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Grand River Center Presentation of FY 2024 Annual ReportCopyrighted January 21, 2025 City of Dubuque ACTION ITEMS # 1. City Council ITEM TITLE: Grand River Center Presentation of FY 2024 Annual Report SUMMARY: City Manager sharing information for the OVG 360 Grand River Center General Manager Ryan Bonifas to give a presentation to the City Council for the FY 2024 Annual Report. SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Presentation DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: 1. MVM Memo 2. Staff Memo 3. Presentation Request 4. Annual Report Page 478 of 740 THE CITY OF DUBE Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Grand River Center Presentation of FY 2024 Annual Report DATE: January 13, 2025 Dubuque AI WIN av 2007-2012.2013 2017*2019 Leisure Services Director Marie Ware is sharing information for the OVG 360 Grand River Center General Manager Ryan Bonifas to give a presentation to the City Council for the FY 2024 Annual Report. Ryan will present activities in the last fiscal year, as well as plans for the future. v Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:sv Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager Ryan Bonifas, OVG 360 General Manager Page 479 of 740 THE CITY OF Dubuque DUB AFAneriea City TEEI�II Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007.2012 2013.2017 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Director SUBJECT: Grand River Center Presentation of FY 2024 Annual Report DATE: December 26, 2024 1►111:is]1111"1IQki The purpose of this memorandum is to request the opportunity for Ryan Bonifas, General Manager of the Grand River Center, to make a presentation to the City Council for the FY 2024 Annual Report. DISCUSSION OVG 360 is the private management company in charge of day-to-day operations for the Grand River Center. The management contract has a requirement for an annual report to the City Council. Ryan Bonifas, General Manager, would like to present activities in the last fiscal year, as well as plans for the future. ACTION STEP I request time on the Council agenda for Ryan to share the FY 24 Annual Report. cc: Ryan Bonifas, General Manager Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager 1 Page 480 of 740 GRAND RIVER CENTER UP Marie Ware Leisure Services Director I City of Dubuque 2200 Bunker Hill Road Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Dear Mrs. Ware, GRAND RIVER CENTER 500 Bell Street I Dubuque, Iowa 52001 T: 563.690.4500 F: 563.239.9748 I am writing to formally request the opportunity to present the 2024 Annual Report of the Grand River Center at the City Council meeting scheduled for January 21, 2025. This presentation will highlight the significant achievements of our venue over the past year, showcasing the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of our team and partners in driving our success. For your convenience, the annual report is attached for review. Please let me know if there is an available time slot on the agenda for this presentation. I am happy to provide any additional information or materials needed in preparation. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Ryan Bonifas, MS, CVP General Manager Oak View Group I Grand River Center 500 Bell St., Dubuque, IA 52001 Page 481 of 740 A a 0 w al a us] a Pw r 2r Alo 47 20 24 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT ABOUT US Situated along the magnificent Mississippi River, adjacent to deluxe lodging, gaming and entertainment venues and within walking distance of historic downtown Dubuque, the Grand River Center features a diverse, intimate atmosphere where you will enjoy dedicated service and the finest cuisine. You will find the perfect venue for every occasion within one facility. Our Grand Ballroom is the ideal setting for weddings, banquets, holiday parties, or any formal gathering. The enchanting all -glass "River Room" offers breathtaking views for intimate gatherings, while the expansive Exhibit Hall provides a versatile space for large crowds and dynamic events, together creating an ideal backdrop for unforgettable occasions! Page 483 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 3AIF- .n � ICI 0i rwr.+�, �•r,�---fir-m � •rae+�—.�, —r—.- A WORD FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Bonifas, MS, CVP As we conclude our inaugural year with Oak View Group in Dubuque, I am proud to present our annual report, celebrating the remarkable progress we've made together in the Key City. This past year has been nothing short of transformative. Under the guidance of Oak View Group, we've adopted innovative strategies to elevate our services and enhance our stunning venue. Our choice to operate with a streamlined team underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service while maximizing efficiency. Our mission remains clear: to revolutionize the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality industries and create unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide. In the past year, we've made significant strides in upholding and exceeding the highest standards of customer service. At the same time, we've bolstered profitability and fostered vital strategic relationships, particularly those within our community. We take immense pride in our role in showcasing the 'Masterpiece on the Mississippi' as a premier destination for memorable events. With unwavering enthusiasm and dedication, we are committed to advancing the future of hospitality, setting new benchmarks for excellence every step of the way. Ryan Bonifas, MS, CVP General Manager Grand River Convention Center, OVG Page 484 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT THE CITY OF L)UB�QbE Masterpiece on the Mississippi A WORD FROM THE CITY OF DUBUQUE Marie Ware It has been a whirlwind since the day OVG 360 (Oak View Group) began their tenure as the professional managers of Grand River Center Conference and Education Center on March 31, 2023. At the close of Fiscal Year 2024 we look back and reflect on the many accomplishments in this short timeframe. Grand River Center is our jewel and a true Masterpiece on the Mississippi. October of 2023 OVG 360 led the celebration of its 20th anniversary with numerous events and activities showcasing the beauty of the Center and its many amenities, honoring the past 20 years, and celebrating what is to come. The Sales and Marketing Team has revamped social media and the website in addition to sales blitzes throughout the community and region. Their efforts at trade shows partnering with Travel Dubuque have increased the presence of Grand River Center as a perfect location for events and activities. Sales and Marketing handoff to the Events Team for execution of the bookings which helps each client work through every detail of their eventto a successful ending. The Food and Beverage Department and Chef's team have elevated the offerings in taste, presentation, and delivery to the table. Their focus on sustainability is showcased in this report and is a testament to their innovation and dedication. Although not glamorous work, the Operations Departmentteam spent many hours and lots of elbow grease to deep clean, paint, and make repairs to bring the Center to a sparkling beauty. This attention to detail by all OVG 360 departments and staff elevated the guest experience and resulted in client rave reviews and return bookings. General Manager Ryan Bonifas leads an incredible executive team and together have infused a new energy and focus on high levels of customer service and increased efficiencies at Grand River Center. Their outreach and volunteering showcase the commitment to our community. The transformation is as stunning as the views from the Grand River Center. As we look to the future, we are very excited to see the innovative nature of this team take shape and surprise all of us with new levels of excellence in hospitality. The best is yet to come! Marie Ware Leisure Services Director City of Dubuque Page 485 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT A WORD FROM TRAVEL DUBUQUE Keith Rahe am writing to express my continued support for Oak View Group as the management company of the Grand River Center. Over the past nearly two years, they have proven to be exceptional partners to Travel Dubuque and have effectively worked towards their mission of driving business to the center. Since taking over management, Oak View Group has brought exceptional leadership, a strategic vision, and a commitment to outstanding service. The center now stands out for its cleaner, more welcoming atmosphere and top -tier service that far exceeds previous standards. Their proactive approach and focus on growth have solidified the Grand River Center's reputation as a leader in the industry. We are proud to celebrate their recognition as the Best Convention Center in the Midwest from Northstar's Stella Award. Their commitment to sustainability and community involvement is equally appreciated. Oak View Group has introduced eco- friendly practices while building strong relationships with local, regional, and national businesses. They have actively supported local initiatives, sales missions, and are always looking for innovative ways to bring new business opportunities to Dubuque. am confident that their continued leadership will further elevate the Grand River Center as the premier venue for events in the future. Keith Rahe President & CEO Travel Dubuque Page 486 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE City of Dubuque Leisure Services Director 0 Oak View Group Regional General Manager Office Manager -4 Director of Sales & Director of Director of Food Director of Director of Marketing Finance & Beverage Events Operations Sales Executive Sous Event Operations Manager Chef Manager Manager Sales Express Banquet Chief Engineer Manager Manager Maintenance Marketing Lead Coordinator Kitchen Staff Maintenance Tech 6 i -740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT VENUE AT A GLANCE h q- ;fin► ": The Grand River Convention Center features 86,000 square feet of event space consisting of a exhibit hall, ballroom, meeting rooms, and a all -glass "River Room" will enchant your more private gatherings. The Grand River Convention Center opened in 2003 and has proven to be a value asset to the community. We have hosted a variety of unique events such as Cheer, Circus on Ice, Tradeshows, Consumer Shows, Car Shows, Political Town Halls and other special events. Page 488 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT FACILITY OVERVIEW Below are diagrams of the Grand River Convention Center. Featuring over 86,000 square feet of exhibit, meeting, and entertainment space, we are the ideal destination for your next meeting, conference, convention, trade show, or banquet. Level 1 features our Exhibit Hall, Level 2 features 6 meeting room blocks and access to Grand River Center's Skywalk, and Level 3 features the River Room is an all -glass enclosure with a balcony jutting over the Riverwalk, overseeing the Mighty Mississippi River. Lower Level Ballroom • Salon A • Salon B • Salon C • Salon D Ballroom Pre -Function Meeting Rooms 1,23 Meeting Rooms 4,5,6 Spine Main Meeting Pre -Function Sky Walk Upper Level Exhibit Hall • Exhibit Hall A • Exhibit Hall B Registration Show Office Pre -Function Parking Garage Loading Docks Page 489 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT Ryan Bonifas General Manager I MS, CVP r Katie Yaddof Express Sales Manager Ray Mihalic Director F&B / Executive Chef Joe Klecker Operations Manager OUR TEAM Sherri Sherman Office Manager Kyla Lindsey Sales & Marketing Manager Kassie McCarthy Executive Sous Chef - I Rick Stecher Director of Finance Eliza Wilson Director of Events) CWP Air., 1 I f 1 Jayme Mescher Director of Operations 0 Rachel Clisch Director of Sales & Marketing 4 ILI Mandy Harkness Banquet Manager Don Lorenz Chief Engineer Adam Schauer 8 Event Manager Page 490 of 740 Lee Wilson Maintenance Lead Ryne Schlosser Set Up Lead 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT CLIENT FEEDBACK "All staff was very friendly and helpful throughout our event planning and the day of the event, which had everything go smoothly." - City of Dubuque "The center (especially areas that the public doesn't see) were markedly more clean and organized." - BestFest "The Grand River Center is a jewel on the Mississippi and a wonderful location to host a meeting or event, large or small. The staff is kind and knowledgeable." - Dubuque Chamber of Commerce "The food was fantastic! The selections available were great and almost hard to narrow down: wanted to try it all!" - Foodliner "All staff was very friendly and helpful throughout our event planning and the day of the event, which had everything go smoothly." - City of Dubuque "I am so impressed with each and every staff person at the Grand River Center. They helped elevate our 22 year -old event to new heights. Attendees were so impressed with every facet of their guest experience!" - Opening Doors 0 Page 491 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT CLIENT SURVEY After each event, we email a survey to the primary contact, gathering feedback on their experience. These surveys, which we began sending in July, ask clients to rate various aspects of the event on a 1- 10 scale. Cleanliness 9.2 / 10 Courtesy of Building Staff 9.2 / 10 I Y g t Parking 9.2 / 10 r Quality of Food 8.2 / 10 Client rating of GRC before event 8.2 / 10 Client rating of GRC after event 8.5 / 10 y Client overall rating of event at the GRC 8.6 / 10 `e Page 492 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT SUSTAINABILITY ■■■ n n n Microgarden We've introduced a unique microgreen growing system in our convention center kitchen. This system includes a variety of live plants, herbs, and vegetables, which we now incorporate into our event dishes. Agave Straws We have eliminated all plastic straws and switched to Agave Straws, which are better for the environment and can be composted in our composting unit! cab Composting We've started composting at our convention center to turn food scraps into nutrient -rich compost for local parks and community gardens. Recycling We take great pride in reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting a healthier environment by ensuring materials are reused and repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. 10 Page 493 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT ECONOMIC IMPACT Month Total Event Impact J u I $538,862.00 August $274,418.00 September $655,541.99 October $590,021.00 November $182,074.00 December $149,801.00 January $391,447.00 February $635,747.00 March $356,809.00 April $620,644.00 May $417,400.00 J u n e $242,1 23.00 TOTAL $5,054,887.99 11 Page 494 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT VOLUNTEERING k. I Volunteering is very important to all staff at the Grand River Convention Center. We try and take part once or twice a month to go out in the Dubuque community and lend a hand to local organizations that may need a extra hand! It allows us to give back to the local community. November 15th - 13th, 2023 - Dubuque Food Pantry December 7th, 2023 - Riverview Center December 20th, 2023 - Teresa Shelter January 18th, 2024 - Almost Home - Open Closet January 8th - January 20th, 2024 - Clothing Drive at the Grand River Center February 20th, 2024 - United Way - Clothing Drive Drop Off March 12th, 2024 - Dubuque Regional Humane Society April 30th, 2024 - Habitat for Humanity May 28th, 2024 - Open Closet June 20th, 2024 - Stonehill Communities August 8th, 2024 - St. Mark Youth Enrichment Page 495 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT MILESTONES 176 EVENTS HOSTED 501581 ATTENDEES FINANCIAL RESULTS Actual Budget Variance Number of Events 176 194 (18) Number of Attendees 50,581 82,424 (31,843) Rental & Service Income 246,872 519,167 (272,295) Ancillary Income 1,739,024 1,862,760 (123,736) Service Cost 105,852 94,250 (11,602) Ancillary Expense 326,912 419,379 (92,467). Total Net Event Income 11553,132 1,868,298 (315,166) Indirect Expense 2,284,641 2,602,428 (317,787) Other Income 4,703 42,900 Q8,197►, Total Net Operating Income (Loss) (726,807) (691,230) (35,577) Page 496 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT SIGNATURE EVENTS MEN Live M MA Hosting MMA and other sporting events allows us to attract guests who might not typically attend conventions, introducing new audiences to our venue. We love bringing together people with shared passions, and these events consistently draw impressive crowds. Special Olympics Iowa Special Olympics Iowa, an annual event held at the Grand River Center, provides a gateway to empowerment, confidence, acceptance and joy. M A D E M E N P R 0 M 0 T 1 0 N S VER CENTER � BRAND RIPCPP _ 500 S!U STREET, OUoJCVE U • 11 11 V 039 _ LTA :TWAM mac. - Ar Trump Town Hall Hosting a sitting or former president brings the full attention of the community, and we were honored to welcome former President Trump, drawing an audience of over2,400. Iowa Library Association Hosting statewide conferences brings visitors from across Iowa to our vibrant city, boosting the local economy and showcasing all we have to offer. Page 497 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION This past October, the Grand River Center proudly marked its 20th anniversary with a series of memorable events. The celebration featured a formal gathering, followed by a free community event that warmly welcomed local residents and businesses to join in the festivities. Page 498 of 740 I M4 R $1 r� i %9 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT EVENT MIX We hosted 176 events in the Fiscal Year with great success! In FY 2024 our event mix was heavily weighted to meetings, with 37% of events hosted in this event type. Weddings, Quinceneras, Family Banq 43 Special Ev 11 C< Sporting Events 6 Banquets Consumer Shows 9 & Seminars 00 14 Page 500 of 740 2024 GRAND RIVER CENTER ANNUAL REPORT FUTURE OUTLOOK Reflecting on Oak View Group's inaugural year in Dubuque, we're thrilled by the transformative initiatives and projects that set the stage for our future success. Becoming part of such a vibrant and welcoming community has been an incredible journey, and we are immensely proud of the strides we made. From commemorating the Grand River Center's 20th anniversary to partnering with extraordinary non -profits, cultivating a micro - garden with Wahlert Catholic School and ReEvolution Farms, and championing local arts, the past year was nothing short of inspiring. These milestones highlight the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to making a meaningful impact. Our success is fueled by the passion and dedication of our outstanding team. From hosting unforgettable events to delivering top - tier service, their hard work has driven the Grand River Center's continued growth and excellence. As we look back on 2024, we celebrate a year of growth, engagement, and community impact. Looking ahead, we're energized by the opportunities on the horizon —from the return of daily flights to Dubuque to the Marriott Hotel opening at the Port of Dubuque in 2027 and more. Together, these advancements position us for even greater achievements in the years to come. Page 501 of 740