INFORMATIONAL REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Report on the Convention-Visitors Bureau Agreement and Convention Center Management Agreement with the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce
Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 17, 2018, an Informational Report on the Management Agreement with Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce/Convention-Visitors Bureau for Management of the Santa Clara Convention Center was presented to Council (attached).
As discussed in the July 16 report, the two Council actions (May 22 and June 26) have had an impact on the governance structure originally in place for convention and visitor services in Santa Clara and City staff's ability to implement the full City Council direction with respect to marketing and booking events at the Convention Center. The purpose of this Informational Report is to 1) provide the Council with a further update on matters relating to the Convention-Visitors Bureau (CVB); Convention Center; Tourism Improvement District (TID) and Chamber of Commerce, and 2) advise the City Council on issues that will be before the City Council in the September timeframe for further action.
BACKGROUND
Convention & Visitors Bureau
On June 26, 2018, the Council made a policy decision not to authorize a new 1-year agreement with the Chamber for convention and visitor services and provided funding to the Chamber for 60 days of salaries and benefits for CVB employees. Understanding that there would be some disruption of service, Council requested staff review the potential of securing a third party consultant/contractor to assist; however, when reviewed against the legal obligations in the Convention Center Management Agreement, the Chamber is still legally responsible for performing marketing and booking duties for the Convention Center.
CVB offices were effectively closed for business as of July 20, 2018. Following the office closure, the Chamber requested the City vacate the CVB office space in the Chamber building and re...
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