HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-08-TOUR2-min ,ops75 Town of Lexington
x Tourism Committee
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APRIL19' Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585
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Tourism Committee Minutes
August 8, 2019
Members Present: Dawn McKenna, Margaret Coppe, Jon Himmel, Trisha Kennealy, Marsha Baker
Guests: Harry Forsdick
Staff Present: Casey Hagerty and Katie Johnson
Members Absent: Bebe Fallick, Kerry Brandin, Erica McAvoy, Wim Nijenberg
1) Staff Report 15 minutes
a) Financial data
Katie Johnson explained that sales at the Visitors Center are down about 70% compared to this time in 2018. June was a
better month than July this year which is different from past years. Casey Hagerty reported that Liberty Ride Trolley Tour
tickets are off by about 30 tickets per month,but charter sales were up by 33 tours in 2019 compared to 2018.
2) Visitors Center 90 minutes
a) Grand Opening Event
Katie Johnson explained that she has started to work on a few concepts for the Grand Opening Celebration for the new
building. One idea is to host a fundraising event which would give people a sneak peak of the building before it is truly
open to the public. She is also planning on hosting an event for the community and invite local and state representatives.
The committee decided that they were in favor of hosting a fundraising event and will approach the Board of Selectmen
about this process. They will work with Katie regarding the details of the events.
b) Funding
Dawn McKenna asked the committee to think about a visual way to represent a fundraising goal, similar to a thermometer
that has a Lexington twist to it. The majority of the committee also decided to look into options for naming rooms,
corporate sponsorships, and monogrammed pavers and benches.
c) Media content and AV Equipment
Jon Himmel explained that he, Marsha Baker, Harry Forsdick and Fred Johnson are continuing to work on the technology
for the new Visitors Center. They have called some companies that the Economic Development Office (Megan Zammuto)
had researched,but felt that those companies did not meet the requirements that they have. They have worked with Mike
Cronin to work out a process for procuring the services that they need. Jon and Harry are working on a Request for
Proposals which will go out in the coming weeks.
d) Lower level content
The committee then reviewed the proposed concept for the lower level content submitted by exhibit designer Michelle
Jarvis. She is proposing one mural covering 11-15 topics. The committee discusses this proposal. Some felt the space
would better be served by videos and screens. The committee decided that they will be able to use screens in the future on
other walls and should continue with the proposed mural concept.
A motion was made and seconded(5-0) to approve the conceptproposal of one mural and ask that the financial
design services proposal be based on a range of costs low and high with examples.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420
3) Interpretive Signage Battle Green &Belfry 20 minutes
Dawn McKenna explained that interpretive signage for the Battle Green and Belfry is being presented to the Board of
Selectmen on 8/19/2019. The exhibit designer is working on updating that packet prior to the meeting.
4) Tourism goals implementation Center 30 minutes
a) Marketing Strategy
Casey Hagerty explained that the Economic Development Office has hired a destination marketing firm called"Open the
Door"to start working on a strategic marketing plan for visitors services in Lexington. Chris Pappas, the owner of the
firm, will begin to do individual stakeholder interviews with members of the committee as well as other key stakeholders
in Lexington and the region. Chris Pappas will attend the next Tourism Committee meeting on 9/5/19 to introduce herself
and walk the committee through her process.
5) Minutes - S minutes
A motion was made and seconded(5-0) to approve the minutes of 711812019 as corrected.
6) Updates and Miscellaneous 15 minutes
a) Antony trip
Dawn McKenna told the Committee that Economic Development Staff is traveling to Antony as part of the official
delegation there in September. She explained that she is hopeful that this trip will be a great opportunity to rekindle
Lexington's relationship with Antony and to market Lexington as a destination to the French.
b) Element and aloft Complex manager
Dawn McKenna explained that she has connected with the Front Office Manager for the Element and Aloft Hotels.
She has invited her to attend a future Tourism Committee meeting.
Adjourned at approximately 5:41p.m.
Documents available:Tourism Committee Agenda,July 2019 Visitors Center Sale data,FY 19 Year to date budget report for Liberty Ride,FY
18 Year to date budget report for Liberty Ride, FY 19 year to end budget report for Visitors Center,FY 18 year to end budget report for Visitors
Center Draft Tourism Committee Minutes from 7.18.2019,FY 18 and FY 19 Liberty Ride ticket and charter sales information,Strategic Marketing
Plan submitted by Open the Door,Lower Level Content Concept recommendation,Lower Level Content Outline for design,feedback,and pricing,
Approved