1. REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD July 20, 2022 at 3pm City Hall Council Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Rachel Magee, Chair Alta Alexander Ed Bailey John Riedie Daniel Ronan Mayoral Vacant AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ken Smith, Vice Chair Greg Chanon Bill Bunch Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on June 15, 2022. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation by Professor Heywood Sanders regarding convention center expansions. Discussion and possible action on Annual Internal Review and Report 3. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 4. 5. Updates from the Parks and Environment Working Group Updates from the TPID Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. at Please felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Tourism Commission Board, please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov. at Austin Convention Center Department, Felicia Ojeda call
HVS MARKET ANALYSIS FOR EXPANDED AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER Comparative Examples Austin Convention Center EXPANSION STUDY AUSTIN, TEXAS SUBMITTED TO: EXISTIN G Mrs. Trisha Tatro Austin Convention Center 500 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, Texas 78701 Trisha.Tatro@austintexas.gov +1 (512) 404-4000 HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment PREPARED BY: Facilities Consulting 205 West Randolph Suite 1650 Chicago, Illinois 60606 +1 (312) 587-9900 June 10, 2020 Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting Chicago, Illinois Demand History The ACC provided HVS with a summary of the number of events and corresponding total attendance that occurred at the facility from 2015 through 2019. The following figure presents the event and attendance history at the ACC for the past five years. FIGURE 1-4 SUMMARY OF DEMAND HISTORY 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Event Conventions Tra des hows Cons umer Shows Conferences Ba nquets Meeti ng Sports Concerts & Enterta i nment Other South by Southwes t Total Estimated Attendees Conventions Tra des hows Cons umer Shows Conferences Ba nquets Meeti ng Sports Concerts & Enterta i nment Other South by Southwes t Total 37 2 11 12 7 31 8 1 3 1 113 130,329 1,700 86,063 23,854 12,250 14,225 33,500 900 35 105,000 407,856 38 1 9 11 5 18 4 3 na 1 90 174,600 10,000 45,100 12,875 3,280 8,330 22,700 2,850 na 150,000 429,735 Source: ACC 42 3 16 11 9 25 5 1 2 1 115 186,480 3,200 132,600 17,275 5,775 15,165 29,100 2,500 30 150,000 542,125 36 1 11 12 7 15 3 2 3 1 91 216,500 1,500 80,700 23,400 5,275 7,800 18,000 4,600 32 200,000 557,807 38 1 11 10 6 26 3 1 2 1 99 156,750 1,200 84,700 13,000 8,730 10,913 4,300 1,000 15 200,300 480,908 The ACC hosted between 90 and 115 events per year since 2015. Most events are conventions or meetings, but the ACC also hosts a significant number of conferences and consumer shows. Attendance peaked in 2018 at approximately 560,000 attendees. Although the number of annual events increased from 2018 to 2019, attendance decreased because the average event size was smaller. This change reflects the periodic nature of booking patterns rather than a trend. In any given year, the booking of one or two events with high attendance can cause large swings in annual attendance levels. June 10, 2020 Austin Convention Center 1-13 Introduction Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting Chicago, Illinois Demand Projections …
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION: PROMISES AND PERFORMANCE HEYWOOD SANDERS UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO C.H. JOHNSON CONSULTING, INC. Experts In Convention , Sport and Real Estate Consulting the obstacles to future growth in Austin's Convention Center business have continued to mount. Table 2-1 summarizes the major reasons for lost business. The reasons are distributed by the number of room nights lost. Table 2-1 Reasons for Lost Business Primary Reason Facility dates unavailable Inadequate meeting space Lack of large hotel Room rates Political Large room block not available Location No response from hotels Meeting canceled Other reasons Room Nights Lost % of Total 69,820 31,045 28,155 25,133 11,874 11, 130 11,002 9,625 9,175 33,488 29% 13% 12% 10% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 14% Source :Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau Meeting planners reported the lack of available facility dates more than any other reason for not using the Convention Center. The lack of available dates stems from the size of the facility, which prevents the occurrence of simultaneous events. Lack of adequate meeting space was the second most frequently cited problem. The availability of hotel rooms at reasonable rates is also important. Hotel-related factors (four categories in total) account for over 31 percent of the lost business . Additional hotel supply and greater cooperation from tl1e existing hotel community are essential if the city is to realize its meeting market potential. The current convention center is too small to accommodate Austin's pot ential demand . Center management is now facing severe problems in its attempts to retain a number of annual repeating events . Many national rotating events that previously came to Austin and liked the community cannot return because they are now too large for the facility . Many state events have also outgrown the facility. The chart below shows potential scenarios for exhibit-hall occupancy under three potential growth rates (2, 4, and 6 percent) . Exhibit-hall occupancy is the number of days an exhibition hall is rented (including move-in and move- OUt days) divided by the number of days in the year. The following chart h 'b ' t hall occupancy and potential future occupancy under a displays recent ex 1 1 - range of growth rates. I nnn R;innP. StriltP.nV• Austin r.nnv11ntinn r.,mtDr C.ortil\t'l ? _ 0!'!1"o ,:; C.H. JOHNSON CONSULTING, INC. Experts In Convention , Sport and Real Estate Consulting the obstacles to future growth in …
Tourism Commission Board June 15, 2022, at 3 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for contact Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov remote participation. To register CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Alta Alexander Ed Bailey Bill Bunch John Riedie Daniel Ronan Mayoral Vacant Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Ken Smith Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. May 18, 2022 2. NEW BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Introduce the new commissioner from District 9, Daniel Ronan b. Report from the Parks and Environment Working Group on any updates or make new appointments c. Report from the TPID working group on any updates or make new appointments d. Working Session: Bylaws for the Tourism Commission Board FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission may discuss and take possible action to request information and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentation: ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Tourism Commission Board please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov. at Austin Convention Center Department, Felicia Ojeda call
Tourism Commission Request for Information‐ May 18, 2022 At the May 18th, 2022 meeting of the Tourism Commission, the following information was requested of Convention Center staff: 1. The updated economic impact report based on the proof of concept 2. The estimated operating revenues and expenditures during the closure period and the years following reopening. 3. The estimated number of hotel rooms opening in the City over the next few years Below are the responses from the Convention Center. 1. The Convention Center contracted with HVS Consulting (HVS) to update their previous work related to the economic impact and financial viability of the redevelopment and expansion project. HVS evaluated the market viability and economic impact of the redevelopment and expansion of the existing convention center based on the proof of concept, finding that an expanded Convention Center would positively impact the City overall, and allow the Convention Center to remain competitive by hosting simultaneous events as well as larger events. The economic impact of the larger center is still significant, bringing in an estimated additional $285 million yearly. The full report can be found in appendix A, and will be on the Convention Center’s website in the coming weeks. 2. As part of their work, HVS prepared financial forecasts for operational revenues and expenditures of the expanded Convention Center as well as during the construction period. These are contained within the report in Sections 3 & 4. However, it is important to note that it is not appropriate to read only part of a financial statement to form an opinion about an entity’s financial position. Accounting rules requires that HOT revenue is shown as a non‐operating revenue, not operating revenue, as it is accounted for as a transfer to the Convention Center, thus creating an accounting loss each year. So, while there is an accounting loss, there is also a positive change in the Convention Center’s overall financial net position. Finally, the Convention Center seeks to maximize Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), not its own facility revenue. This approach benefits all the HOT‐recipient funds, including the Cultural Arts Fund, Historic Preservation Fund, and the Live Music Fund. 3. Attached is a report from Visit Austin that details the upcoming hotel projects and associated room counts. APPENDIX A REDEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION ANALYSIS Austin Convention Center AUSTIN, TEXAS SUBMITTED TO: EXISTIN G Ms. Katy Zamesnik Austin Convention Center 500 East Cesar Chavez Street …
AUSTIN RECENT/PROJECTED HOTEL SUPPLY GROWTH (CONFIRMED New Supply - In Construction Only) 2020 NEW HOTELS The Otis (Autograph Collection)/AC Commodore Perry Estate (Auberge) Canopy by Hilton (W. 6th) Hotel Magdalena (S. Congress) Kalahari Round Rock Resort CURRENT SUPPLY* Downtown: ~13,000 (13,592) Austin Market: ~47,000* (47,302) *As of April 2022, assuming total inventory open New inventory Downtown 2020 New inventory Market 2020 Total Downtown 2020 Total Austin Market 2020 % Growth YoY 5% 4% SUPPLY GROWTH, 2015-2022 Downtown: +120% Austin Market: +56% TOTAL RMS 347 54 140 89 975 576 1,605 11,790 43,393 TOTAL RMS 80 154 155 613 186 137 214 135 1,061 1,674 13,058 46,496 TOTAL RMS 400 155 127 136 121 135 135 129 246 108 120 99 114 754 2,025 13,946 48,645 TOTAL RMS 344 112 100 205 661 761 14,607 49,406 OPEN DATE Opened Feb Opened July Opened July Opened Oct Opened Nov OPEN DATE Opened Jan Opened Jan Opened Feb Opened Mar Opened Jun Opened Jun Opened Aug Opened Nov Miles to ACC 2.3 N/A 1.0 1.3 N/A Miles to ACC 2.2 2.5 N/A 0.1 N/A N/A 1.9 N/A % Growth YoY 9% 4% PROJECTED OPEN DATE Opened Jan Opened Jan Opened Mar Spring 2022 Spring 2022 Apr 2022 May 2022 Jun 2022 Aug 2022 Aug 2022 Sum 2022 Sum 2022 Sum 2022 Miles to ACC 0.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.7 1.3 N/A N/A N/A % Growth YoY 6% 4% PROJECTED OPEN DATE Jan 2022 Apr 2023 Apr 2023 Oct 2023 Miles to ACC 0.6 0.9 N/A 0.9 % Growth YoY 5% 2% 2021 NEW HOTELS Colton House (S. Congress) Moxy Hotel (University) Hilton Garden Inn Near The Domain Marriott Downtown Campus on Lake Austin TownePlace Suites NW/Domain Hilton Garden Inn (17th/Lavaca) AC by Marriott Hill Country New inventory Downtown 2021 New inventory Market 2021 Total Downtown 2021 Total Austin Market 2021 2022 NEW HOTELS (In Construction) Thompson/tommie Hotels (5th/Brazos) element Austin at the Domain Cambria Hotel Austin Airport (E Ben White) aloft Austin Southwest Tru by Hilton NW Arboretum Cambria Hotel Domain aloft Austin South EVEN Hotel by IHG Domain Hyatt Centric (8th/Congress) The Loren (S. Lamar/Riverside) Origin Hotel Austin (Mueller) Four Points by Sheraton Austin Airport La Quinta Tech Ridge New inventory Downtown 2022 New inventory Market 2022 Total Downtown 2022 Total Austin Market 2022 2023 NEW HOTELS (In Construction) Citizen M Hotel Fairfield Inn & Suites (Rainey) Staybridge …
Tourism Commission June 15, 2022 - 3 pm Hybrid via Video Conferencing and City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Greg Chanon Ed Bailey Rachel Magee Bill Bunch Ken Smith John Riedie Daniel Ronan Absence: Alta Alexander Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti Staff and Other In Attendance: Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department, Staff liaison 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:14 pm by Vice Chair, Ken Smith 2. NEW BUSINESS The Commission discussed the following agenda item: a. Introduction of the new commissioner representing District 9, Daniel Ronan b. Report from the Parks and Environment Working Group on any updates or make new Commissioner Bunch and Vice Chair Smith had no new announcements appointments i. b. Report from the TPID working group on any updates or make new appointments Commissioner Riedie had no new announcements c. Working Session: Bylaws of the Tourism Commission Board (scope of work) Vice Chair Smith, mentions to discuss the bylaws on the following: i. i. a. Memberships (E) – Board members absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve-month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 pf the City Code b. Meetings (G) – If a quorum for a meeting does not convene within one- half hour of the posted time for the meeting, then the meeting may not be held c. Meetings (D) – The board shall meet monthly. i. Would like to discuss ideas on cancelling when needed ii. Commissioner Riedie discusses Memberships (E) – mentions emailing clerk’s office on other commission meetings with the same issue. a. Concern with the commissioners on this board of missing consecutive meetings with the understanding that this is a city ordinance b. Commissioner Riedie and Vice Chair Smith would like a follow-up from the board members missing meetings c. Commissioner Ronan follow-ups with more inquires on Memberships (E) d. Commissioner Ronan proposes a motion to ask these absent board members council members to reconsider appointing someone or reappointing someone or asking them to step down and putting a new person on the board. e. Vice Chair Smith requested that his proposal be postponed and moved to as a “go forward,” and start signing attendance sheets. Once three meetings have been missed, we have a formal request with documentations …
Tourism Commission Board May 18, 2022, at 3 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for contact Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov remote participation. To register CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Alta Alexander Ed Bailey Bill Bunch John Riedie District 9 Vacant Mayoral Vacant Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Ken Smith Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. March 21, 2022 2. OLD BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Election of a Vice Chair 3. NEW BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Report from the Parks and Environment Working Group on any updates or make new appointments b. Report from the TPID working group on any updates or make new appointments c. Presentation from the Austin Convention Center on the redevelopment and expansion project d. Discuss Bylaws Article 2 Section B FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission may discuss and take possible action to request information and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentation: a. Presentation on now the hospitality workers and those that work in live events, including art organizations are impacted by the current economic state. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Tourism Commission Board please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov. at Austin Convention Center Department, Felicia Ojeda call
Redevelopment and Expansion History Project Proof of Concept Project Considerations Project Financing Hilton Bond Indenture and RFQ Release Next Steps June 10, 2021- Request for Council approval of the Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) Methodology Allows the Convention Center team to release RFQ and RFP for architect/design work and the Construction Manager, respectively, with notification to Council prior to release June 10, 2021- Council Resolution 20210610-096 City Council affirms its commitment to the planning principles documented in Resolution No. 20190523-029, the Palm District Planning Initiative and provides guidance for design elements and direction to be included in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architecture/engineering services for redevelopment and expansion The new Center will be a larger, more efficient facility within a smaller footprint, and the project will deliver an active, community-friendly event facility that enhances the culturally rich fabric of the Palm District Rentable Square Footage Current Space (sq. ft.) Master Plan Target (sq. ft.) Proof of Concept (sq. ft.) Meeting Space 65,000 120,000 – 140,000 Exhibit Space 247,000 450,000 Multipurpose Space* Ballroom Space 64,000 100,000 – 120,000 152,000 372,000 100,000 85,000 Total 376,000 670,000-710,000 709,000 *Multipurpose Space will bring Exhibit space in line with Master Plan Source: HVS Existing Site Barrier between east and west No ground level public interaction Low density No green space Inadequate space for event demand Overview Reaches target size with a vertical approach Integrated redevelopment with adjacent community investments (Project Connect, Palm District) Economically beneficial to the City Larger facility, smaller footprint Exhibit halls and loading docks underground Allows for P3 development on the site 2nd and 3rd street reopened to multi-modal traffic, reconnecting east and west Public Benefits Bringing the local community back Expansive green space at street level Integration with CapMetro’s Project Connect Blue Line and Palm District initiative Street grid reopened and connected east and west P3 development Substantial retail opportunities at ground level Community space along Red River Project construction and operations remain fully funded through the Convention Center allocation of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), 2% expansion HOT, and Convention Center revenues. Funding model developed in conjunction with City finance team and outside financial advisors The Convention Center Expansion Team and consultants have finalized the RFQ and continues to make progress on the many remaining facets of the …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Mission & Purpose of the Tourism Commission PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is: (A) The Tourism Commission is established to provide expertise and recommendations to the city council concerning hotel occupancy tax revenue collected by the city and issues related to and that promote tourism. (B) The commission shall advise the city council on: (1) matters relating to the allocation, investment, and budgets for the hotel occupancy tax revenue and other related funds; (2) city infrastructure and facility investments related to tourism; (3) special events and other city events that have a major tourism component; (4) review and recommendations for marketing related to advertising of Austin, Austin special events, music, art, cultural, and other existing or future tourist attractions; (5) studies, reports, and plans related to the Austin Convention Center and any plans for expansion; (6) state and federal legislation related to the municipal use of hotel occupancy taxes; (7) and any other items related to tourism and hotel occupancy taxes deemed necessary by the (C) The commission shall consist of 11 members, nominated by each council member and the mayor city council or the Tourism Commission. and appointed by the city council. (D) The commission shall convene its first meeting no later than Austin 28, 2018, meeting monthly as required to provide timely recommendations to Council. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve-month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s 1 2 3 4 5 6 …
Tourism Commission May 18, 2022 - 3 pm Hybrid via Video Conferencing and City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Greg Chanon Ed Bailey Rachel Magee Bill Bunch Ken Smith John Riedie Mike Cannatti Absence: Alta Alexander Lois Rodriguez Staff and Other In Attendance: Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department, Staff liaison Trisha Tatro, Austin Convention Center Department, Director Katy Zamesnik, Austin Convention Center Department, Chief Administrative Officer 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:10 pm by Chair, Rachel Magee 2. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: a. No Public Communications 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the March 21, 2022, minutes. i. Vice Chair Smith moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner Chanon seconded the motion. ii. Commissioner Cannatti request a spell check for Joy Casnovsky name. iii. March minutes received unanimous approval votes by commissioners. 4. NEW BUSINESS The Commission discussed the following agenda item: a. Report from the Austin Convention Center Department, Director Trisha Tatro and Chief Administrative Officer Katy Zamesnik i. Commissioner Chanon asked clarification from presentation ii. Commissioner Bunch requested updated financial analysis on this expansion update presentation, requested a summarize of the financial model, requested operational cost report during construction phase, share the RFQ of the architectural design and services iii. Commissioner Bailey requested clarification of the different phases of demolition, number of hotels to during the construction- expansion phase, and Commissioner Smith requested number of rooms with the new hotel growth iv. Commissioner Cannatti asked about expansion concepts and revenue v. Chair Magee requested convention center business throughout the city to minimize event jobs, construction- expansion concept compared to other city convention centers 5. OLD BUSINESS The Commission discussed the following agenda item: a. Election of the Vice Chair position i. ii. Commissioner Riedie motioned to nominate Commissioner Smith as Vice Chair. Commissioner Chanon seconded the motion. All commissioner (Chair Magee, Commissioners Cannatti, Bailey, Chanon, Smith, Riedie, and Bunch) voted with approval of Commissioner Smith’s nomination as the newly appointed Vice Chair. 6. NEW BUSINESS The Commission discussed the following agenda item: b. Report from the Parks and Environment Working Group on any updates or make new appointments i. Commissioner Cannatti updated the board on a new appointed member of the working group. a. George Cofer, Hill Country Conservancy c. Report from the TPID working group on any updates or make new appointments i. …
Tourism Commission Board April 20, 2022, at 3 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for contact Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov remote participation. To register CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Alta Alexander Ed Bailey Bill Bunch John Riedie District 9 Vacant Mayoral Vacant Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Ken Smith Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. March 21, 2022 2. OLD BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Election of a Vice Chair 3. NEW BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Report from the Parks and Environment Working Group on any updates or make new appointments b. Report from the TPID working group on any updates or make new appointments. c. Report on the 5-year fund summary histories for: i. Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund ii. Tourism & Promotion Fund iii. Cultural Arts Fund iv. Historic Preservation Fund v. Live Music Fund d. Presentation from Heywood Sanders regarding convention center expansions FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission may discuss and take possible action to request information and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentation: a. Presentation from the Austin Convention Center on the redevelopment and expansion project and an update of the finance reports of the project b. Presentation on now the hospitality workers and those that work in live events, including art organizations are impacted by the current economic state. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the …
Hotel Occupancy Tax: Tourism Commission Request April 2022 This document contains information requested by the Tourism Commission related to Hotel Occupancy Tax collections and the related funds. The first two sections were provided to the Commission previously, while the sections following that relate to the request for information stated at the March 2022 meeting of the Tourism Commission. The document gives a primer on allowable uses of Hotel Occupancy Taxes, the City of Austin’s flow of funds related to Hotel Occupancy Tax, and then a history of collections for the funds that receive Hotel Occupancy Tax. Contents ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Review of Texas Tax Code Chapter 351 and allowable uses of Hotel Occupancy Taxes .............................. 2 Hotel Occupancy Tax Flow of Funds ............................................................................................................. 3 Overall Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections ..................................................................................................... 3 Five Year History of Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections .................................................................................. 4 Tourism and Promotion Five Year Fund Summary ................................................................................... 5 Economic Development Department Response ........................................................................................... 6 Hotel Occupancy Tax: Tourism Commission Request April 2022 Review of Texas Tax Code Chapter 351 and allowable uses of Hotel Occupancy Taxes Of the 17% HOT collected on room rentals, the City receives 11%. The remaining 6% goes to the State of Texas. The Chart on the next page illustrates the flow of funds from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund to the various recipient funds. The State of Texas authorizes hotel occupancy tax (HOT) assessments under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code and under Chapter 334 of the Texas Local Government Code. Chapter 351 requires HOT assessed under this chapter must first meet the criteria of promoting tourism and convention and hotel industry, and fall into one of the authorized categories, not all of which are applicable to Austin. Those categories allowable in Austin include: • • • the acquisition of sites for and the construction, improvement, enlarging, equipping, repairing, operation, and maintenance of convention center facilities or visitor information centers, or both; the furnishing of facilities, personnel, and materials for the registration of convention delegates or registrants; • advertising and conducting solicitations and promotional programs to attract tourists and convention delegates or registrants to the municipality or its vicinity; the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of the arts, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, motion pictures, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related …
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION: PROMISES AND PERFORMANCE HEYWOOD SANDERS UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO C.H. JOHNSON CONSULTING, INC. Experts In Convention , Sport and Real Estate Consulting the obstacles to future growth in Austin's Convention Center business have continued to mount. Table 2-1 summarizes the major reasons for lost business. The reasons are distributed by the number of room nights lost. Table 2-1 Reasons for Lost Business Primary Reason Facility dates unavailable Inadequate meeting space Lack of large hotel Room rates Political Large room block not available Location No response from hotels Meeting canceled Other reasons Room Nights Lost % of Total 69,820 31,045 28,155 25,133 11,874 11, 130 11,002 9,625 9,175 33,488 29% 13% 12% 10% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 14% Source :Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau Meeting planners reported the lack of available facility dates more than any other reason for not using the Convention Center. The lack of available dates stems from the size of the facility, which prevents the occurrence of simultaneous events. Lack of adequate meeting space was the second most frequently cited problem. The availability of hotel rooms at reasonable rates is also important. Hotel-related factors (four categories in total) account for over 31 percent of the lost business . Additional hotel supply and greater cooperation from tl1e existing hotel community are essential if the city is to realize its meeting market potential. The current convention center is too small to accommodate Austin's pot ential demand . Center management is now facing severe problems in its attempts to retain a number of annual repeating events . Many national rotating events that previously came to Austin and liked the community cannot return because they are now too large for the facility . Many state events have also outgrown the facility. The chart below shows potential scenarios for exhibit-hall occupancy under three potential growth rates (2, 4, and 6 percent) . Exhibit-hall occupancy is the number of days an exhibition hall is rented (including move-in and move- OUt days) divided by the number of days in the year. The following chart h 'b ' t hall occupancy and potential future occupancy under a displays recent ex 1 1 - range of growth rates. I nnn R;innP. StriltP.nV• Austin r.nnv11ntinn r.,mtDr C.ortil\t'l ? _ 0!'!1"o ,:; C.H. JOHNSON CONSULTING, INC. Experts In Convention , Sport and Real Estate Consulting the obstacles to future growth in …
Tourism Commission Board March 21, 2022, at 3 pm City Hall Board and Commissions Room 1101 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for contact Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov remote participation. To register CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Alta Alexander Ed Bailey Bill Bunch John Riedie District 9 Vacant Mayoral Vacant Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Ken Smith Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. February 14, 2022 2. OLD BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Election of a Presiding Officer b. Discussion and possible action to set remaining meeting schedule for 2022 3. NEW BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Report from the Parks and Environment Working Group on any updates or make new appointments b. Report from the TPID working group on any updates or make new appointments. c. Report on HOT collection by month to indicate how the industry is doing d. Report on current HOT and its disbursement e. Report from Heritage Preservation Division on grant awards and disbursement of HOT funds for Historic Preservation f. Discuss Bylaws Article 2 Section B FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission may discuss and take possible action to request information and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentation: a. Presentation from the Austin Convention Center on the redevelopment and expansion project and an update of the finance reports of the project b. Presentation from Professor Heywood Sanders regarding convention center expansions c. Presentation on now the hospitality workers and those that work in live events, including art organizations are impacted by the current economic state. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections: Tourism Commission Request March 2022 Review of Texas Tax Code Chapter 351 and allowable uses of Hotel Occupancy Taxes Of the 17% HOT collected on room rentals, the City receives 11%. The remaining 6% goes to the State of Texas. The Chart on the next page illustrates the flow of funds from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund to the various recipient funds. The State of Texas authorizes hotel occupancy tax (HOT) assessments under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code and under Chapter 334 of the Texas Local Government Code. Chapter 351 requires HOT assessed under this chapter must first meet the criteria of promoting tourism and convention and hotel industry, and fall into one of the authorized categories, not all of which are applicable to Austin. Those categories allowable in Austin include: • • • the acquisition of sites for and the construction, improvement, enlarging, equipping, repairing, operation, and maintenance of convention center facilities or visitor information centers, or both; the furnishing of facilities, personnel, and materials for the registration of convention delegates or registrants; • advertising and conducting solicitations and promotional programs to attract tourists and convention delegates or registrants to the municipality or its vicinity; the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of the arts, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, motion pictures, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of these major art forms; • historical restoration and preservation projects or activities or advertising and conducting solicitations and promotional programs to encourage tourists and convention delegates to visit preserved historic sites or museums: o at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or located elsewhere in the municipality or its vicinity that would be frequented by tourists and convention delegates; o • signage directing the public to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the municipality; Chapter 351 prohibits HOT use for general government activities. Chapter 334 requires HOT assessed under this chapter be spent only on venues that are approved by voters. Authorized venues applicable to Austin include convention center, arena, coliseum, stadium, and potentially a tourism development along an inland waterway. In August 2019, the Austin City Council authorized an increase in the municipal …
