REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Approval of Award of Agreement for the Management and Operation of the Santa Clara Convention Center
Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City conducted a Request for Proposals Procurement Process to solicit proposals potential operators to manage the Santa Clara Convention Center as of March 18, 2019. Following a two phase evaluation process with a seven member evaluation panel, inclusive of three external convention and destination industry professionals, staff is recommending the selection of Global Spectrum L.P. dba Spectra Venue Management as the Santa Clara Convention Center operator and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate an agreement to provide services necessary to operate and manage the facility.
BACKGROUND
In 1984, the City of Santa Clara executed a Management Agreement with the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce & Convention-Visitors Bureau (Chamber) for the management and operation of the Santa Clara Convention Center (SCCC). Through the Agreement, the Chamber has been responsible for performing services necessary to direct and manage all Convention Center operations including marketing and promoting the Center; booking of events; hiring of staff; and daily operations of the center including accounting, catering, security, janitorial, and maintenance.
In January 2017, the City engaged Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to research different operating and governance models as well as to develop an approach to growing high-priority conventions at SCCC.
On May 22, 2018, Council directed the City Manager and City Attorney to execute a financial and performance audit. TAP International was hired to conduct the audit that included a financial, governance, contract management, and marketing of the Santa Clara Convention Center and Santa Clara Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). The audit scope was focused on the state of business practices by the Chamber with respect to its management of public funds and assets and the ...
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