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Home My WebLink About03. 2019 WW CSE RecapEvent Recap: 2019 Vail Whitewater Series July 3, 2019 2019 Vail Whitewater Series: Tuesdays May 7 –June 4 Office: 970-479-2280 vrdsummer@vailrec.com bpappas@vailrec.com 2 Overall Event Highlights & Successes 3 •Overall number of participants increased significantly from 2018, despite terrible weather (snow) and low 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 •2019: 307 Total Competitors 2018: 287 2017: 224 2016: 232 Estimated Attendance Results -Spectators 5 Estimated spectators: 100-150 per week Estimated Attendance Results (cont.) 6 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 1 2 3 4 5 COMPETITORS BY RACE 2016-2019 2019 2018 2017 2016 Estimated Attendee Profile Results 7 Geographic Breakdown of Participants: Vail:18.2% Other Eagle County:42.2% Colorado:31.7% Out of State: 7.9% Event Strengths & Weaknesses 8 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 5th course encourages GoPro athletes to participate, increases overall participation and spectators. GoPro athletes also participated in freestyle exhibition, following during June 5th Race, attracting more spectators •Well rounded participation in all three categories (kayak, SUP, R2) with increased R2 and female participation year to year and through out series. •Continued positive feedback from participants and spectators •Increased R2 participation with partnership with Hyside. 10 rafts were available each race. Event Strengths & Weaknesses 9 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,) to increase spectators and sponsors Vail Brand Compatibility The Premier International Mountain Resort Community 10 Event support the Vail Brand: ▪This event connects 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/visitors about race format, sponsors, local businesses, future events etc. Community Contribution 11 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 12 “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 2019 Series Participant Participant Feedback (cont.) 13 “I just want to thank you guys at VRD. I go to events all over the state and country and this is by far, the best run event that I go to.” -Chris Johnson Race Series Participant Vail, CO Topline Marketing Efforts 14 Topline Marketing Efforts 15 Print Advertisements •Vail Daily Weekly TV / Radio Advertisements & Live Mentions •TV8 Out & About •KZYR •KSKE Apparel •Drink Tanks 16 oz cup given to first 50 series registrants 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 16 ▪Increased use of social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.) ▪Potential partnering with businesses closest 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 Sustainability Efforts 17 What measures were taken at your event to support the environmentally friendly goals of the Town of Vail? ▪Participants encouraged to carpool ▪New race bibs don’t require a paper bib. ▪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 18 * Event producer to attach detailed budget for recap Item $ Total Event Budget:$11400 CSE Funds:$7,000 Cash Sponsorship (not CSE):$1,500 In-kind Sponsorship:$15,550 Marketing Budget:$3090 Profit & Loss:$1910 How did you use the CSE funds? (marketing, operations, staff, venue, etc.) Marketing,bibs, and prizes Event Budget Detail 19 Revenue 2019 Budget 2019 Actual Comments CSE 8000 7000 Cash Sponsorship 500 1500 Entry Fees 2900 2800 Total Revenue 11400 11100 Expenses Contract labor 1600 1875 Safety boater 3/race + MC Prizes 750 750 Advertising 3090 3090 Event Staff 900 1700 Does not include Alpine or VRD FT Staff Food 200 200 Operating Supplies 400 1400 New Ramps Printing 175 175 Signage/posters/fliers Total Expenses 7025 9190 Net $4375 $1910 Questions and Comments? 20