HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-26-TOUR2-minTown 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
Documents Available: Visitors Center Conceptual New Building Site Plan, Lexington Visitors Center Comparisons, Visitors Center
Conceptual Project Cost, Historical Society email newsletter, National Park Service Legacy Act,
Adjourned at approximately 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Megan J. Zammuto
Approved, May 10, 2017