HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.a. CSE Event Definitions Cover Letter 3-27-15CSE: Tier Revisions Proposal Cover Letter Reviewed: 1 April 2015
27 March 2015
Dear Council,
In an effort to improve efficiencies and effectiveness in the event funding procurement process, the
Commission on Special Events (CSE) is proposing a reorganization of event categories and alignment of
associated funding.
The current Tier system is cumbersome and often unclear, and the challenge of placing certain events in the
traditional Tier categories has resulted in confusion and indecision amongst Commissioners and Staff. The
CSE is therefore proposing to remove the concept of Tiers. Instead, Commission believes there is a natural
division of events based on factors of concept, message, stakeholders, and size. Evaluating each category
within the framework of the Town of Vail Mission Statement, we labeled the different categories with simple
names that describe better the events in that category.
Specific criteria is in the attached document, but Tiers I, II, and III will now be in a master category called
“Recreational and Community Events”, and will be titled “Signature Events”, “Destination Events”, and
“Ambient Community Events”. Tier IV will now be titled “Educational and Enrichment Events”, and will include
all professional and personal education and development events, as well as all events with a theme or purpose
of health and well-being.
Currently the schedule for funding requests for Educational and Enrichment Events (former Tier IV) is different
than the Recreational and Community Events. The CSE proposes to change the schedule of the application
process of Educational and Enrichment Events to align with standard event funding requests. This should
streamline the process for both CSE and Council, and will provide a wider window for reviewing the merit of
each Educational and Enrichment Event.
Currently a portion of the funding for Educational and Enrichment Events is provided to the CSE, and a portion
of the money comes directly from the General Fund. CSE further proposes that 100% of funding for
Educational and Enrichment Events flows through the CSE budget. This will standardize the budget process,
the RFP process, as well as provide Council with one location to view all event funding.
We ask that Council consider the changes in structure as proposed in the above, but also that Council consider
their long-range goals regarding the Educational and Enrichment Events category.
The CSE has had discussions about the importance of Educational and Enrichment Events in building the Vail
brand, and we envision this category growing and evolving over the next ten years to galvanize the global
impression of Vail as a destination for personal and professional growth.
For these goals to be met, the CSE believes two things must happen: An umbrella organization must take the
lead in evaluating, presenting, organizing and executing a package of Educational and Enrichment Events that
aligns with the Vail brand. Secondly, a public-private partnership must build a multi-function venue that can
house not only CSE funded events, but can provide an opportunity for the private partner to turn profit with
other ticketed music and theatre events.
These suggestions are respectfully submitted to Council. We look forward to your consideration of the
proposed changes, and welcome discussion and feedback.
Sincerely,
The Members of the Town of Vail Commission on Special Events