2017-04-26-TOUR2-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585 Minutes Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 4:30 — 6:00 pm Parker Room (Ground Floor Town Office Building) Members Present: Marsha Baker, Kerry Brandin, Margaret Coppe, Jon Himmel, Trisha Kennealy, Dawn McKenna, Wim Nijenberg Staff Present: Megan Zammuto Center Committee Liaison: Fred Johnson Members Absent: Bebe Fallick, Leeying Wu 1) Visitors Center Jon Himmel organized a meeting with town staff and committee members to discuss the Visitors Center project. The committee discussed elements including the bathrooms, retail space, and viewing alcove. The committee discussed exhibit designers and retail consultants, and the different roles each would have in designing a functional and secure space. The committee thought of ways to reduce the square footage of the building, and Jon mentioned that there will be a series of meetings in early May with the architect to discuss the design. Dawn reminded the committee that there is a very short time to accomplish this work. Fred outlined the fundamental goals for the project, to provide information for visitors, provide space for retail sales, and to provide bathrooms for all. Dawn asked the committee to suggest individuals to work on this design committee. 2) Tourism Operations — Staff Updates Megan Zammuto discussed Liberty Ride sales during Patriots Day weekend. The weekend had a total of 218 riders, including a sold out Saturday. 34% of riders booked their ticket online. So far in April we have had 404 riders which is higher than FY16 but a little lower than FY15. Megan discussed the potential to create an affiliate program with partners to allow hotels to book tickets while avoiding the 6% fee. The Greater Boston Concierge Association marketplace will be held on Tuesday May Stn in Boston from 5:30 — 8:30 p.m. Megan also mentioned the Discover New England Conference, highlights included learning about international advertising opportunities, trends, and the opportunity to assist in the planning of the 2018 conference in Massachusetts. 3) Upcoming Tourism Tables The committee discussed Discovery Day and determined that many committee members would be unable to staff the table. The committee decided not to pursue staffing a table at the annual event. 4) Historical Society Tours Marsha Baker shared Historical Society statistics from Patriots Day Weekend. New programs included a scavenger hunt, a trolley ride called the Revolutionary Ride, and the second year of the children's reenactment. Marsha mentioned that in the future she plans to make sure new programs are discussed with the Tourism Committee prior to implementation. Marsha also mentioned the work the committee has done on the Battle Green audio tour. Since the society is without an Executive Director, this project has been delayed. The committee discussed the value of producing a tour in multiple languages. 5) Joint Tourism Season Kick -Off program The committee discussed this annual program. Trisha asked to see the material from previous programs. 6) Updates & Miscellaneous There have been no significant changes on the tourism website to date. The Economic Development office is reviewing the Calendar Coordinator position, and there may be changes to the role in the future. Margaret Coppe discussed upcoming Freedoms Way events in Lexington. Dawn mentioned that the National Park Service and state funding for tourism have both been reduced. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420