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Home My WebLink About3.a. 2017 Recap Vail Whitewater Race SeriesEvent Recap: 2017 Vail Whitewater Series July 5, 2017 2017 Vail Whitewater Series: Tuesdays May 9 – June 6 Office: 970-479-2280 vrdsummer@vailrec.com bpappas@vailrec.com 2 Overall Event Highlights & Successes 3 •Overall number of participants and spectators was consistent with 2016, despite poor weather and low river flow conditions •Positive feedback from participants, many returning participants year after year •Received coverage in local television (TV8), and newspaper (Vail Daily) •Strong merchandise contributions from local sponsors and equipment providers •Overall safe and efficient event operation, no issues with traffic, safety, local construction, residents etc. Estimated Attendance Results - Competitors 4 2017: 224 Total Competitors 2016: 232 2015: 187 Estimated Attendance Results - Spectators 5 Estimated spectators: 100-150 per week Estimated Attendance Results (cont.) - Weather 6 37 25 33 35 50 38 41 28 33 47 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 1 2 3 4 5Total CompetitorsRace Competitors by Race 2016 vs. 2017 2017 2016 Estimated Attendance Results (cont.) – River Flows 7 Gore Creek Flows Date Flow (cfs) May 9 192 May 16 334 May 23 172 May 30 291 June 6 766 Race Day Flow Estimated Attendee Profile Results 8 Geographic Breakdown of Participants: Vail:18% Eagle County: 61% Colorado:10% Out of State: 4% International:3% Event Strengths & Weaknesses 9 Strengths: •Spectator/participant attendance at races and after parties continued to be strong due to New Belgium and other sponsorships, highly desired raffle items and prizes •Extended Race June 6th course encourages GoPro athletes to participate, increases overall participation and spectators. GoPro rafters also participated in freestyle exhibition, following during June 6th Race, attracting more spectators •Well rounded participation in all three categories (kayak, SUP, R2) with increased female participation year to year and through out series. •Continued positive feedback from participants and spectators Event Strengths & Weaknesses 10 Weaknesses: •Without CSE support, this is event is not financially viable: - By the event’s nature (course length, timing) participation growth can not be infinite. While there is room to increase race participation, growth needs to come from spectator participation through ancillary event enhancements and sponsorship activation. - Whitewater competition is a relatively niche sport and participants are challenged by price increases. Even with entry fee (2017 cost = $18/person) competitor field is small •Off-season scheduling, poor weather and river flows can limit course options and deter participants/spectators Steps towards improvement: •Continued marketing outside of Eagle County to increase destination participation •More ancillary activities (e.g. live music, freestyle demos, equipment demos, food+drink) to increase spectators and sponsors •Increase in team competition (similar to MTB races) to promote consistent participation, strong competition and passionate spectators Vail Brand Compatibility The Premier International Mountain Resort Community 11 Event support the Vail Brand: This event involves the local community Location of the event can be easily accessed by athletes, visitors, spectators The location promotes the natural beauty of the Vail Village, Gore Creek and the Vail Whitewater Park. Talented MC is informative to spectators/vistors about race format, sponsors, local businesses, future events etc. Community Contribution 12 Event impact on Vail’s sense of community: Events gave members of the community a reason to gather in Vail Village during what is considered an off-peak time period Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere encouraged spectators to linger and participants to bring family members Viewing from International Bridge is easily accessible for people of all ages Participant Feedback 13 “The Vail Tuesday Night Whitewater Series is the best run whitewater event I attend. I look forward to that five week span every year. It is a major motivator to get out and paddle, make new friends and generally a great way to kick off the spring/summer season.” -Rob Prechtl USA Men's Raft Team Hala Team Rider 2017 Series Runner-Up Participant Feedback (cont.) 14 “I thoroughly enjoyed the Vail Whitewater Series. I had not raced kayaks in almost 15 years and was impressed by the number of people who attended and spectated. I definitely feel the races are responsible for getting many people in town during a slow time of year and builds enthusiasm for the GoPro Games and river sports. Thanks for providing this well run event.” -Mike Duffy Race Series Participant Event Safety Kayaker Eagle, CO Topline Marketing Efforts 15 Out and About – TV8 Vail Coverage 16 Topline Marketing Efforts 17 Print Advertisements •Vail Daily Weekly TV / Radio Advertisements & Live Mentions •TV8 Out & About •KZYR •KSKE Posters •Distributed to Vail Valley hot spots, Denver/Front Range Rafting Outfitters •Postcard invites to local raft shops Emails Blasts Social Media •Geo-targeted Facebook ads •Sponsored Instagram posts Potential for Growth & Sponsorships/Media Exposure 18 Increased use of social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.) Adding music, food, beverage, equipment demos to event scheduling could bring a wider variety of activities for spectators and sponsors Potential partnering with businesses closes to Gore Creek to help promote spectator viewing and spending Increased regional marketing will draw more participants Cross promotions with other non-competing whitewater events Central location in Vail Village is attractive to potential sponsors looking to increase visibility in Vail Branded race bibs for increased brand and sponsor awareness Sustainability Efforts 19 What measures were taken at your event to support the environmentally friendly goals of the Town of Vail? Participants encouraged to carpool Reused race bibs from Teva Mountain Games No use of disposable plastic water bottles Minimal waste produced at events The Town of Vail is committed to the stewardship and protection of our unique mountain environment. In consideration of both our local and global impacts and opportunities, our environmental vision is to demonstrate and promote: renewable energy, resource efficiency, ecosystem protection, and community awareness and education. Event Budget 20 * Event producer to attach detailed budget for recap Item $ Total Event Budget: $8,150 CSE Funds: $6,000 Cash Sponsorship (not CSE): $500 In-kind Sponsorship: $15,550 Marketing Budget: $2,450 Profit & Loss: $99 How did you use the CSE funds? (marketing, operations, staff, venue, etc.) Marketing and prizes Event Budget Detail 21 2017 Vail Whitewater Series Revenue:2016 Actual 2017 Budget 2017 Actual Comment CSE $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 Cash Sponsorship $500 $750 $500 Entry Fees $1,893 $2,200 $1,749 Total Revenue $8,393 $8,950 $8,249 Expenses: Safety Personnel $2,000 $2,000 $2,0004 ppl@ $100/race Cash Prizes $1,000 $1,500 $1,500Added women's kayak to prize $ Advertising $2,200 $2,500 $2,450 Event Staff $1,100 $1,250 $1,200Does not include Alpine Quest or VRD FT staff MC $375 $400 $375 Operating Supplies $500 $875 $450 Printing $150 $175 $175 Total Expenses $7,325 $8,700 $8,150 Net $1,068 $250 $99 Questions and Comments? 22