Loading...
Convention and Visitors Bureau Quarterly Reportriver town reinvented uartery Report Spring 2012 Overview DUBUQUE, IA IS EVENT -FULL' The Dubuque Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) confi nu es to grow We know confi nu ed growth is key to ours, and Dubuque's success S ince Janu ary, we have hosted our first What Women Want Dubuque Style and received rave reviews We've added three n en men bers to our team We've Increased our marketing reach in our key markEts through strategic media buys We've done this, and much more with the help of our partners Thankyou for making the CVB an event-full place to bet 02 riper town reinvented' DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT riper town reinvented' 03 Staff [ Left to Right I Front Keith Rahe, President, JulieKmnlage, Director ofSales, Bath Taylor Kellogg, Vice President or Marketitg, Bece Krapfl, Marketing Program Manager, Tyler Daugherty,Sports & Events Manager, ChmnneSchmoit, PssistantA.mends River Festival Coordinator, Stacy Hubanls, Welcome Center Super. sor, Hot Pictured Lori Ftebeiimrn, Recepnonot &AssoaateSales Representanve j NEW MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM This spring,the Dubuque Convention & Visitors Bureau added three new members to our team Becca Krapfl is our Marketing Program Manager and works with the overall marketing plan for the CVB Tyler Daugherty is our Sports & Evens Manager and Is responsible for delegating the proper services to local sporting events and attracting national caliber competitions Lori Fiebelkom is our Receptionist and Associate Sales Representative forthe Chamber & CVB She is responsible for welcoming guests to the Chamber & CVB and directing them to the appropriate staff members BeccaKra{ifl Tyler Daugherty Markth ng pProgram ports & Events Manager Manager Lori Fie&elkorn Recepti onist & AssoaateSalo Reproentative DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT z"r i I DUBUQUE riper town reinvented" Welcome Center & Hospitality OCCUPANCY The fi rst quarter of the year looked good, however there was a slight dip in April from March That may be attributed to there being 5 Sundays in Apnl this year and Sundays are the slowest night of thewedc 2012 Jan Feb Mar Apr Overall City Occupancy Full Service Select Service Bed & Breakfasts 43 9% 48.496 53.096 50 596 45 796 54 896 61496 57 6396 42 236 43596 45 796 441796 11 6% 18596 20196 10196 The State Tourism Office recently started receiving the S math Travel Research Report (STRR) for lowa'sTopTen County Hotel Markets andfor the first quarter our overall occupancy matches up pretty well Dubuque would be included in that top 10 2012 Iowa's Top Ten Dubuque January February March 42896 42 646 55 946 439% 48 496 53 046 For March the number for the top 10is higher due to the fact that March is State Tournament time in Des Moines The numbers do not include all hotels in those markets, but only those who submit to STRR HOSPITALITY The 4th Annual Hospitality Breakfast was held Thursday, May 10th from 733- 9 am at the Diamond Jo Casino Harbor Room to kick off Tourism month The breakfast was complimentary to our hospitality partners and our way of thanking them for all that they do to hdp promotetourism In Dubuque and the Tn -State Area We had over 100 attendees who came and listenedto our guest speakers, Mark Wyatt from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and Carrie Koelker, Executive Director for Eastern Iowa Tou n sm, who spoke on behalf of the Travel Federation of Iowa We also preseited the 2012 Dubuque Individual in Hospitality Leadership Award to Lori Bahl, Director of Group Sales at the DiamondJo Casino Past recipients of the award are Sue Moran and Walt & Nancy Webster 04 DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Welcome Center & Hospitality VISITOR GUIDE REQUESTS Requests came in from 45 different states, 11 from Canada and 1 from France APRIL Top State Requests lama Illinois Wisconsin 679 35 246 284 14 746 204 10 636 Minnesota 126 6 546 Michigan 63 3 346 Missouri Ohio 62 3 246 52 2 746 Indiana Nebraska California Kansas Total Mailed Total Distributed HOW THEY WERE RECEIVED 52 27°4 49 25°4 41 21°4 34 18% 3,657 16,920 Eastern Iowa Tourism Association 50 Mail 2 Online Phone Calls State Coop 216 50 574 State Brochure 519 Magazine Leads AAA Living Midwest Living Reader's Digest 520 1 422 97 We are currentlyahead of last year at thistime for Visitor Requests, an increase of 35% 05 riper town reinvented' DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT DUBUQUE river town relrivertted' Sports & Events WHAT WOMEN WANT DUBUQUE STYLE The 1st annual What Women Want event took place on Apnl 28 at the Grand River Center The event started at 9 am and ran until 3pm, it included a brunch, $5,000 in prizes including 3 makeovers,51 vendors, 2 breakout sessions and a nationally known comedienne, Etta May The event was presented byKWWL There were 385 registrants and 51 vendasIn attendence Vendorsrangedfrom retail, personal services, wineriesand more SCHEDULE Event Time Registration Shopping in the Plaza (Vendors) Brunch in the Lounge Drab - to-Diva &Surprizes Pick Your Passion Comedienne Etta May Dessert Bar Drab - to-Diva Reveal &Surprizes gam -12 pm 9 am - 3 pm 933 am- 11 am 10 am 11 am -12 pm 1 -2pm 2 -3pm 2 -3pm REGISTRANTS BY STATE State Iowa Wisconsin Illinois Missouri Florida REGISTRANTS BY CITY 227 34 25 1 1 City Dubuque, LA Cedar Rapids, IA Marion, IA Other Cities 64 24 10 188 The event will again be held on April 6, 2013 at the Grand River Center DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Sports k Events AMERICA'S RIVER FESTIVAL The 2012 America's River Festival will take place June 8-10 in the Port of Dubuque with an all star line up Friday night opens with The Marshall Tucker Band and up and coming country star, Justin Moore Saturday night the concerts continue with Star-ship Starring Mickey Thomas opening for REO Speedwagon Sunday th a festival will wrap up with appearances by Elmo and Cookie Monster,followed by the Dubuque Idol Voice Remix Competition DockDogs, kids action inflatables, a caricature artist, racing simulators, BMX Stunt Team and food ven dors will also be there for the crowd's enjoyment throughout th a festival Expected attendance is approximately 15,000 - 18,000 people a nd will draw guestsfrom within 150 miles according to ticket sales Information DUATHLON The 3rd annual Duathlon will take place July 14 and will consist of a 1 2 mile run, 17 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run The event site is located in the McGraw -Hill di stn buti on center parking lot, where the race will begin and end We hope to attract 150- 203 competitors in 2012 A majority of our competitors in 2010 and 2011 were from the Dubuque an d Tri -State area In our first two years, the Duath Ion has created an economic impact of $44,000, attracted 130 participants, and 215 spectators each year MANTASTIC GUYATHLON The 2nd annual Mantastic Guyathlon will take place August 3-5 and will consist of a 2 person team competing in golf, bowling, bean bags, and a softball home run derby Golfing will take place at The Meadows Golf Club, bowling at Creslanes, home run derby at McAleece Park, and bean bags at Courtside Bar & Grill We h ope for 40 competing teams in 2012, with 52 bang the cap in 2011, 24 teams competed for the overall title A majonty of our competitors in 2011 were from the Dubuque and Tri -State area riper town reinvented :1 ART MARKET The CVB is currently working with the Dubuque Art Center & Dubuque Main Street for the planning of Art Market 2012 INDICATES CITY COUNCIL IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES 07 DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT river town relrivarited' Sports & Events DOCKDOGS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DockDogs has hosted regional events in Dubuque as part of the America's River Festival since 2006 and also hosted the 2010 DockDogs National Championship Dubuque was chosen to host the World Championships November 15 - 18, 2012, as well as in 2013 and 2014 The event will bnng in appratimately400 - 500 competitorsfrom across the United States, Canada and the world POTENTIAL EVENT GUS MACKER National 3 on 3 basketball tournament The two -day tournament attracts both male and female players ranging in age from 7 to 50 years old Gus Macker has been in Iowa before, but currently does not have any locations reserved for 2012 and beyond Theaveragetournament brings in around 250 teams Accading to past statistics, if a community brings in 350 teams, the direct economic impact would be just under $800,000 and the indirect economic impact would be $3 9M We hope to bring this event to Dubuque in the early Spring of 2013 with all reven u e goi ng to one or more local charities Discussions are in the works to secure a date and urge Gus Macker to come to Dubuque POTENTIAL EVENT WARRIOR DASH Warn or Dash is the world's largest running senes consisting of an extreme 5 -6K running race with obstacles, including jumping over fire and crawling through mud with barbed wire hung overhead The fi rst race took place in 2009 and has since grown to over 40 races throughout the country and overseas We hopetobring this event to the Dubuque area in March a April of 2013 Discussonsare in thewaksto secure date and we Warrior Dash to cane to Dubuque This two-day event has the potential to draw 5)100+ competitors 08 DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT DUBUQUE riper town reinvented' Sales UPCOMING CONFERENCES I 2012 Date # Meandering the Mighty Mississippi HOG Ride Iowa Grocery In du stry Associati on Iowa DARE Association Conference State d Iowa Optimist IOWA CUBS June 16-17 315 July 9-11 375 July 28-33 203 August 2 -5 120 The Dubuque Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with our full service partners from the Grand River Center /Grand Harbor, Hotel Julies Dubuque, Holiday Inn Dubuque / Galena, Hilton Garden Inn, Best Western Plus and Five Flags Center, will again take meeting planners out to a ball game on June 27 Now in its fourth year, this west contin ues to draw more and more planners from the Des Moines market who cometo learn about all Dubuque has to offer for meetings and events FAM I LIAR IZAT ION (FAM) TOURS Milwaukee Des Moines Chicago Rodcford Ames These are lust a few of the commun to we have drawn meeting planners from to visit Dubuque for our FAM Tours This year in March and in May we hosted two FAMswhich brought planners to experience Dubuque on atwo day visit Thetour includes a visit to all full service hotels and convection centers, attractions, an overview of the community on a tour, dining and an overnight stay One planner from the May FAM had this to say, "I was pleasantly surprised by all the recently completed and planned for new renovations I was also very impressed by the strong sense of community and teamwork" Upcoming FAM Tour dates are June 2526, August 27 -28, November 10 -11, December 1 -2 I 09 DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Sales MIDWEST TRAVEL WRITERS ASSOCIATION Dubuque has been selected to host a Pre FAM for the Midwest Travel Writers Assoa ab on conferen ce th at will be in Davenport in October This is a unique honor for the community asthesewriters cover the leisure, sports, group, and meetings market One writer who serves on the site selection for the Pre FAM noted that the group was interested in Dubuque because of our strong involvement with sustainabatty Issues in our community and our wayhnding system It will take place October 1 -3, 2012 GROUP TOURS riper town reinvented' 2012 Group From Agri Tours ISB Community Bank Wamandee State Bank Sterling Federal Bank INDICATES CITY COUNCIL IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES Canada Ixonia, WI Wamandee, WI Sterling, IL 10 DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Marketing DUBUQUE REINVENTED The CVB continues to have a presence in our key target markets Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Des Moines, Quad Cities, Rockford, Madison & Chicago Print advertising through targeted publications has been an effective lead generatorfor us, especially with the Travel Iowa Co -op Radio has also been a key component for marketing Dubuque as a destination In addition to print & radio, we've utilized outdoor, online, television and email marketing We are currently developing the media buy for 2012 -2013 that will include increasing our social media efforts with Facebook, Twitter and Blog as well as an 'Event -Full' Insert that highlights the area's events MINNEAPOLIS 240 mi rIFiS.Y ( i OMAHA 320 ml CNICA 163 m PEORIA 188 nil KANSAS CI* 375 ml ST.LOUIS 310 ml river town rstn ended! DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT river town relrivcnted' Marketing TRAVELDUBUQUE COM FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 30 2011 2012 Difference Visits 23,716 31,747 + 8,031 Pages/Visit 1191 10 24 -167 Average Time onSrte %NewVists 00 16 03 00 13 39 - 000264 6749% 72984 +549%6 2012 Top 3 Pages % of Page Views Events Home What To Do 2139% 20 65% 1319% 2011 Top 3 Pages % of Page Views Events 2101 °,6 What To Do 20 32°,6 Home 1998% TRAVELDUBUQUE COM MOBILE SITE FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 30 2011 2012 Difference Visits Pages/Visit Average Time on Site % NewVists SOCIAL MEDIA 947 2,145 +1198 4 22 4 40 +1 27 00 04 08 00 04 16 + OD 00:08 7751% 7054% -899% Facebook has been used to promote local events as well as to raise awareness of the local hotels,transportation and attractions in the area Since February we have had 13,462 visitors to our page with 78% being female visitors. Our largest age group is 35 - 44 year olds followed by 45- 54year olds. A travel blog has also been created with two posts to -date The first blog was an introduction and the second was a recap for What Women Want Since it's inception, we have had 3,725 views. DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT s y 13 Ma riveti ng EVENT -FULL INSERT 250,ODO newspaper insets were placed in key markets Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Rockford and Madison on March 16 & 17, 2012 This piece promoted the area as an event destinati on and featured Am enca's River Festival, What Women Want DubuqueStyle, Duathlon, Mantastic Guyathlon andArt Market, as well as other community events EVENT MARKETING river town rellWarited' Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) The CVB partnered with JDIFF fora multi-media campaign promoting thefirst annual event Included in the campaign were outdoor advertising as well as print advertising, specifically, placement on the 'Event -Full' Insert, spadea newspaper wrap & Galena Gazette What Women Want Dubuque Style The marketing campaign for this event included an integrated mix of radio, pnnt, tee/lsion & online advertising in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Dyersville, Cascade, Platteville and Galena Thefollow-up for this event has included a social media campaign as well as a survey for both the registrants & yen dors America's River Festival The marketing campaign forAmerica's River Festival includes a mix of radio advertising, print advertising, outdoor billboards,television & online advertising Duathlon 1503 inserts were included for the Galena Triathlon & Duathlon on May 19 as well as inclusion in the spadea newspaper wrap May 33 Mantasi c Guyathlon The promotional brochure is being distributed in theTrl -State area Print advertisingwill also take place in Dubuque, Rockford, Cedar Rapids & Madison Promotion was also included in the spadea nexspaperwrap May 30 INDICATES CITY COUNCIL IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Marketing 14 DUBUQUE, IOWA is event full [ AMERICA'S RIVER FESTIVAL 2011 ] DUBUQUE events reinvented. Your year -round entertainment destination. Think outside the box and discover a community that is full of reinvented events that cater to all walks of life Plan a trip with your girlfriends and experience a day of pampering Bring the family for some hands on experiences and larger than life entertainment Channel your athletic side and test your abilities in a variety of unique competitions Grab your favorite blanket and picnic basket and groove to the music Take the road unknown and create new memoriesi 0.11.1.7".0 kr1 ` l — z : www. rave • u •uque.com II D You While here, take in our nationally and internationally known attractions Feast on locally grown foods Tempt your taste buds with delectable chocolates and local award winning wines Experience an outdoor festival Unwind in our comfy accommodations, from historic bed and breakfasts to famous chain hotels Or journey through Iowa's oldest city with a unique horse and buggy ride This year, explore Dubuque in every season, it's eventful! what uk9- .QMJ want [ Dubuque Style ] win a tree MAKE° ER! r See inside for details ] • •• • - . -- river town reinvented ■ `EVENT -FULL INSERT 250,000 newspaper inserts were placed in key markets: Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Rockford and Madison on March 16 & 17, 2012. DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Marketing Dubuque, Iowa is MANTASTIC. If playing sports, enjoying friendly competition or just proving how "manly" you are is right up your alley, then the Mantastic Guyathon on August 3 -5, 2012 isfor you! This event is sure to be a challenge and will get you off your couch Whether you area beginner or a pro, join us fora variety of events including golfing, bowling, bean bags and a softball homerun derby Visit us online at wwwtraveldubuque com to learn more or to register your team Not up for competition? Spend your time sampling local brews, trying your hand in poker at one of Dubuque's premier gaming facilities or satisfying your hunger at our many local hot spots Cast your line in the Mississippi, hike our numerous trails or take in an outdoor festival This year, explore Dubuque in every season, It's MANTASTIC. NW M ! MN, vacation reinvented WWW. To register for the Mantasti more about Dubuque, visit Guyathlon or learn traveldubuque corn www.traveldubuque.com 1 800.798.4748 E.® D D river town reinvented ■ CUBS YEARBOOK PRINT AD 700,000 are printed. This publication is targeted at 35 -60 year old males. 15 DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Marketing 16 When it comes to meetings, think outside the ballroom. Business guests of Dubuque, Iowa will find that it is the ideal location for meetings and conventions With state of the art facilities featuring up to 86,000 square feet of convention space and unique off -site opportunities, Dubuque is ideal for groups of 3 to 3,000 From the moment you drive in via our 4 lane access or fly into our Dubuque Regional Airport, you will appreciate all that our reinvented city has to offer convention reinvented. river town reinvented ■ MEETINGS FOCUS AD Meetings Focus MidAmerica reaches 20,182 meeting professionals. DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Marketing bat upwvoti , ant Dubuque Style 1 1 17 NEW IN 2012! A a 28th Grand River Center I Dubuque, Iowa Gather your girlfriends for a unique getaway... Enjoy a delicious brunch, divine vendors, delectable drinks & desserts, delightful giveaways and downright hilarious entertainment as comedienne Etta May takes the stage. To put it simply, when Etta May takes the stage, she is the reigning Queen of Southern Sass. schedule of events NATIONALLY KNOWN COMEDIENNE NI as heard on the Bob & Tom show! Hrilfr Meet the men of '1- funks' who will make an appearance courtesy of - Mystique Casino. (Can't get enough? You can also see them perform inside Mystique Casino April 27th & 28th. More details can be found at mystiquedbq.com.) Registration 9 am - 12 pm Vendors 9 am - 3 pm Mimosa Fountain & Bloody Mary Bar 9 am - 11 am Brunch 9:30 am - 11 am Drab to Diva Makeover Winners Announced 10 am [must be present to win ] Pick your Passion: Fashion Makeover 101 11 am - 12 pm OR Cook Like a Chef & Wine Pairing Surprises & Delights Prize Giveaways 12:30 pm - 1 pm Dessert Bar 12 pm -3 pm Comedienne Etta May 1 pm -2 pm Drab to Diva - Makeover Reveal 2 pm - 2:30 pm Event Closes 3 pm BEFORE AFTER win aidrab to diva [ WITI-I ADVANCE REGISTRATION ] Advance Registration: $40* *Registration includes all items listed on schedule of events. Register at the Do REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM or call river town reinvented ■ WHAT WOMEN The What Women Want: Dubuque Style brand was The event branding & programming distinguished or: $50* Lori at 563.690.92081 WANT PRINT AD consistent throughout all mediums. itself from similar women's events. DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Marketing 18 DUB virQ rro1■ Ln a 1■ RUNDE AUTO GROUP PRESENTS CINEMA EXPLORATION! April 19 -22, 2012 L ' ' " DOWNTOWN DUBUQUE julienfilmfest"com ■ JULIEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL DUBUQUE BILLBOARD RUNDE AUTO GROUP PRESENTS CINEMA EXPLORATION! April 19 -22, 2012 DOWNTOWN DUBUQUE julienfilmfest.com APR_ 19 APR. 20 APR. 21 • 7r Festival Launch Party Thursday, April 19 @ 5 PM -7 PM @ Mississippi Moon Bar (Diamond Jo Casino) I $10 Screenings Begin Thursday, April 19 @ Films begin around 7:30 PM -8 Pm @ Diamond Jo Casino Harbor Room: The Response @ Holiday Inn: Easton'sArticle $8 / Screening CineCause Event: Moving On Friday, April 20 @ 7:30 PM @ Hotel Julien Grand Ballroom For ticket information call 815 281 0699 Festival Panel Discussions Friday, April 20 @ Times TBA @ Hotel Julien I FREE Screenings Continue Friday, April 20 @ Times and Locations TBA I $8 / Screening Student Film Initiative Saturday, April 21 @ 10 AM -2 PM @The Grand Opera House I FREE Silent Film Showcase Saturday, April 21 @ 7:30 PM @ The Grand Opera House I $20 Screenings Continue Saturday, April 21g Times and Locations TBA I $8 / Screening Festival Closing Party Sunday, April 22 @ Times, Locations, and cost TBA Final Screenings Sunday, April 22 @ Times and Locations TBA I $8 / Screening title sponsor flagship sponsors HOTEL JULIEN DUBUQUE HAPPEE SMITH PRODUCTIONS 365 INK DIAMOND JO CASINO RADIO DUBUQUE MED IACOM ■ JULIEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL DUBUQUE PRINT AD The CVB worked with JDIFF to maintain the consitency of their campaign with the use of colors, graphic elements and style. river town reinvented DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT Marketing 19 WWW.AM ERI CAS RIVE RFESTIVAL.COM • • 00,. JUNE MARSHALL 8 TUCKER BAND A Heard it in a Love Song A Can't You See A Long Hard Ride JJ Fire on the Mountain JUSTIN MOORE i .4"." S4PAcr M4 TypM�� JUSTIN MOORE Backwoods A If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away A Small Town USA A Bait a Hook NEW RELEASE: Til My Last Day NEW 2012 VIP AREA Far the first time at America's River Festival you can enjoy the VIP Area FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY. Purchase a ticket for this area and enjoy free food, 4 drink tickets, admission to the festival, seating in the VIP area 05 the chance to win a guitar signed by the artists or a chance to go 6 back stage. 01kD JUNE STARSHIP REO SPEEDWAGON 9 STARRING A Keep on Loving You mo,,, Pr MICKEY THOMAS A Can't Fight This Feeling A Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now A Time for Me to Fly Sara A Keep the Fire Burnin' M We Built this City A Don't Let Him Go SATURDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTED BY AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.americasriverfestival.com Tidcetmaster: ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000 Five Flags Box Office: 405 Main Street, Dubuque IA Opens at LOAM, At Festival (if available) RED SPEEDWAGON r �11S1.1(Z If OlauO.r,.t- FRIDAY PRESENTING SPONSOR A art fptviworomarow FRIDAY TITLE SPONSORS a — Sim* Naar banliffre SATURDAY PRESENTING SPONSOR DRA SATURDAY TITLE SPONSORS a ■ AMERICA'S RIVER FESTIVAL PRINT AD The overall marketing campaign consists of print, radio, television, online & outdoor advertising. rl'vertown reinvented® DUBUQUE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU / QUARTERLY REPORT