HomeMy WebLinkAbout3B - PresentationCity Council Staff ReportConvention Center ManagerMay 28, 2025Office of Economic Development and Procurement
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDATION
1.Authorize staff to enter into contract negotiations with Global Spectrum LLC dba OVG360 for convention center and tourism management services;
2.Authorize the City Manager to transfer subcontracted services for the Palm Springs Convention Center Agreement for Tourism and Management Services from AEG to the City, and execute Assignment, Assumption, & Consent Agreements as needed.
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
OVERVIEW
Management Services: Palm Springs Convention Center (PSCC), Visitor
Center, Welwood Murray Memorial Library (WMM), and Bureau of
Tourism (BoT)
Goals: Increase exposure as a world-class leisure and business
destination, create awareness, and educate visitors
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
BACKGROUND
Opened: 1970s, expanded in 2005
Facilities: 92,500 sq ft exhibit space, 20,000 sq ft ballroom, 15,000 sq ft
meeting space
Adjacent Hotels: 410-room Renaissance Hotel with additional meeting
spaces
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
BACKGROUND
Current Agreement: ASM Global (via AEG)
Extension: COVID extension on May 6, 2021, extending through 2025
Expiration: September 27, 2025
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
RFP DEVELOPMENT:
Authorization: Council authorized RFP issuance on October 10, 2024
Team: City staff, Conventional Wisdom, Best Best & Krieger (BBK)
RFP Issued: March 17, 2025
Responses received by: April 23, 2025
Proposals Received: ASM Global Convention Center Management LLC &
Global Spectrum LLC dba OVG360 (Oak View Group)
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
REVIEW PROCESS
Evaluation Committee: City staff and external members
Submittal: Based on proposals and interviews held in person
Process: Interview panel met throughout the process and advised by
consulting team
Panel Recommendation: Authorize contract negotiations with Global
Spectrum LLC dba OVG360
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
SELECTION:
A word from Visit Greater Palm Springs:
“The convention center remains a driving force for jobs, economic growth, and city
revenue. As we move forward with the Oak View Group 360 team, we are optimistic
about the expertise and positive industry reputation they bring, including their
success at Acrisure Arena and their innovative approach to customer service.
This is a pivotal moment for the convention center as the city undertakes important
steps to modernize this essential facility. Tourism continues to be the leading industry
for our valley and the City of Palm Springs, generating over $9 billion in economic
impact and enhancing the quality of life across the region. We look forward to
continued collaboration as the convention center enters this exciting new chapter.”
-Scott White, CEO, Greater Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Retained Features From Current Agreement:
•Base Management Fee
•Variable Incentive Fee based on performance factors
•Capital Contribution by facility management (FM) company
•All employees work for facility management company
•FM 100% responsible for sales and marketing of Facility
•FM controls booking calendar for all dates and spaces
•FM Identifies capital needs as part of budgeting process
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
New Contract Performance Goals:
•Increase Occupancy
Establish and measure occupancy goals
Prioritize events bringing economic impact
•Build revenues through increased event activity
Economies of scale
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
New Contract Performance Goals:
•Measurable and Verifiable Incentive Fee Targets
Fiscal performance and future bookings
User surveys – facilities, staff, vendors, destination
Maintenance, repairs, improvements & upgrades to City Assets
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Evaluation Committee’s Observation:
•Identified four new markets to build occupancy
•Provided a marketing plan to attract quickly new and short-
term business
•Example facilities runs with an operating profit
•Example facilities works jointly with its local DMO
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Evaluation Committee’s Observation:
•Example facilities competes within a high-occupancy/high-
rate visitor and tourism season like Palm Springs
•Discussed a potential new market to fill “shoulder” seasons
•Provided examples of how occupancy was improved
•Example facility is largest convention venue in a large
population center
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Begin Negotiations
City Council Final Approval July 2025
Execute Contract
Begin Transition Plan
Contract Begins September 28, 2025
TRANSITION:
PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTERMANAGEMENT AGREEMENT