,092 — — Michigan 4.18% + 122% Hampton Inn... 11.1% + 29.6% V r r� Pasco,WA 1.3% 1,013 — — Alabama 3.95% — 1.15% Quality Inn Kent 10.5% + 17.4% Q *Spend Data only available:5101/18-7/31/24 Galicia Model o.. Reserved36 settings. Packet Pg. 95 m IN 3 I Destination Summary for Kent WA 0 a 0 L a LO N Key Definitions N Share of Trips- Measures the presence of a particular market by the percentage of which it makes up the destination's total trips. For example: If your destination M had a total of 80 trips,and 20 of those visitors came from New York, New York would have a 25%share of trips. E Trip Length-Measures how long, in consecutive days,the visitor spent in the destination. E 0 v7 Locals vs Visitors-Gives an estimate of the number of visitors vs. locals within a given POI or cluster of POIs. Locals are typically measured as those coming from 0- 50 miles the POI;those seen as coming from outside this radius are considered visitors.This radius is customizable and set by the user. N Percent Change-This tracks the percentage difference(either increase or decrease) between two values.In here,you'll typically see it being used on metrics like Percent Change of Trips and Percentage Change of Visitor Days. For example:if your destination saw an increase from 100 trips to 125 trips,your percent change in >, trips would be a 201/1.increase. Geolocation Market- Estimates of visitors based on unique device counts within the filter parameters set by the user. rn 7T Overnight Visitation Percent Share-An estimate of the number of visitors in the destination for longer than 24 hours, broken up into 2,3,4, 5,and 6+day percentage v share. For example,a single visitor that was tracked in the destination for 3 days presumably spent 2 evenings overnight. C4 0 M Share of Spend-Share of Spend is a percent share estimate specific to spend.To calculate,the total number of spend is added together.Then each individual spend o metric(such as the spend for individual markets)is divided by the total spend value to provide a percentage that can easily be compared against other similar values. 0 a� L Visitor Days-An estimate of the number of daily visitors to a given POI or cluster of POIs.The daily estimate can be calculated based on whichever date range is Cy selected by the users. a� Trips-The number of distinct trips by a visitor to a destination or POI.We calculate this using a combination of observation patterns and distance traveled. For Y example,if a visitor comes in-market Thursday Sunday, it only counts as one trip. If the return later in the month,that is counted as a second trip. T P Y- Y � Y P• Y P• > a� E z U r r The Dotafy dashboard is active and dynamic,Additioncl action items m ay be identified during the review of this report if appropriate and requested,a revised report a will be generated to reflect historical updates.Datofy Models us multiple sources of data to produce a composite estimate.Areas geofenced capture a sample size of devices end ore statistically mad8fed to estimate visitor volumes. 37 Packet Pg. 96 E- ZM: IA % V THANKYOU .' Advertising Branding - Communication & Strategy Digital & Social Media Graphic Design Internal Communications - Issue Management Public & Media Relations Promotions & Events Research & Planning _ 1 102 A Street Bridget Baeth Suite 300 #31 1 Principal Tacoma, WA 98402 O: 253.722.2690 253.627.9128 BBaeth@JayRay.com Hello@JayRay.com JayRay.com @JayRayAdsPR ©2024 JayRay Ads+ PR 4.D.b JAYRAY A PLACE TO THINK Branding Advertising SlrategicUrnmunicaticns 1 102 A Street Suite 300#311 Tacoma,WA 98402 VISIT KENT 2025 DESTINATION MARKETING PROPOSAL 10/31/24 OVERVIEW M Provide destination marketing services to promote Kent a tourism, focusing on diverse cultural experiences through the ri Kent Food Trails, while leveraging Kent's location as an N affordable overnight basecamp to the greater Seattle area. N Partner with Kent hotels and local businesses to share c compelling stories, primarily across digital channels to measure �a reach and impact. E E 3 WEBSITE SERVICES (Content Creation, Hosting & Maintenance) Perform VisitKent.com website maintenance and content N updates to include events calendar, hotel/business listings, homepage banners, packages and deals. Update graphics and images. Write one blog per quarter(4). Includes one round of N revision. v Convert the "Day Trips" and "Weekend Trips" section of the N website into searchable, multi-day itineraries. Each itinerary M will be tagged with keywords and by season to match visitor interests, feature a new video produced in 2024 and include hotel booking links. Cross-promote on social media. Annual hosting, domain and plug-in subscriptions. *Third- ri party costs Annual technical support plan includes resolution of m bugs/errors, uptime monitoring, fast website restore (whenCN o down), necessary theme and plug-in updates. *Third-party costs Y subtotal $21,380 y SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES Develop 12-month editorial calendar for social media posts, leveraging blogs, hotel promotions, Kent Food Trails and E more. w w Write social media content and post 3 times per week on Q Instagram and Facebook. Review content with Kent partners. Reshare partner posts on IG Stories. Community management and engagement on Instagram and Facebook (schedule/post content, grow followers, respond to posts and proactively engage, upload events and curate photos from followers). Packet Pg. 98 4.D.b SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES (CONT.) Boost social media posts to drive website visits to VisitKent.com. Includes $200 per blog (4); $10 per social media post (156); and $200 per follower growth ad (4). subtotal $28,400 y MARKETING SERVICES Q Lead annual in-person workshop (2 hrs.) with hoteliers and ° a key partners to identify tourism trends and advantages to N guide marketing strategy for 2025. Workshop includes N facilitation, workshop materials and summary of findings. Based on findings, refine strategy including audience, goals, tactics and schedule. E Geolocation data subscription (12 months) with Datafy to co track visitors from 50+ miles away. Includes 6 clusters, dozens of geofenced points of interests (hotels, sports, N outdoor recreation, shopping, downtown, parks, corporate businesses) and quarterly measurement report. Develop creative brief and campaign concepts (2) for winter geolocation marketing ad campaign. Includes design and N ad copy. Finalize selected concept into HTML-5 ads in up to 8 sizes. Draft campaign landing page copy and publish. N Media buy (ad spend) for winter campaigns including: 1 . o Digital FB/IG: $5,000; 2. Google to increase website traffic: $10,000; 3. Geolocation marketing: $20,000. State of Washington Tourism - Partner City Membership r� (includes Datafy geolocation data reduced rate). subtotal $66,600 m SPECIAL PROJECT: WORLD CUP 2026CN N 0 Attend World Cup webinars hosted by State of Washington Tourism and other travel industry partners. Y Develop marketing promotion plan to leverage the World y Cup (June-July 2026) in Seattle to bring visitors to Kent. > r Create digital collateral (up to 4 items such as World Cup badge, social graphics, website graphics, etc.) to position Kent as a destination during the event. Q Build itineraries for World Cup fans that include Kent businesses. Add to VisitKent.com. subtotal $10,000 Packet Pg. 99 4.D.b MEDIA RELATIONS Attend TravMedia International Media Marketplace (IMM) January 22-23 in New York to pitch stories in-person to travel editors, journalists, broadcasters and influencers. Includes up to 24 pre-scheduled meetings with media to share Kent's story. Bring one foodie writer(or travel writer from IMM)to Kent y each season (4)to produce content focused on a global a food tour/experience. Develop media list, pitch story, a partner with local businesses and coordinate. o N Bring content partners/influencers (2)to Kent (people who = match the diversity of Kent businesses/residents)to develop , stories/images and share with their followers through blogs £ and social media. Includes identification, invitation, contract, E 3 trip coordination and summary of results. co N Repurpose seasonal blogs (4) into media pitches. Includes N pitch time and follow-up. Cision media database subscription (media lists, coverage monitoring). *Third-party costs o Media hosting allowance (covers writers/influencers overnight stays in hotels, meals and some travel expenses). N subtotal $25,400 M PROJECT MANAGEMENT i Develop project work plans, track goals and provide quarterly reports (4) of services provided and annual report. Quarterly project status calls (4, 1 hr.) with client. Includes agenda and update. 3 Present progress to LTAC in person (up to 2 meetings per year). 00 subtotal $15,600 0 N C TOTAL Jl6Z 380 Y .y APPROVAL r I give JayRay my approval, subject to JayRay's Standard Terms and Conditions. E s w w Q Signed Date Packet Pg. 100