Convention Center Study Update
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
June 14, 2000
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Convention Center Study Update
Administrative Services Manager Pauline Joyce is recommending a contract in an amount
not to exceed $12,000 to hire Conventions, Sports and Leisure International to update the
market, financial and economic impact analysis of a Dubuque Convention Center Study that
was completed in December 1998.
The study will provide necessary data for the City's application for Vision Iowa funding for
the expanded Ice Harbor projects, including additions to the River Discovery Center, a
convention center, parking and circulation improvements and other infrastructure
improvements. Specifically, this study will provide focused market research with respect
to the estimated impact that the River Discovery Center development might have on a new
convention center. It will also help to better determine the size of the proposed facility.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
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Michael C. Van Milligen
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Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager
Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
June 14, 2000
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
SUBJECT: Convention Center Study Update
The purpose of this memorandum is to recommend that the City hire Conventions,
Sports and Leisure International to update the market, financial and economic
impact analysis of a Dubuque Convention Center Study that was completed in
December 1998. Specifically, this study will provide focused market research with
respect to the estimated impact that the River Discovery Center development might
have on a new convention center. Interviews will be conducted with
representatives of key conventions and trade show market segments to gauge
opinions relative to the Dubuque market and the planned River Discovery Center. A
comparison of the estimated incremental gains over previous findings as a result of
the new attractions will be highlighted.
The study will provide necessary data for the City's application for Vision Iowa
funding for the expanded Ice Harbor projects, including additions to the River
Discovery Center, a convention center, parking and circulation improvements and
other infrastructure improvements. It would also help to better determine the size
of the proposed facility.
The recommended contract is for an amount not to exceed $1 2,000 and would be
funded from the Convention Center Study CIP. Attached is a copy of the proposed
agreement. The requested action is for City Council to authorize the City Manager
to enter into the attached agreement.
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06/31/00 WED 18:11 PAX 812 668 9709
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1iII002
May 31, 2000
Ms. Pauline Joyce
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Ms. Joyce:
This letter sets forth our understanding of the terms and objectives of our engagement with the
City of Dubuque ("City") to assist with an evaluation of a proposed new convention facility in
Dubuque, Iowa. This letter also provides the nature and limitations of the services to be provided
and the related fee arrangement
Scope of Services
As an initial study step, we will work with the City to establish the specific project goals and
time frante. A kickoff meeting will be established to collect pertinent project data and to identify
the local organizations, officials and others that we will need to meet with at the outset of the
study.
The purpose of the study will be update certain key aspects of the market, financial and economic
impact analysis of a new Dubuque convention Center completed in December 1998. This
analysis will provide focused market research with respect to the estimAted impact that the new
Dubuque River Center development might have OD a new Dubuque convention facility.
Specifically, interviews will be conducted with representatives of key conventions and trade
show market segments to gauge opinions relative to the Dubuque market and the planned River
Center. Importantly, these interviews will provide information regarding the impact that the new
River Center will have on each group's likelihood of utilizing a Dubuque convention facility.
Draft Copy
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05/31/00 WED 16:12 FAX 612 553 9709 CSL INTERNATIONAL
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~003
Ms. Pauline Joyce
Page 2 of3
We will utilize the results of the market surveys in conjunction with the results of the previ0U3ly
completed study to estimate various key quantitative tneaSUl'eS of convention event activity at the
proposed convention facility. These measure will include, but not be limited to: events, event
days, average and total attendance, and foom nights. A comparison of the estimated incremental
gains over previous fmdings as a result of the new River Center, if any, will be highlighted. We
will document our findings in summary letter format for your review.
Professional Fees and Expenses
Professional fees for this engagement will be billed on an hourly rate basis. Total professional
fees will not exceed $12,000. Out-of-pocket expenses including travel costs, subsistence,
postage, telephone, report preparation and reproduction will be billed separately.
Fees and expenses will be billed and are payable on a monthly basis. Should additional work be
requested beyond the scope of services detailed herein, professional fees will be billed on an
hourly rate basis. Total professional fees for additional services will depend on the number of
hours required to complete the services and skiIJ levels of the assigned personnel.
Timing
The total elapsed time for the study is estimated at four to six weeks. The project schedule is
dependent on the flnal scope of the engagement, availability of key representatives for interviews
and discussions, and the timely receipt ofrequested materials.
We anticipate completing the components of this study requested by the City and its
representatives in full, performing all work as set forth in this engagement letter. In the event
that a decision not to proceed occurs within the timefrarne of this engagement, we would cease
our work, and bill you for time and expenses incurred to date.
Conditions of Work.
Any findings and recommendations presented as a part of this engagement will reflect the
analysis of primary and secondary information provided by the City and other involved parties.
Information provided by third parities will not be audited or verified, unless otherwise noted, and
will be assumed to be correct. As any projected information provided as a part of this
Draft Copy
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05/31/00 WED 16:12 FAX 612 553 9709 CSL INTERNATIONAL
1iIl004
Ms. Pauline Joyce
Page 3 of3
engagement will be based on various trends and assumptions, there will be differences between
the information presented and actual results because events and circumstances frequently do not
occur as expected and thOlle differences may be material.
As the analyses provided as a part of this study will take place significantly prior to any facility
development, CSL will make no representation or warranty as to the findings or
recommendations contained within any of our analyses, including any estimates, and sba11 have
no liability for any representations (expressed or implied) contained in, or for any omissions
from, such information. Any finding or recommendation made by CSL will be based on the
scope of services as defined herein. CSL cannot be held responsible for any future marketing
efforts and/or other lIllIDlIgeIDent actions on which the future performance of the facility will
depend. The work performed as a part of this engagement is intended solely for the internal use
of the City and authorized representatives.
* .. . . .. . .
If you are in agreement with the aforementioned, please indicate by signing in the space provided
below, and returning this letter to CSL International. If you would like to discuss this letter,
please contact John Kaatz at (612) 553-9700.
Very truly yours,
CSL Interoational, Inc.
A Minnesota Corporation
The arrangements described above are acceptable to us and set forth the satisfactory basis which
to proceed with this engagement.
By:
Title:
Date:
l Draft Copy
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