Todd Fleming, PGA Tour, Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
Leontyne Brown, Black Chamber
A. ERM
1. Update – Deb Drum
B. DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
1. Update* – Milton Segarra
C. CULTURAL COUNCIL
1. Update – Dave Lawrence
D. SPORTS COMMISSION
1. Update – George Linley
E. FILM & TV
1. Update – Michelle Hillery
F. CONVENTION CENTER
1. OVG Venue Management
a. Update - Dave Anderson
2. OVG Hospitality
b. Update – Katherine Griffin
There will be NO meeting scheduled for January 2026. The next meeting will be on February 12, 2026, AT THE CONVENTION CENTER.
* Attachment included.
Welcome from Norton Museum of Art CEO, Mr. Ghislain d’Humières.
d’Humières
Thank you all for being here, and welcome to the Norton. My thanks to the Tourist Development Council, Emmanuel Perry, our Board of Directors, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County for your support and collaboration. Dave, I met you on my very first day here five years ago, during the COVID pandemic, when the museum was closed. Seeing how far our county has come since then is remarkable. And Jennifer, thank you for connecting the Norton with the TDC, and for your advocacy, especially for the underserved communities, which are central to our mission.
Thank you as well to the Mayor and our Commissioner for joining us today. We are proud to serve Palm Beach County residents with free school tours, free summer Saturdays, free Saturdays for West Palm Beach residents, community days, after-school programs, and library partnerships.
This all reflects the vision of our founder, Mr. Norton, who 85 years ago chose to build this museum here when West Palm Beach had only 32,000 residents so people could learn about art and creativity for free. Creativity remains at the heart of everything we do: visual arts, performance, and programs that inspire both children and adults, strengthening our community and its businesses.
Thank you for supporting tourism in Palm Beach County. One in four Norton visitors is a tourist, yet with 150,000 visitors a year, we know we can achieve more. Our current Rembrandt–Vermeer exhibition the first ever in Florida and showcasing the last privately owned Vermeer has already brought an extraordinary surge in new visitors. It proves that when we bring world-class art here, people respond. Most of our community will never travel to New York to see these masterpieces, so it is our responsibility to bring the best to them. And we never charge extra for it because access, not revenue, is the point.
We are grateful for both private supporters and the broader community. Each year, we expand our work to ensure the Norton remains a true hub of creativity art, music, dance, writing, and more reaching more than 50,000 people virtually as well.
We are here for the community, and we will continue advancing Mr. Norton’s vision while putting it, as I like to say, on steroids.
Commissioner Lambert
How long did it take you to plan and organize the Rembrandt exhibition?
d’Humières
It took three years to secure financing and logistics due to high insurance costs. This is a common challenge for museums worldwide, as insurance rates have skyrocketed. Despite the difficulties in coordinating various elements, we persevered, and the result is exciting.
2. MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS*
Motion to approve the November 13th Agenda was made by Commissioner Christina Lambert and seconded by Mabel Melton. Motion passed unanimously 7-0, with Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long and Elena Peroulakis absent.
3. MOTION TO APPROVE OCTOBER 9TH TDC MEETING MINUTES*
Melton
We are approving the minutes from the previous October 9th, 2025, meeting. And under item seven of the agenda, titled "Board Comments," I would like to clarify that I did not say "take"; I meant to say "date." The minutes currently reflect "take," which is incorrect. I intended to ask, "Do we have a date for that workshop?" Thank you.
The Board modified the previous month’s minutes to reflect the corrections.
Motion to approve and reflect the corrections on the previous minutes for October 9th, 2025, was made by Commissioner Christina Lambert and seconded by Davicka Thompson. Motion passed unanimously, 7-0. With Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long and Elena Peroulakis were absent.
4. MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT ITEMS FOR NOVEMBER 2025*
MARKETING AGENCIES REPORTING
A. DTPB ACTIVITY REPORT*
B. CULTURAL COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORT*
C. SPORTS COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT*
D. FILM & TV MONTHLY NEWSLETTER*
E. FILM & TV PRODUCTION REPORT*
PBC CONVENTION CENTER OPERATING REPORTS
F. CONVENTION CENTER MARKETING UPDATE*
G. CONVENTION CENTER “PACE” REVENUE REPORT*
OTHER TDC-SUPPORTED AGENCY/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
H. ERM PROJECT STATUS REPORT*
I. PBI TRAFFIC REPORT*
J. CONTRACT TRACKING REPORT*
Motion to receive and file the consent items for November 2025 was made by Mabel Melton and seconded by Jim Mostad. Motion passed unanimously, 7-0. With Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long and Elena Peroulakis were absent.
5. OLD BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ITEMS A. TDC TOURISM PERFORMANCE METRICS
Perry
1. TDC DASHBOARD CURRENT MONTH & FY2025* - Emanuel Perry a. Bed Tax Collections*
Bed Tax Collection – September 2025, collected in October, was $3.9M, compared to the same month last year at $4.3M, a (10%) decrease. Actual September was 8% above the Budget and (17%) below the prior month at $4.7M.Actual September was 11% higher than September 2023.
FYTD 2025 Collections, at $93.5M, were higher than last fiscal year to date.at $86.7M by 8%. FYTD collections are 11% above theApproved Budget and 11% higher than 2023 collections.
The Rooms sold for September were 323,477, 2% lower than last year. Rooms available for September at 573,540 are 0.3% higher than last year. Hotel RoomsActive today in the county at 19,118.
Occupancy for September 2025 was 56.4% (2.2%) lower than last year. Occupancy for September 2024 was 57.7%. September 2023 was 54.3%. The average daily rate for September was $168.84, 2% higher than last year and 4% above September 2023. The Revenue/Available Room for September 2025 was $105.54 (0.4%) lower than last 2024.
In September, Hotel Room Net Sales FY26 year over year increased 0.3% at $52M compared to $51.8M. Non-hotel room sales for FY26 year over year in September decreased (11%) at $12.4M compared to $13.8M. Hotel room net sales FYTD 2025 increased 11% from $1.2B to $1.1B. Non-hotel Room Sales FYTD 2025 increased 7% at $282M compared to $265M. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2024 increased 10% at $1.5B compared to $1.4B. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2023 increased 10% to $1.5B compared to $1.4B.
Airport passengers for September 2025 were 498,729, 2% higher than in September 2024, and the Total Estimated Seat Capacity is 2% higher than last September, with 644,793 seats. PBI Passenger 12-month rolling is a 4% increase at 8,576,888 over last year.
Leisure & Hospitality Employment for August was 91,700, an increase of 1% over the same month last year. Employment accommodation was 3% higher compared to last year, at 12,100 employees. F&B was (0.2%) lower than last year at 57,400 employees. Arts & Entertainment employment is 2% higher than last year at 22,200 employees.
We currently do not have job data for September due to the government shutdown.
Legislative Update:
Perry
As of yesterday, four bills have been filed in the Senate. One bill requires large-scale Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to register with the state and receive a
dollar-for-dollar match with private funding. We met with the Palm Beach County legislative delegation team to discuss this.Another bill seeks to remove the requirement that at least 40% of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) dollars be used for marketing promotion, instead allowing these funds to be allocated for public safety and infrastructure.
We have expressed our opposition to these bills, as they could negatively impact our industry. We are actively involved as we prepare for the upcoming legislative season.
B. PBI UPDATE* – Andrew Gamboa
Gamboa
Overall Performance
• Passenger Count: After a slight decrease earlier in the summer, passenger counts rebounded in August and September with a slight increase (approx. 1-1.5%).
• Year-over-Year Growth: Passenger numbers are trending upward, expected to reach around 8.75M by the end of September 2025, significantly exceeding the prepandemic record of 7.9 million.
• Capacity & Operations: Both seat capacity and air carrier operations are significantly increasing.
Airline Partner Schedule Updates
Several airlines are expanding service and adding year-round routes at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI):
• American Airlines: Increasing Washington DCA flights to four daily in April and three daily in May. Chicago O'Hare is now a year-round destination (three flights daily shared with United).
• Air Canada: Extended the seasonal service from Montreal, Quebec, through April 12th.
• JetBlue:
Boston Will see six daily flights throughout the season, with some days having a seventh.
Iceland (New York): Due to continued success, service will increase to 10 times a week in December and March, and two daily in January and February.
• Delta: Continues to view PBI as one of its most profitable stations in Florida. The PBI-ATL route is the most profitable in its entire Florida portfolio, operating almost year-round with 11 flights per day.
Boston and Detroit services will be twice a week.
JFK will see a record three flights a day in May.
• Allegiant: Summer services will increase for Asheville (four times a week) and Pittsburgh, while Grand Rapids remains seasonal.
• Spirit Airlines: Service adjustments include reducing Atlantic City to one daily flight and adding a new destination: Newark (EWR).
• United Airlines:
o Denver: Now operating two times a day at its peak, with service extended into April. Historically seasonal, it now runs from November through March.
o Washington Dulles (IAD): May become an "accidental" year-round service if good bookings continue outside the historical seasonal window.
o Houston (IAH): Expected to operate year-round for 2026, similar to 2025 (excluding a brief break in August/September).
o Chicago O'Hare (ORD): Now a year-round destination, with United and American offering a combined minimum of three daily flights.
FAA 10% Cuts and Operational Impacts
• Palm Beach (PBI) was not on the FAA's list of 40 airports facing up to 10% flight cuts due to the recent government shutdown; however, many PBI flights connect to those 40 markets (e.g., Atlanta, New York, Boston).
• The airport experienced a temporary ripple effect:
o Monday: 7-8 cancellations and 50 delays.
o Tuesday: 4 cancellations and ~40 delays.
o Wednesday/Thursday: No cancellations and only 8-10 delays.
• Operations were expected to smooth out as the government reopened. General aviation (GA) traffic was banned from the 40 affected airports but saw no change at PBI.
Thompson
Regarding federal workers at TSAand air traffic control, do we have many walk-offs, and do they impact surface operations?
Gamboa
I’m not aware of walk-offs at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), but this issue occurs at many airports nationwide. Reports suggest that workers, including air traffic controllers, are taking side jobs like Uber Eats and DoorDash, which are likely not significantly supplementing their salaries. I can't predict future staffing levels, especially since it takes weeks for government paychecks to process. The government just reopened today, so I don’t have a clear answer to that.
Thompson
Have we seen any real impact on our service capabilities?
Gamboa
No, to my understanding, we still have a full staff. We have organized a couple of food drives for distributions at the airport. This initiative is essentially a way for our staff and our TSA, FAA, and CDP partners to show their appreciation and support for one another.
Mostad
The recent flight cancellations affected hotels not only directly but also by slowing the booking pace. Many travelers were hesitant to fly, contributing to the slight decline in September numbers. Weather and other factors also played a role. Even though many of our visitors are frequent or affluent travelers, the overall pace of this fall was clearly impacted.
Gamboa
Building on that, preliminary data for November 2025 still shows an 11% increase in available airline seats compared to November 2024. This is notable because November 2024 was already a strong month with robust air service. Our recent heavy marketing efforts appear to be producing results and maintaining that momentum will be important. The airline industry is highly flexible, and in the coming weeks, we expect domestic service, particularly JetBlue flights, to resume at Fort Lauderdale, which is a major JetBlue hub. This may affect how Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale airports compete going into the season. Still, the 11% seat growth reflects a resilient and attractive market for major carriers, including United, Delta, andAmerican.
Anderson
Request for an update on Concourse B.
Gamboa
Concourse B was topped out on October 16 and remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2028.
Commissioner Lambert
Are there 11 daily Delta flights from PBI to Atlanta?
Gamboa
Yes. Depending on the time of year, Atlanta and Newark are our two highest-traffic routes.
Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long arrived at 3:16 P.M.
6. NEW BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. GEMBA CONTRACT EVALUATION* - Emanuel Perry Perry
This board tasked the TDC with conducting a contract evaluation using the components of the PGA Tour contract. Through Discover the Palm Beaches, we were able to leverage a partnership with Gemba, and they also have multiple partnerships with the PGA tour. So, they were able to evaluate the contract holistically, removing any variables or personality traits attached to it. So, we just wanted to present to this board that the evaluation came in. And then I would let Nick take it away.
Djounov
We are a Europe-based valuation and strategy agency, and we’ve been working with your team to assess the value of the Cognizant Classic presenting partnership. Our work involved reviewing the full contract and conducting a bottom-up valuation of each sponsorship right. Using a methodology built on $5B in global sports and entertainment valuations, we assessed three components: exposure, benefits, and intellectual property (IP). Exposure includes course branding, TV integration, and ad units; benefits include hospitality, ticketing, and activations; and IP reflects the brand association gained from partnering with a PGAevent.
Our analysis values the Discover Palm Beaches presenting partner package at $1.3M for 2026.About 35% comes from IP, $456K from benefits mostly hospitality and just over $400K from exposure, largely TV ad units. The presenting partner designation is the largest single driver at $443K.
Your value distribution aligns with global benchmarks, though exposure is somewhat limited by the use of “lockup” logos rather than standalone branding. We also forecast 2027, with rising audience numbers increasing exposure to $512K, modest inflation increasing benefits, and declining PGAfandom slightly reducing IP. The total 2027 value comes to just over $1.4M.
We also reviewed a local sponsor package. It values 28% below the proposed fee due to limited assets, while the presenting partner package provides good value, performing 2% above its contract amount. Our recommendation is to continue with the presenting partner option. If you pursue the local sponsor package, we suggest negotiating for additional oncourse signage or more benefit-based activations.
Mayor Marino
What are everybody's thoughts about this?
Thompson
I think the information shared aligns with our previous discussions about the presenting partnership with Cognizant. This breaks down in more detail the benefits we’d receive and offers examples of how we can build on them. I believe moving forward with the presenting partnership is the right approach.
B. RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF PGA TOUR CONTRACT FOR THREE YEARS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3.3M
Perry
We successfully negotiated a discount with the PGA Tour, led by Todd, for a long-term partnership. This is why we recommend a commitment of up to three years for a total of $3.3M. We were able to reduce the contract value to $1.25M, down from $1.3M. According to our data, the presenting sponsor for this evaluation would cost $1.5M or $1.4M in the second or third year, respectively. If the board decides to move forward, we will be able to secure additional discounts.
Mayor Marino
You are talking about going three years, $3.3M is $1.1M a year?
Perry
Yes. In the next three years,
Thompson
Instead of $1.3M, it'd be $1.1M?
Perry
$1.125M.
Mayor Marino
That makes it $3.375M.
Perry Yes.
Dufresne
Are we getting our bridge?
Fleming Yes.
Dufresne
Are we getting credit for last year's no bridge?
Fleming
I've discussed the importance of a three-year engagement with all groups involved, especially after the issues we faced in 2025. This extended period will allow us to collaborate more consistently across the country, rather than just in the lead-up to events. I believe it's crucial for us to address past mistakes and aim for a flat rate under Gemba's valuation.
Commissioner Lambert
I'm grateful that we went through this process, which was very insightful and helpful. I appreciated it. Thank you.
Mostad
Are the terms with PGA National good for two years, or are we under negotiation for three years? It just a little odd going for three when they may not the facility after two
years. I know there's probably an out provision. Is that in the works as well to do a continuation with PGA?
Fleming
Our contract runs through 2028, and there's motivation from both sides to extend it, especially since Cognizant's involvement lasts until 2030. The new ownership group of the resort has been fantastic to work with, highlighted by the PGA Tour's recent announcement for a fall event in Asheville at Henderson Park, which they own. We will fulfill the original contract we inherited through 2028.
Dufresne
We have an out clause, right?
Perry
Yes, I want to ensure that the board is aware of the following: We have received legal language from the PGA Tour that needs to be updated. This update will include the approval of the years and the funding amount, as well as a recommendation to the BCC. We are aiming for the BCC meeting in January for final approval.
Mayor Marino
I want to thank everyone in the room for their support of the Cognizant Classic. As the person who has been involved with this event the longest, I truly appreciate your contributions. One aspect that often goes unnoticed is the number of individuals who come here to play golf. We take great pride in hosting the Cognizant Classic at PGA National. When I tell people that I live at PGA National and mention that it is the home of the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, they immediately understand what I mean. Thank you once again for your support!
Lomrantz
I want to tag off Christina's comment and our recommendation at Discover, this is how we're going to proceed going forward for any future deals of this size and scope. We will utilize an outside contractor to do this type of confirmation. Obviously, we've had some big deals recently, the Battle of the Bands, some other ones, et cetera. Hopefully, you all are as impressed with Gemba as we are, and how detailed they got in their presentation. We plan on potentially using them on a smaller scale for some other deals But I think going forward, we should consider doing this for anything over a certain number of dollars.
Mayor Marino
I agree, as it removes the guesswork for us. Do you have a suggested dollar amount for the project?
Lomrantz
Internally, we've talked about $250,000 because the bottom line that they would charge is $10,000 to $15,000 per evaluation. You start getting into diminishing returns if you go below that.
Mostad
What is the number the BCC needs to approve from us?
Perry
Anything over $100,000.
Motion to recommend for approval of PGA Tour Contract for three years in the amount of $3.3M was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Jim Mostad. Motion passed unanimously 8-0 with Elena Peroulakis absent.
C. MOTION TO APPROVE 2026 TDC BOARD MEETING CALENDAR*Emanuel
Perry
Perry
We wanted to ensure that we stay proactive. With the holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, approaching, we aimed to finalize these dates in advance. We recognize that there will be no meetings in January due to the legislative session and in August since that is our travel month. Therefore, I'll ask for a motion to approve the schedule.
Commissioner Lambert
I love that you are having meetings in the community and somewhere that we would support. Will that be happening again??
Mayor Marino
I think the thought was to move us around just to see other areas in the community, maybe in February at PGA National.
Melton
No, you said we're going to the Convention Center.
Commissioner Lambert
Will they be in the mornings or will they switch to the afternoon?
Mayor Marino
Today was in the afternoon because the BCC had a zoning meeting this morning. I would like to keep it the same because everybody gets used to that, but we had a zoning meeting.
Motion to approve the 2026 TDC Board Meeting Calendar was made by Davicka Thompson and seconded by Jim Mostad. Motion passed unanimously 8-0 with Elena Peroulakis absent.
D. MOTION TO APPROVE 2026 TDC FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR*– Emanuel
Perry
Perry
We are preparing the finances for the 2026 season and working on the budget for FY2027. As a precautionary measure advised by the board of directors, we are planning in case legislation decides to cut or eliminate property taxes. We will explore various scenarios, and both the agency head and I will ensure we stay informed on this matter.
Additionally, I want to make sure that everyone has the important calendar dates noted, especially since some of the finance meetings are scheduled for Mondays at 9:00 AM.
Thompson Is the committee the same?
Perry
I look forward to discussing the possibility of involving a couple of additional interested board members to expand the committee. We currently have four members, and we want to ensure we reach at least five to establish a quorum for the upcoming finance season. I will reach out to a few board members and aim to finalize this by our December meeting.
Motion to approve the 2026 TDC Finance Committee Meeting Calendar was made by Mabel Melton and seconded by Davicka Thompson. Motion carried unanimously 8-0 with Elena Peroulakis absent.
E. SPORTS COMMISSION
1. MOTION TO APPROVE The Category “G” Grant Agreements* - George Linley Grant
a. Paradise Puck Series (January 1-4, 2026) – Palm Beach Skate Zone and Palm Beach Ice Works
b. Boca Raton International Masters (January 1418, 2026) - Patch Reef Park Tennis Center
c. Florida Rush Hockey (January 16-19, 2026) Palm Beach Skate Zone & Boca Ice
d. Florida Exposure Cup (January 29 - February 1, 2026) – Palm Beach Ice Works and Palm Beach Skate Zone
e. Delray Beach Open (February 13-22, 2026)Delray Beach Tennis Center
f. Gauntlet of Polo (February 11 - April 26, 2026) –National Polo Center
g. Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Winter National Championship (February 11-16, 2026) –PGA National Resort
1,500
1,000
13,439
2,000
h. East Coast Championships SoFlo National (February 21-22, 2026) – Palm Beach County Convention Center $25,000 2,500
i. Palm Beach Challenge College & International Baseball Festival (February 26 - March 31, 2026) - Santaluces Athletic Complex $25,000 3,325
j. James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational (March 2-8, 2026) Old Course at Broken Sound
k. Palm Beaches Spartan Sprint Weekend (March 28-29, 2026) Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park
3,816
l. PGA Works Collegiate Championship (May 1-6, 2026) The Park- NEW $20,000 2,896
m. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Women's Golf National $30,000 1,758
n.
Championship (May 11-16, 2026), PGA National Resort
Prospect Wire Southeast Championships (May 30 – June 3, 2026) - CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium & Santaluces Athletic Complex
o.
$20,000 2,000
p.
South Florida Collegiate Baseball League (June 1 – July 26, 2026) - Little Fenway Park, Spanish River High School, Keiser University, Burt Aaronson Park, Harry Gibbons Field, Santaluces Athletic Complex, and Wellington Sports Complex
Prospect Select Summer Series (June 5 – July 14, 2026) - CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium & Santaluces Athletic Complex
q. Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Summer National Championship (June 24-26, 2026)PGA National Resort $25,000 2,000
r.
USTA Boys 18's & 16's National Clay Court Championships (July 5-12, 2026) - Boca Swim & Racquet Club, Delray Beach Tennis Center, Delray Swim & Tennis Club, Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center, and The Country Club at Mirasol
s. 2026 Nautique WWA Wakeboard & Wakesurf National Championships (September 9-13, 2026) - Burt Aaronson South County Regional – Sunset Lake
2. Update – George Linley
Linley
Historical ADR - $273.59 ROI - $1,109,910.86
These are Category G grants, which serve as essential tools to help cover specific expenses such as venue rental, site fees, and other operational costs. They play a crucial role in securing bids and retaining events. We are looking at 19 events spanning 10 different sports. The acquisition cost is $10.30 per room night for all the events. This information speaks for itself, but I'm happy to provide more details if you'd like. Just let me know, and I can take an additional four or five minutes to elaborate.
Motion to approve the Category G Grant Agreements was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Jim Mostad. Motion carried unanimously 8-0 with Elena Peroulakis absent.
F. CULTURAL COUNCIL
1. MOTION TO APPROVE BRIGHT IDEAS SPONSORSHIP* - Dave Lawrence
ORGANIZATION NAME
PROJECT NAME SPONSORSHIP CATEGORY REQUEST FY25/26 AWARD
a. The Palm Beach Symphony Society, Inc., dba Palm Beach Symphony
b. Bold Foundation, Inc.
Blackluxe Picnic & Music Festival
c. Fiesta de Pueblo, Inc. World Fest USA & Business Expo
d. Loxahatchee River Historical Society, Inc. dba Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
e. Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden, Inc.
f. Norton Museum of Art, Inc.
g. The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches, Inc., dba Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
h. Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, Inc., dba Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, dba EPOCH
Reef
| a Tropical Garden Lantern
Art + Wellness at The Norton
in the Wild
2. Update* – Dave Lawrence
Lawrence
or Festival
This is our Bright Ideas Sponsorships. We are offering grants in three categories: marketing activations and special events or festivals, with funding for two this round. The second round in spring will focus on Mosaic programming for our May activation. We received 30 applications, with up to $100,000 available for marketing activations and up to $50,000 for special events or festivals.
Our panel, including Emmanuel and Davicka, reviewed the applications and recommended eight grants. One is for the Palm Beach Symphony to record a fight song for the Florida Panthers, along with Symphony Nights at their games, creating a blend of arts and sports. The other seven range from $2,500 to $5,000 for various events and festivals, including Illumina at Mounts Botanical Garden and a new art festival at the Jupiter lighthouse.
The committee prioritized events with longevity, diverse funding sources, and ensured that these grants were not funded through existing categories. We're aiming to encourage new development and tourism through these initiatives, with $400,000 allocated for this
program. This recommendation totals $202,500, with the next round opening in midDecember for projects in the latter half of the year.
Mayor Marino
And how much money do you have to give away?
Lawrence
About $400,000 in total.
Melton
I just have a question about Fiesta de Pueblo. Can you elaborate? It’s not the traditional Fiesta, is it an expo?
Lawrence
No, it is a new event. The Fiesta de Pueblo event that takes place in January and the Three Kings event are already supported through a different grant program at the Cultural Council. They have applied for an event in April that will span over three days in downtown West Palm. One day will serve as a business job fair expo, while another day is dedicated to cultural activities. We believe it is appropriate to help fund the artists who will be performing on the cultural day of this new event. Additionally, the committee considered that since this is the first year of the event, we want to assess its success before increasing grant amounts in the future.
Melton
Yes. 100% agree with that.
Thompson
Thank you, Dave and Jennifer, for this exciting opportunity and this funding. I think we should also note that we had very few applications that we received, while some of them were good, we had to decline others because of technicalities. You will all go back to those organizations and work with them to improve their submissions so that we can see a greater amount of participation for the next round of funding.
Lawrence
We are awaiting the vote today. After that, we will begin making recommendations to the organizations that were not successful. In some cases, it simply wasn’t the right time or fit for the program. In other instances, there was duplication; we were already funding that activity, and they wanted to add another concert to it. Some we really liked the ideas presented, but they need a bit of refinement to ensure they have a tourism focus and that we can clearly see the benefits for visitation. Those proposals that meet these criteria will be revisited, and we will encourage those organizations to make revisions and apply again in the next round.
Commissioner Lambert
Do we have any additional information on how the Palm Beach Symphony's partnership with the Florida Panthers was established?
Lawrence
I don't know how the genesis of that program. I know that they've already recorded the number. They're promoting it like crazy, but good for them. I think it is a great partnership.
Sullivan
We are currently working on a story for our next issue of Art and Culture, which you may not have seen yet since the manuscript isn't ready. I haven't read it either. David McClymont the CEO of the Palm Beach Symphony was a hockey player in Canada, so the connection is through him.
Motion to approve the Bright Ideas Sponsorship was made by Daniel Hostettler and seconded by Don Dufresne. Motion carried 8-0 with Elena Peroulakis absent.
G. DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
1. Update* – Milton Segarra
Andrews
We're thrilled to have had over 400 community members celebrating with us, and we appreciate the excellent feedback. It's hard to believe a week has passed since our last meeting, where we emphasized the importance of collaboration. We achieved a recordbreaking fiscal year, increasing visitors from 9.6 million in FY24 to nearly 10.6 million a fantastic success due to our collective efforts.
Additionally, hotel room nights sold have risen by 6.2%, reaching $5 million. We're now the fourth fastest-growing destination in Florida for hotel room nights sold, and the number one in South Florida. Revenue from hotel room nights also increased by 11.6%, aligned with the bed tax collection mentioned by Emmanuel, totaling $1.32 billion.
Despite challenges faced by neighboring cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, our destination continues to thrive. We are outpacing state averages in RevPAR growth as well, with an 11% increase for Palm Beaches. Our market share for hotel rooms is also growing, reflecting our successful branding and advertising efforts. Let's continue to build on this momentum together!
Gustav Weibull continues with the PowerPoint Presentation for Discover The Palm Beaches update.
H. ERM
1. Update – Deb Drum
Drum
We have some good press to share about the beach, Travel and Leisure magazine recently designated the county's Ocean Reef Park as the top beach in the Southeast United States. Highlighting that it has some of the bluest and clearest waters in the nation. It beat out over 1,300 beaches in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And of the top 12 beaches highlighted, six of the top 12 in the southeastern United States were in Palm Beach County, three of which are county managed. The winners included Riviera
Beach, Carlin Park, J.D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Juno Beach State Park, and Coral Cove Park.
I wanted to shout out to Discover The Palm Beaches for their amazing partnership with Lagoon Fest. Sergio, you were there at the very front end of Lagoon Fest and we held our 12th Annual Lagoon Fest on Saturday, November 1st. It was a free family-oriented event, and it was our most successful yet. It was a record-setting event. We hosted about 8,500 guests who visited a hundred plus exhibitors and vendors who participated. We brought a marching band for the first time, which everybody loved, and so it just continues to grow and become a highlight of our November.
I. FILM & TV
1. Update – Michelle Hillery
Hillery
We recently introduced a new rack card highlighting over two dozen production companies creating content about tourism in Palm Beach County. Last night, we held our first Telly award celebration at the Kravis Center, where 11 of our shows won Telly awards, competing among over 13,000 global submissions.
These shows are airing not only on the Palm Beaches TV channel but also on platforms like PBS and the Travel Channel. Currently, our channel is available in 4,000 hotel rooms in Palm Beach County, and we're aiming to expand this reach.
Additionally, I’m excited to announce the theme for our 31st annual Student Showcase of Film event on May 1st “Set Jetting,” which will incorporate a Palm Royale theme at the Maltz Jupiter Theater. We’re also promoting Eudemonia, a collaboration event that everyone should attend, and I'm looking forward to the Sunshine Cinema exhibit opening at the Historical Society tonight. Finally, we are proud to support the Cultural Council's Revival series, tying our efforts to filming and TV. That's my update!
J. CONVENTION CENTER
1. OVG Venue Management
a. Update - Dave Anderson
Anderson
We recently hosted an incredible series of events at the Convention Center, featuring optometrists, magnetic scientists, DNA specialists, and American ice cream manufacturers. It's been fascinating to see how these diverse groups come together, sharing a passion for food and drink from all over the country and the world.
Now, we’re transitioning to a health and fitness event that starts tomorrow, and the exhibit hall looks fantastic. We are setting up a 20-person sauna outside, along with outdoor bars and a lineup of renowned health and fitness experts. Saturday is sold out, and the upcoming days are expected to be busy as well.
We're running events through Thanksgiving, after which Tony Robbins will join us. It’s been an impressive effort by our team. I’ve also been collecting business cards while
walking the floor and discovering the amazing variety of companies represented. The silent but significant networking happening is truly impressive, and the hotel impact is substantial. Overall, it’s been a great run!
2. OVG Hospitality
b. Update – Katherine Griffin
Griffin
I mentioned last month about the partnership we're doing with Discover the Palm Beaches and putting on the Palm Beaches Rising Chefs Challenge, which is a challenge with high schools. It was put out to all of the Palm Beach County high schools that they could submit a video if they wanted to participate. We narrowed it down. We've got five high schools that are going to be participating. It is William T. Dyer, West Boca, Santaluces High School, Forest Hill, and Palm Beach Gardens that will be our five schools that are competing. It is going to be on February 26th. We will invite anybody who would like to come out. The students are going to be in our kitchen. It is three students per team, plus their chef. They'll be working with our culinary staff. We are advancing them the basket list, the ingredients and they've got a couple of months to put their recipes together. They'll be producing an entree and a dessert that will then be judged. We're excited about getting that kicked off. And that's going to be February 26th, at about noon.
Andrews
They'll be there at nine, but the judging will be around noon. Any volunteers who want to be a judge? Let us know.
Griffin
Each of the teams will have 10 students from the class participating. These students will be competing while the others participate in programming activities, and there will also be students cooking in the kitchen for their teammates who are not competing.
The event is scheduled for February 26th.
Besides that, my team is Eudemonia, all day every day, and we’re dedicated to excellence in food service. We have essentially rewritten the standards in this industry; for example, the seafood we procure must be free of microplastics, and the disposable paper goods cannot be bleached. We are using special salt, among other carefully selected ingredients. Every item has been reconsidered and brought in with thoughtfulness. I’m really excited to see all of you there. If you enjoy tallow fries, we’ll have some amazing beef tallow fries available!
Commissioner Lambert
Dave, you mentioned Tony Robbins. I know you guys have always been good. If we know he's going into the park and doing late-night fire walks or things that you just let us know so we can let the residents know.
Anderson
This is the park event, and I know that we're in communication with the city.
7. BOARD COMMENTS
Thompson
The tourism master plan presentation to the BCC, do we have any data on that yet? Or any updates?
Perry
We do not have a date on that yet. I've started workshopping it behind the scenes with the commissioners. The mayor was our very first goal, which she mentioned there’s a lot of paper attached to it, condense it. It is 232 pages of the recommendations. And then the big ideas are an additional 50-something pages. But I wanted to make sure I get the feedback from the board prior to bringing it before the actual BCC.
Thompson
We're looking at going into 2026 now.
Perry
Yes. January or February I’m still waiting on a few confirmations from our BCC members. I want to make sure that I give them the opportunity to listen to it first from me prior to them hearing it in the public setting.
Thompson
And then with Related’s unsolicited proposal that you all received, I guess last week. Now, is there any update?
Hostettler
But it hasn't been approved?
Mayor Marino
Nothing has been approved. My comment will be that I have not met them. They have not even been in my office. Nothing has been approved. They've inadvertently submitted something a couple of months ago. But we'll wait and see cause there are a lot of things that have to be worked out for a hotel to go there.
Thompson
Lastly, with the rollout of National Battle of the Bands and the press conference, I wanted to commend George and his team and Emmanuel on that. My high school alma mater was the band Palm Beach Lake. Thank you for that. Have we heard any feedback on how ticket sales are going with the event? Any with the outreach, all the communities?
Perry
Currently, we have approximately 3,000 tickets sold, and sales are progressing well. Starting in November and continuing through January, there will be a significant push for local outreach, with teams on the ground actively promoting the event. We are seeing high demand from travelers from out of county. As Gustav mentioned, you can expect a substantial increase in room nights during this period. The group has reserved eight hotels
specifically for the bands and executive sponsors, ranging from Palm Beach Gardens to Boca Raton, and they have already made payments for these accommodations.
Thompson
What is our target number again for sales attendance?
Perry For attendance 27,000.
Linley
I believe it will exceed expectations. Webber Marketing submitted an excellent report on the press conference and various media platforms. They captured the attention of national media, including both print and digital publications, and showcased their findings effectively. Additionally, they assigned value to their results. It was impressive to see the list of places where the Battle of the Bands has been mentioned.
Melton
Have we made any contact with the School Board?
Perry Not yet.
Melton I have.
Perry
I wanted to make sure the School Board was on board. That Friday, there's going to be a huge STEM college and career fair where they're going to be offering scholarships and sending kids off to school. We want to make sure the School Board provides access to the kids..
Melton
What we're talking about is the transportation aspect of getting the kids there? I've contacted board member Marsha Andrews, and I have a meeting pending with the superintendent.
Thompson
And that's going to be at Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth Campus?
Perry
Yes, ma'am. We are going to try to see if we can get them worked out for Friday and Saturday as well. We will be able to provide tickets.
Melton
What we need is the transportation.
Commissioner Lambert
My comments piggyback on that Palm Beach Lakes High School, if you haven't heard, is going to London to participate in their New Year's Day parade, and the city contributed as well to that. And then also the Battle of the Bands. We are hosting an event at the Sunset Lounge, which is completely gorgeous. Next Wednesday is the very first event at the Sunset Lounge, hosting Boney James. It is already sold out, but I would highly recommend that you guys look at getting tickets to a future event there. Right now, it is still under city management, so we're not doing too much yet. Hopefully, we'll get a contract out soon.
Lawrence
I've had some people ask me who they can contact and to reserve the space for performances, et cetera. Are you ready to do that yet?
Commissioner Lambert
No, unfortunately, because we're in litigation, we're not allowed to have anyone else run the facility right now. And so, it is just the city managing it, and so all we are committed to right now is a monthly Soul in the City event there, and that's it right now. No private events yet. That's what we hope when we eventually can have an operator run it.
Lawrence
And the good news is, there are a few cultural organizations that are interested in utilizing that space.
Mayor Marino
You can host a TDC meeting there
Melton
I want to congratulate George on the curling event at the Ben Hotel.
Linley
It is Bernardo and his team at the Ben that put that together. That was neat. I will say it was the first curling competition that took place in Palm Beach County.
8.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lawrence
We have a newly published art and wellness guide at the front of the room. Jennifer brought some extra copies. If you want to see that, please look. And I misspoke during my presentation. These are sponsorships, not grants. I want to make that very clear. So this is done strategically so that we can help direct those dollars and make sure that we have more control over how they are going to be spent.
Mayor Marino
And it does say sponsorship on the agenda.
Linley
I have one final comment regarding Mayor Marino. Sports Destinations Magazine recently featured an article about Palm Beach County and Mayor Marino. This is a trade
publication to which we subscribe and also advertise. It serves not only destinations but also event owners who are looking for such resources. The article highlighted the unique setting of Palm Beach County, as well as our growth as a sports destination. If the article wasn’t included in today’s packet, we will ensure that it is included in the next one. It’s important to discuss not only our growth but also how unique it is to have a mayor with a professional athletic background. This combination is quite remarkable and aligns well with our sports initiatives.
Mayor Marino
It was fun. It was nice to be able to talk about golf, and golf is why I'm here, so it was awesome. Nice to share. Thank you, George.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:23 P.M.
The next meeting will be on DECEMBER 11, 2025.
4. CONSENT ITEMS
TO: Tourist Development Council
FROM: Milton Segarra, President/CEO
DATE: November 30, 2025
RE: Discover The Palm Beaches Monthly Activity Report November 2025
This report provides an overview of Discover The Palm Beaches’ (DTPB) activities during November 2025, highlighting progress toward key TDC performance measures. It includes insights into lodging performance for October 2025, as well as notable trends across our owned visitor digital footprint, advertising impressions, social media engagement, and booked room nights. Together, these metrics help illustrate the ongoing impact of our marketing and promotional efforts.
Overall lodging performance in October was up 4.6% in revenue due to hotel rates growing 8.8%. Demand for hotel rooms was down 0.6% while alternative accommodations was up 0.7% with rates at alternative accommodations down 21%.
Demand across Florida was down significantly more than The Palm Beaches at -5.4%. Miami and Ft. Lauderdale were both down in demand (-4.4% and -5.7% respectively) and in ADR (-10.6% and5.3%)
Across The Palm Beaches Palm Beach Gardens (+4.4%) and Delray Beach (+3.4%) were both up in demand. Luxury properties were also up growing demand by 7.2% and ADR by 12%.
Key Lodging Performance Numbers for October.
• Room demand
• Hotels: 389k (-0.6%)
• Alt. Lodging: 143k (+0.7%)
• Total Lodging: 533k (-0.3%)
• Room Night Revenue
• Hotels: $82.9M (+8.2%)
• Alt. Lodging: $14.0M (-11%)
• Total Lodging: $96.9M (+4.6%)
• Occupancy
• Hotels: 65.7% (-0.6%)
• Alt. Lodging: 56.8% (+11%)
• Total Lodging: 64.2% (+0.4%)
• Average Daily Rate (ADR)
• Hotels: $213 (+8.8%)
• Alt. Lodging: $202 (-21%)
• Total Lodging: $211 (+3.4%)
• Revenue per Available room (RevPAR)
• Hotels: $140 (+8.1%)
• Alt. Lodging: $115 (-13%)
• Total Lodging: $136 (+4.6%)
Discover The Palm Beaches
Monthly Executive Dashboard
Discover The Palm Beaches Monthly Executive Dashboard
Research compiled and published by Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), can only be reproduced through expressed written approval from the DTPB Research Department. The underlining methodologies, algorithms, formulas and data used are considered a TRADE SECRET. For questions please contact research@thepalmbeaches.com.
Discover The Palm Beaches Monthly Executive Dashboard
Discover The Palm Beaches Monthly
Executive Dashboard
Definitions:
Hotel Rooms The number of hotel rooms that are available on any day of the week. This number increases as new properties open.
Hotel Room Nights Available The number of hotel rooms multiplied by the number of nights in a given period a room is available to sell, such as a month or week. This number represents the total available hotel lodging capacity for The Palm Beaches.
Hotel Room Nights Sold The number of rooms sold over a given period. This is the total demand for hotel rooms in The Palm Beaches.
Shared Lodging is described as any accommodation other than typical hotels and resorts without front office staffing
Shared Lodging Rooms The number of shared lodging properties multiplied by the number of rooms per property. This number represents all the alternative lodging options competing with hotel rooms.
Shared Lodging Room Nights (RNs) Sold The number of shared lodging listings booked multiplied by the number of nights and number rooms. This is the total demand for alternative lodging options in The Palm Beaches.
Total Room Nights (RNs) Sold– The sum of Hotel Room Nights Sold and Shared Lodging Room Nights Sold. This is the total demand for overnight lodging in The Palm Beaches.
Room Nights (RNs) Market Share-The percentage of hotel room nights sold within the state of Florida. This indicates the size of The Palm Beaches hotel market and relative performance.
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) - Total room revenue divided by the total number of available rooms. See Room Revenue, Rooms Available. Room Revenue/Rooms Available = RevPAR.
Total Lodging Revenue The number of room nights sold multiplied by the average daily rate (ADR)
12 Month Moving Average (12MMA) - The value of any given month is computed by averaging the value of that month and the 11 preceding months. This is used to eliminate seasonality
Rolling 12 Months The sum of the current month and 11 preceding months. This is used to eliminate seasonality
Average Daily Rate (ADR) - A measure of the average rate paid for rooms sold, calculated by dividing room revenue by rooms sold. ADR = Room Revenue/Rooms Sold. This indicates a travelers willingness to pay for lodging in The Palm Beaches
Occupancy Percentage of available rooms sold during a specified time period. Occupancy is calculated by dividing the number of rooms sold by rooms available. Occupancy = Rooms Sold / Rooms Available. This indicates the health of the lodging market in The Palm Beaches
Rank The placement of The Palm Beaches versus 14 Florida markets (Palm Beach, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Brevard, Volusia, Orlando (Orange/Osceola), Jacksonville (Duval, St. Johns), Panhandle)
Website User The total number of unique individuals accessing ThePalmBeaches.com in a given month. This is a leading indicator of interest and intent to visit The Palm Beaches as a result of DTPB promotional efforts
Research compiled and published by Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), can only be reproduced through expressed written approval from the DTPB Research Department. The underlining methodologies, algorithms, formulas and data used are considered a TRADE SECRET. For questions please contact research@thepalmbeaches.com.
Performance Measures - TDC
FISCALYEAR2024 - 2025
FISCALYEAR2025 - 2026
DTPB OBJECTIVES 2025 – 2026
Leisure/Consumer
• Generate 1,350,000,000 Advertising Impressions
• Generate 6,200,000 in Website Users (New Metric)
• Increase Consumer and Travel Industry database to 510,000
• Generate 300,000,000 Earned Media Impressions
• Generate 8,500,000 Social Engagements Meetings & Conventions
• Book 230,000 DTPB only room nights (Hotel Meetings Leads)
• Generate 55,000 Group Level Booked Room Nights Convention Center Shared
• Generate 42,000 Group Level Actual FY Room Night for Convention Center Shared
• Generate 100 participants in Destination Reviews
• Generate 100 Destination Site Participants
Marketing Overview by Month FY 2024 - 2025
Group Sales & Destination Services Overview by Month FY 2024 - 2025
November 2025
The following section is a monthly progress report on the Cultural Council’s FY26 Objectives and Performance Measures as detailed in our FY26 Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan1.
FY26 PERFORMANCE MEASURES & DASHBOARDS
1. Support Palm Beach County's tourism marketing program by serving as expert and advocate to the arts and cultural sector, and stewarding funds and strategies that attract key audiences.
2. Create unique cultural tourism opportunities to help brand the destination and drive visitation.
HIGHLIGHTS
3. Build programs that support the health and growth of the sector so that the arts continue to shine and demonstrate Palm Beach County is Florida’s Cultural Capital®.
4. Promote the Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building as a cultural destination and informational hub for the county.
1 The FY26 Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan is available to download at palmbeachculture.com/about
2 This email performance measure was conservatively estimated when goals were established mid-FY25, and consistently overperformed in summer 2025.
HIGHLIGHTS
The following sections highlight the Cultural Council’s activities (organized by department) during November 2025, in relation to Objectives and Tactics detailed in our FY26 Cultural Tourism Marketing Plan.
MARKETING
• Cultural Tourism Advertising – The Fall/Winter Fly Market campaign continued national efforts in November and the Art Basel Miami Beach sub-campaign launched on November 17, targeting visitors and locals in the Miami market. Insertions included digital (Google and Meta) and traditional placements (print, TV and OOH).
• Co-Op Advertising – Print insertions appeared in Seabreeze Publication’s neighborhood newsletters; digital insertions included the Council’s Insider Access tourism email and paid social media posts; TV ads ran on South Florida PBS stations; OOH insertions appeared at Palm Beach International Airport and in Brightline stations. A special co-op package through Ride Circuit featured a partnership with the Norton and Boca Raton art museums to supplement the Art Basel Miami Beach sub-campaign.
• Sub-campaigns – The Art Basel Miami Beach sub-campaign launched on November 17, and the Council chose local artist George Bayer to create a signature work for the MOSAIC 2026 sub-campaign. The Council hosted a national influencer during a visit to The Palm Beaches in November to capture promotional content along the county’s Black Cultural Heritage Trail, and began work with agency of record Push to support additional new visual storytelling strategies.
• Collaborations & Sponsorships – Continued with collaborations and sponsorships supporting Eudemonia, downtown West Palm Beach’s Holiday in Paradise programming, National Battle of the Bands, Boca Raton Bowl, Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival, Leadership Palm Beach County Engage 2026 Art & Culture Day and Artigras Fine Art Festival.
• Custom Content – An Arts & Wellness in The Palm Beaches guide was distributed at November’s Eudemonia conference.
• Cultural Activations – Planning continues to create attention-grabbing cultural activations to support our destination. The first cycle of the Bright Ideas Sponsorship (Fall/Winter) resulted in seven cultural organizations (plus their collaborators) receiving a combined $197,500 in funding for two categories: Marketing Activations and Special Event or Festival; and the second cycle (Spring/Summer) was announced
• Interactive & Social Media – The Council created a free on-demand webinar for cultural organizations and artists to assist them in using our online events calendar Blog and social media posts supported tourism by focusing on upcoming programs and events and providing itinerary suggestions for tourists. A professional assessment and analysis of the Council’s website SEO strategy and user experience launched in November.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Public Relations – The Council worked closely with Discover The Palm Beaches in November to support a FAM tour for Brazilian media and an Art Basel Miami Beach media mission scheduled for early December. Cultural tourism content was also provided to Discover for national press releases.
GRANTS
• Onsite Visits to four grantee locations (PBSC, FAU, Mounts Botanical Garden, Busch Wildlife)
• Category C1 grantee CEO roundtable – 16 attendees
• Category C1 reimbursement training - 26 attendees
ARTIST SERVICES
• Announced first Distinguished Female Artist’s Prize of $10,000 to photographer Sharon Lee Hart.
• ArtiGras Festival/Podcast – 2 episodes aired in November: Palm Beach County-based artist Scott Jeffries (11/13) and arts journalist Wilkine Brutus (11/27)
• AIMBY: Open House event on 11/4 resulted in 22 visitors. In the Arts & Wellness space, we had AIMBY programming to include Intro to Theater with Maltz Jupiter Theatre and Song and Movement with Janis McDavid.
• Professional Development: The Institute for Cultural Advancement’s 2025-2026 season continued with workshop AI & the Nonprofit Sector on 11/13 at the Council headquarters, with 35 attendees present. This session provided a hands-on opportunity for organizations and creatives to learn fundamentals of AI.
ADVOCACY
• Met with TDC Agency Heads and PBC Legislative Affairs team on November 12 to discuss strategy for upcoming legislative session. Convened the Palm Beach County Cultural Alliance on November 18 to provide updates. More than 20 cultural leaders attended the meeting.
• Presentation to American Association of University Women (AAUW) on November 17 to educate about importance of protecting TDT and state arts funding. Participated on panel discussion about women in tourism for Executive Women of the Palm Beaches on November 19.
A Banner Year: Sports Tourism Reach New Heights in The Palm Beaches
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission continues to demonstrate why The Palm Beaches is ranked as a Top 5 Sports Destination, per the Sports Business Journal, for hosting and attracting sporting events. This recognition underscores our Sports Commission’s leadership in the sports travel and event industry and its consistent success in producing high-quality, impactful events. In FY 2025, the Sports Commission’s robust portfolio of 227 events significantly boosted the local economy and enriched the lives of residents. The Sports Commission’s efforts generated 462,910 room nights, contributing $147 million in hotel revenue and $9 million in bed tax for Palm Beach County’s lodging industry. Sports event related room nights represent 23% of the total lodging room nights created in The Palm Beaches. Additionally, visitor spending tied to these events is projected at $498 million, underscoring the powerful economic and community benefits of Palm Beach County’s sports development plan.
This record-setting year in sports tourism reflects Palm Beach County’s collaborative sports community, a diverse and dynamic collection of venues, the nation’s premier parks and recreation system, a dedicated hospitality industry, and visionary county leadership. This recognition also symbolizes the unwavering commitment of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and the many valued partners across our community who work tirelessly to elevate The Palm Beaches as a premier destination for sports tourism.
The Palm Beaches brings the Capital One Skin Games back to life after a 17-year Hiatus
As Florida’s Golf Capital, Palm Beach County hosted the return of one of the sport’s most iconic events. The Skins Game made its comeback, featuring some of the PGA TOUR’s greatest golfers going head-to -head in this celebrated competition. Panther National, located in Palm Beach Gardens, served as the venue and is home to one of Florida’s premier golf courses. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission supported the momentous return of The Skins Game. The Palm Beaches and the state of Florida continue to lead the nation in hosting world- class golf events.
The Capital One Skins Game, once a Thanksgiving tradition for 25 years, returned on Black Friday (November 28) for the first time since 2008. PGA Tour greats, Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood, teed it up at Panther National. Panther National features a championship 18-hole golf course co - designed by Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas. It is situated within 2,400 acres of a picturesque nature preserve.
The Capital One Skins Game’s highly anticipated return was televised live on Amazon (Prime Video). First launched over 40 years ago, this event quickly became one of golf’s most celebrated traditions. After a 17-year hiatus, it’s only fitting that golf’s premier destination, The Palm Beaches, served as the backdrop for the revival of this iconic competition.
Sports Tourism Report
October 1 –
November 30, 2023
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s event portfolio for October 1 – November 30, 2025 (FY 26) reflects a pace of hotel room night production that is far greater than the same period during FY 25. During the first two months of FY 26 (October & November), the Palm Beach County Sports Commission hosted 31 total events, which generated 43,172 actualized room nights. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission has projected hosting 44 events during the first two months of FY 25, which has a lodging room night demand of 56,473.
Sports Commission Tourism Impacts: October 1 – November 30, 2023
• 56,473 room night demand
• $12,281,999 in projected hotel revenue (using FY 25 ADR for
• $736,919 in projected bed tax revenues.
Palm Beach County Sports Commission
Palm Beach County Sports Commission
Football Takes Center Stage in The Palm Beaches This December
Football is one of the most influential sports and media drivers for The Palm Beaches in December. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission will host and organize three major football events that generate significant tourism impacts and deliver nationally televised exposure to Palm Beach County. Over a two-week span, the Sports Commission will host a post-season college football bowl game, the nation’s largest youth tackle football event, and a prestigious college football award ceremony broadcast to a national audience.
These football events include:
Battle Youth National Championships, December 8-14, 2024, at the Village Park Athletic Complex in Wellington
Lou Groza Award Celebration, December 8, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach
Boca Raton Bowl, December 23rd at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton
Battle Youth National Championship
The Battle Youth National Championship, which represents one of the premier youth tackle football events in the nation, returns to The Palm Beaches from December 8-14, 2025. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is partnering with the Village of Wellington to host this event at the Village Park Athletic Complex for the fourth consecutive year. The Battle Youth National Championships games (finals) will take place at Wellington Community High School’s football stadium.
The Battle Youth National Championship delivers a week of youth tackle football to The Palm Beaches, attracting visitors from more than 30 states. The Battle Youth National Championsh is an elite playoff series that was created to provide a platform for non-all-star youth football teams to compete at a national level in a well-organized and professional manner. The Youth National Championship crowns a true “National Champion” at every age level from 6U to 14U. This invitationonly event offers two (2) separate divisions of competition. The first division represents the most talented teams throughout the nation, and the second division represents the second tier of competitiveness. Teams are guaranteed four (4) games, with the top two (2) teams in each division playing for a championship. Each team in every age group plays the “round-robin” format to determine the teams that qualify for the championships.
Last year, the Battle Youth National Championship featured nearly 100 youth football teams, bringing together more than 3,500 athletes and over 6,000 spectators. With rosters ranging from 35 to 65 players and a seven-day schedule, the tourism impact was extraordinary. The event generated 13,547 room nights and delivered an impressive $16,034,029 in total economic impact
Lou Groza Award
Created by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award stands today as the most prestigious award for collegiate kickers. The Lou Groza Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, is given annually to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The recipient is determined by a voting panel that includes NCAA Division I football head coaches, sportswriters, sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers, and previous award winners. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is one of only three sports commissions in the nation, alongside the Augusta Sports Council and the Louisville Sports Commission, that belong to the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) and own and present a major college football award broadcast nationally on ESPN.
The Lou Groza Award creates tremendous national exposure for Palm Beach County. The award is featured in major publications and media outlets across the United States, mentioned during nationally televised college football games throughout the season, and highlighted during NFL broadcasts featuring former Groza winners creating a level of visibility for Palm Beach County and its Sports Commission that cannot be replicated. In 2024, ½ million households watched The Home Depot College Football Award Show on ESPN, which spotlights The Palm Beaches during the Lou Groza Award presentation. The national finalists in 2025 include Aiden Birr (Georgia Tech), Kansei Matsuzawa (Hawai’i), and Tate Sandell (Oklahoma).
A local celebration occurred at the West Palm Beach Marriott on December 8th. In addition to celebrating the three national collegiate award finalists, we honored local achievements in football from Palm Beach County High Schools and awarded the Team of the Year, Player of the Year, PlaceKicker of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
Boca Raton Bowl
The 12th edition of the Boca Raton Bowl will feature a new name and title sponsor: the “Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans.” This post-season college football bowl game will take place December 23 at 2:00 PM at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton. This game will be televised nationally on ESPN. Participating teams will be announced during the first week of December. Last year’s matchup showcased James Madison from the Sun Belt Conference and Western Kentucky from Conference USA. The Boca Raton Bowl is one of only eight NCAA-sanctioned football games held in Florida.
Over the past decade, Palm Beach County’s bowl game has built an impressive resume. Six conference champions and three division champions have competed in the event. Notable alumni who have advanced to the NFL include New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (BYU, 2020), Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary (FAU, 2017), and Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott (Memphis, 2016).
Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the Boca Raton Bowl is one of 17 bowl games under its umbrella. Since its debut in 2014, the game has delivered significant tourism and marketing benefits to The Palm Beaches. College football ranks among the most media-rich sports in America, second only to the NFL. Over its 11-year history, cumulative viewership for the Boca Raton Bowl has exceeded 30 million.
Events & Operations
Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans
Event Support
Finalize details for team luncheon at Palm Beach County Convention Center
Secure Benny’s on the Beach and Lake Worth Pier for team beach parties and finalize details
Ensure transportation vendor has necessary event details for when teams are announced
Lou Groze Collegiate Place-Kicker Award
Work with school SIDs for National Finalists to ensure smooth event production
Work with local high schools to drive attendance for banquet
Work with ESPN on necessary deliverables for Home Depot College Football Awards
The Skins Game
Ensure event has necessary hotel rooms for staff, sponsors, production crew, etc.
Make sure all PBSCS sponsorship deliverables are met
Venue: Palm Beach Skate Zone & Palm Beach Ice Works
“Little Mo” Internationals in Florida
Date: December 5-10, 2025
Sport: Tennis
Venue: Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center
Frank Stark Celebration Ride
Date: December 7, 2025
Sport: Cycling
Venue: Boca Raton
Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award
Date: December 8, 2025
Sport: Football
Venue: West Palm Beach Marriott
Battle Youth National Championship
Date: December 8-14, 2025
Sport: Football
Venue: Village Park Athletic Complex and Greenview Shores Park
Delray Beach Riptide JM Lacrosse
Date: December 12-14, 2025
Sport: Lacrosse
Venue: Seacrest Soccer Complex
TNS Kickball National Series West Palm Beach Nationals
Date: December 13-14, 2025
Sport: Kickball
Venue: Caloosa Park
Bill Bone Giro Cycling Circuit
Date: October 12, 2025
Sport: Cycling
Venue: West Palm Beach
Collegiate Swim Team Training
Date: December 13, 2025 - January 14, 2026
Sport: Swimming
Venue: Multiple Aquatic Venues throughout Palm Beach County
U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon
Date: December 13-14, 2025
Sport: Running
Venue: Meyer Park Amphitheatre /City of West Palm Beach Waterfront
Burkie Golf Invitational
Date: December 15-16, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: The Breakers Ocen Course
CG Invitational
Date: December 15-20, 2025
Sport: Soccer
Venue: Gardens North County District Park
Golf Channel Games
Date: December 17, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: Trump National Golf Club Jupiter
West Palm Beach Classic (NAIA Men's Basketball Showcase)
Date: December 17-18, 2025
Sport: Basketball
Venue: Keiser University
Walker Cup Practice Session
Date: December 18-20, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: Seminole Golf Club
NPC Ultimate Grand Prix
Date: October 25, 2025
Sport: Bodybuilding
Venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton
Florida Sports League Soccer Series 3v3 Live- Wellington
Date: December 20, 2025
Sport: Soccer
Venue: Village Park
Delray Beach Riptide Winter Showdown
Date: December 20-21, 2025
Sport: Lacrosse
Venue: Seacrest Soccer Complex
US Kids Golf Foundation Holiday Classic
Date: December 21-22, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: PGA National Resort
Boca Raton Bowl
Date: December 23, 2025
Sport: Football
Venue: Flagler Credit Union Stadium (FAU)
Holiday Basketball Classic of The Palm Beaches
Date: December 27-30, 2025
Sport: Basketball
Venue: Wellington Sports Academy
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour PGA National Junior Open
Date: December 27-28, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: PGA National Resort- The Fazio Course
Winter Equestrian Festival
Date: December 31, 2025 - March 29, 2026
Sport: Equestrian Showjumping
Venue: Wellington International
Sports-Development
Sports Development Executive Summary
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission (PBCSC) is deploying an aggressive sales and sports development effort to increase the number of sports tourisms generating events taking place in The Palm Beaches. The PBCSC continues to cultivate relationships with event owners, as well as identify, solicit, secure, and retain sports events to grow room night actualization. Below is a recap of sports development efforts that have taken place during FY26.
Event Bids & Development
A primary mechanism for event solicitation is through the Event Bid and Development process. To recognize potential bid opportunities, the PBCSC will be at the forefront of the industry and engage with event owners. Bid submission is a highly effective tool to recruit sporting events. Attached is a comprehensive list of the bids that have been submitted for FY 26 and beyond, and below is a breakdown of the development efforts over the past month:
• NCAA Men’s Soccer Regional Championships
o November 18-24, 2025
o 100 Projected Room Nights
o 100 Participants
o Palm Beach Atlantic University
• MLK Volleyball Summit
o January 17-19, 2026
o 1,200 Projected Room Nights
o 1,300 Participants
o Wellington Sports Academy
• Inside Exposure
o March 1 – June 30, 2026 (a weekend in this time frame)
o 500 Projected Room Nights
o 960 Participants
o Wellington Sports Academy
• Play Hockey
o April 10-12, 2026
o 500 Projected Room Nights
o 480 Participants
o Palm Beach Skate Zone & Boca Ice & Fine Arts Center
• National Youth Safety Summitt
o February 10-12, 2027
o 500 Projected Room Nights
o 200 Participants
o Belgrove Resort
When trying to bring events to Palm Beach County, engaging event rights holders to conduct a site visit or familiarization tour is one of the most beneficial event development strategies. Site visits allow an event owner to explore potential sports venues while experiencing Palm Beach County’s tourism assets, such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Attached is a comprehensive list of the site visits that have been conducted in FY 26, and below is a breakdown of site visits conducted over the past month:
• November 3rd, 2025 – First Responders – 2026 First Responders Games – Burns Road Community Center & Hilton Palm Beach PBI
• November 10th, 2025 – Columbia National Soccer Team – FIFA World Cup Team Base Camp – Florida Atlantic University & Boca Raton Marriott
• November 12th, 2025 – Holiday Basketball Classic in the Palm Beaches – Palm Beach Central Site Visit and Gymnasium tour as host site for 2025 Holiday Basketball Classic.
• November 17th, 2025 - 2025 – Holiday Basketball Classic in the Palm Beaches – Lake Worth High School Site Visit and Gymnasium tour as host site for 2025 Holiday Basketball Classic
I Do Beach Tennis World Tour
One of the biggest tourism events in our calendar year is the I Do Beach Tennis World Tour. This International Tennis Federation (ITF)-sanctioned beach tennis event has become a meaningful fixture in Palm Beach County, especially along Riviera Beach and Singer Island. The tournament attracted hundreds of athletes from around the world 750 participants and hundreds of spectators from over 30 countries. Since 90 percent of participants come from outside the county, the event drives significant economic benefits through hotel stays, dining, transportation, and other tourism-related spending. Last year’s event generated a total of 3,491 room nights and $2,187,035 in direct economic spending in Palm Beach County. Riviera Beach has been home to the I Do Beach Tennis World Tour for the past four years; the event utilized 20 sand courts with bleachers under tented areas for spectators to experience what beach tennis is all about. The World Tour drew an impressive field that included the sport’s top-tier talent players recognized at the top of the ITF Beach Tennis World Tour rankings and celebrated internationally for their skill. The world’s No. 1–ranked player, Mattia Spoto of Italy, has participated in the Beach Tennis World Tour every year in The Palm Beaches. Beach tennis has been one of the fastest growing sports in Florida and nationwide. Beyond the competition, the event has strengthened community engagement by introducing residents to a fast-growing sport and creating opportunities for volunteers, youth clinics, and local vendors. I Do Beach Tennis participates in the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Kids Fitness Festival in the Palm Beaches every year to teach kids the sport of beach tennis. The increased media exposure surrounding the World Tour also promotes Palm Beach County as a premier destination for international sporting events, shows Palm Beach County as a diverse sporting community and in hosting encouraging future tourism and investment. Its continued success reinforces the county’s commitment to supporting diverse athletic experiences and expanding the area’s global footprint.
Strategic Value of Pursuing an HBCU Bowl Game in Palm Beach County – Florida Blue Florida Classic
James Taylor, director of Sports and Development, attended the 2025 Florida Blue Florida Classic, November 22nd, 2025, and the experience underscored the extraordinary impact HBCU sports events can have on a host community. The Classic, featuring Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University, attracted an estimated 100,000 visitors to Orlando when accounting for game-day attendance and surrounding festivities. Historically, the event averages nearly 60,000 spectators per game and has generated over 2 million total attendees since 1978. This year’s Classic is projected to deliver approximately $30 million in economic impact to Orange County, driven by hotel stays, dining, transportation, entertainment, and retail activity.
What makes the Florida Classic particularly instructive is its ability to blend sports, culture, heritage, and community engagement into a single weekend destination experience. Marching bands, tailgates, alumni gatherings, fan-fest activations, and corporate involvement transform the event into a festival-style celebration that produces both direct tourism revenue and long-term goodwill. The model demonstrates how HBCU events function as economic engines while amplifying cultural identity and promoting broad community participation. These outcomes align directly with Palm Beach County’s strengths and strategic goals. Our destination already performs exceptionally well in sports tourism and has developed a reputation for hosting successful, large-scale athletic and cultural events. A Palm Beach-based HBCU Bowl game would bring high-value out-of-town visitation, drive hotel occupancy during strategic periods, and offer a marquee cultural moment that builds on our ongoing efforts to attract diverse audiences.
From an economic standpoint, adopting a Classic-style model could deliver tens of millions in impact like Orlando’s experience. From a tourism perspective, it fills hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. From a community perspective, it enriches our cultural landscape and positions Palm Beach County as a forwardthinking, inclusive host destination. And from an institutional standpoint, it opens doors to long-term partnerships with HBCUs, alumni associations, corporate sponsors, national bands, and media platforms.
The success of the Florida Classic illustrates that HBCU football is more than a game it is a cultural movement with proven economic return. Palm Beach County is positioned to replicate and elevate this model. By pursuing an HBCU Bowl, we can leverage the power of sports, culture, and tourism to generate measurable economic outcomes while reinforcing our commitment to diversity, innovation, and community engagement.
Palm Beach County Sports Commission
October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026
Palm Beach County Sports Commission
Site Visits with Event Rights Holders
October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026
Sports Destination Management Recognized Two Palm Beach County Events as Champions of Economic Impact Award Winners
Champions
“Little Mo” International
City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis and Pickleball Center
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Total Economic Impact: $1.69 million
Total Room Nights: 2,424
The “Little Mo” Internationals is in its 19th year as one of the most prestigious junior tennis tournaments in the world and features approximately 700 players ages eight to 14 from more than 60 countries. Many professional and collegiate players began their career at the “Little Mo” like Andy Roddick, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys. It is named in memory of Maureen Connolly Brinker, who was the first woman to win the Grand Slam in 1953 and is still the only American and youngest (age 18) to have accomplished this magnificent feat.
Champions
2025 ITF Masters World Championships
Palm Beach County Sports Commission
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Total Economic Impact: $1.6 million
Total Room Nights: 2,056
This event is unique in that it attracts players and the families worldwide to the U.S. Teams and players from more than 35 different countries visited Florida as a direct result of this event.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission was recently spotlighted by Sports Destination Management, one of the industry’s most trusted publications focused on sports tourism, venue development, and event operations. As a top resource for event rights holders and planners nationwide, this platform is widely relied upon by decision-makers searching for ideal destinations to host major competitions.
Being featured in such a respected national outlet represents a meaningful milestone for the Commission. It provides the opportunity to highlight The Palm Beaches’ exceptional facilities, experienced event staff, and long-standing success in delivering high-quality sporting events.
This level of visibility enhances the Commission’s reputation within the sports tourism community and directly supports its efforts to attract new tournaments and championships. The feature not only reinforces Palm Beach County’s leadership in the field, but also serves as a valuable tool for generating new partnerships and expanding the region’s reach as a premier destination for sports events.
The Palm Beaches brings the Capital One Skin Games back to life after a 17-year Hiatus
As Florida’s Golf Capital, Palm Beach County hosted the return of one of the sport’s most iconic events. The Skins Game made its comeback, featuring some of the PGA TOUR’s greatest golfers going head-to-head in this celebrated competition. Panther National, located in Palm Beach Gardens, served as the venue and is home to one of Florida’s premier golf courses. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission supported the momentous return of The Skins Game. The Palm Beaches and the state of Florida continue to lead the nation in hosting world-class golf events.
The Capital One Skins Game, once a Thanksgiving tradition for 25 years, returned on Black Friday for the first time since 2008. PGA Tour greats, Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood, teed it up at Panther National. Panther National features a championship 18-hole golf course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas. It is situated within 2,400 acres of a picturesque nature preserve.
The Capital One Skins Game’s highly anticipated return was televised live on Amazon (Prime Video). First launched over 40 years ago, this event quickly became one of golf’s most celebrated traditions. After a 17-year hiatus, it’s only fitting that golf’s premier destination, The Palm Beaches, served as the backdrop for the revival of this iconic competition.
Potential Audience Reach and Advertising Value Equivalency: Lou Groza Award (Past 30 Days)
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission strategically utilizes the Lou Groza Award as a powerful promotional engine to elevate The Palm Beaches’ profile as a premier sports tourism destination. Because the award commands massive national reach. From preseason watch lists through semifinalist and finalist announcements, it generates consistent, high-impact visibility across major media outlets, college football broadcasts, and digital platforms throughout the season.
By owning and operating one of the most respected awards in college football, the Sports Commission positions The Palm Beaches at the center of conversations that engage millions of fans, athletes, coaches, and influencers. Every announcement, press release, and televised mention ties the destination to excellence, high performance, and national prestige.
This ongoing exposure reinforces The Palm Beaches as a dynamic, event-ready market capable of hosting major sporting events. The award also strengthens relationships with universities, athletic departments, national governing bodies, and corporate partners, opening doors for future event recruitment and tourism opportunities.
Locally, the annual Lou Groza Award banquet and related programming bring visitors, media, and collegiate athletes into the community, showcasing world-class venues, hotels, and hospitality.
Through its unmatched reach and credibility, the Lou Groza Award serves as a powerful branding platform that amplifies The Palm Beaches’ identity as a leading sports destination on both the national and global stage.
Lou Groza Award Media Impact Report
Top performing social media posts
Social Media
Season 2 of TGL, the tech infused golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, returns December 28 with expanded coverage across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and the ESPN App. The new season tees off at the state of the art SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, marking the league’s broadcast network debut on ABC and bringing even greater national visibility to this innovative Palm Beach County venue. TGL’s unique blend of live competition, virtual course play and real time strategy quickly won over audiences in its inaugural season. According to Nielsen, season 1 averaged 513,000 viewers per match on ESPN platforms, a 21 percent increase over the programming it replaced. The season’s most watched moment came when 1.05 million viewers tuned in for Tiger Woods’ highly anticipated debut with Jupiter Links GC, underscoring the excitement surrounding the league. Running through March 24, Season 2 features 15 regular season matches, high energy playoffs and a best of three Finals. “ESPN has embraced TGL from the beginning,” said Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions. “It delivered everything we had hoped for in its first season, including strong competition and one of the youngest audiences in sports.”
“TGL presented by SoFi returns with an elevated experience for fans at SoFi Center and those watching at home,” added Mike McCarley, Founder and CEO of TMRW Sports and TGL. New enhancements in fan engagement and in venue presentation will also debut throughout the season. Woods returns to competition January 13, with his long awaited matchup against McIlroy set for March 1 following the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
The 2026 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands is coming to Palm Beach County January 15–18, 2026. In partnership with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, this MLK Jr. weekend event will bring top HBCU marching bands to Florida Atlantic University, celebrating culture, talent, and tradition.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands to The Palm Beaches, bringing unmatched energy, culture, and musical excellence to our community. This unforgettable event will celebrate talent, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of MLK weekend like never before.” said Emanuel Perry, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council. Fans can relive the excitement on The Palm Beaches TV. Upcoming episodes of “What’s Poppin’ PBC” with Kitty Lundan and “Pull Up to The Palm Beaches” with Theo Dorsey will feature exclusive interviews and performances from FAU’s Flagler Credit Union Stadium.
The November 7th Film Florida Fridays session on Local Incentives brought together film commissioners from across the state to discuss how regional programs strengthen Florida’s production and tourism industries. Panelists Sandy Lighterman (Film Lauderdale), Quinn Chittenden (St. Pete–Clearwater), Michelle Hillery (Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission), and Todd Roobin (Jacksonville Film & Television Office) outlined how their incentives support local talent, crew, small businesses, and destination marketing. Michelle Hillery highlighted Palm Beach County’s investment in local television production through the Sponsorship and Development Program and The Palm Beaches TV. She noted PBTV’s growing visibility, including national exposure for local businesses, daily segments on South Florida Daily, and the PBTV NOW YouTube channel hosted by ESPN’s Theo Dorsey. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration among Florida film offices to keep production strong statewide.. Watch it here.
TGL GOES PRIME TIME FROM THE PALM BEACHES
SPOTLIGHT
FOCUS
MILLION DOLLAR MULLIGANS ON BLACK FRIDAY
TRUE-CRIME MYSTERY AT BALLENISLES
Golf fans can get an early start on Black Friday with the long-awaited return of The Skins Game, streaming exclusively on Prime Video at 9AM on Nov. 28. Produced by Pro Shop Propagate Content and PGA TOUR Studios, the broadcast kicks off a full day of live sports on Prime. After a 15-year hiatus, the event comes roaring back at Panther National in Palm Beach Gardens, co-designed by Justin Thomas and Jack Nicklaus. Thomas will compete alongside Xander Schauffele, Keegan Bradley and Tommy Fleetwood, a powerhouse foursome with 34 PGA TOUR wins combined. “The Skins Game is an incredible addition to our calendar of major events,” said George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The format stays true to its roots, with each hole assigned a dollar value and ties rolling over, plus a new “reverse purse” twist that starts players at $1 million each, raising the stakes on every swing.
SWIFT ENERGY IN KELCE’S NEW BOCA AD
The season six premiere of Oxygen’s hit true-crime series Accident, Suicide or Murder is turning national attention toward Palm Beach County. The new episode, expected to reach nearly 300,000 viewers, revisits the mysterious death of 71-year-old Alan Abrahamson, whose body was discovered near the BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. In signature fashion, the hour-long investigation begins as a possible accident or suicide, then unravels deeper questions and unexpected evidence.
Permitted by the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission for Left/Right LLC of New York, the production reflects a growing trend of reality and true-crime projects choosing The Palm Beaches for stories grounded in real communities. With diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and strong local production support, the region continues to offer a compelling backdrop for nationally viewed narratives.
INFLUENCERS IN THE PALM BEACHES
Boca Raton 11-year-old Bianca Sanabria Serna recently appeared alongside Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in a national Recover 180 commercial filmed at a The Boca Raton hotel. A theater major at Bak Middle School of the Arts, Bianca plays a young journalist in a mock press conference, confidently opening the scene with a playful question that nods to Kelce’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. Local production company ASK Media Productions delivered full production support for the shoot, managing crew, logistics and locations, with Jason Maughan directing. Bianca’s 9-year-old brother, Valentino, also appears in the spot. The commercial adds another milestone to Bianca’s growing resume, which already includes roles in print, musical theater and short films. Despite her busy schedule, she continues to maintain straight A’s while gaining experience on professional sets close to home.
As 2025 comes to a close, digital creators from across the country continued to shine a spotlight on The Palm Beaches, reinforcing why the destination remains a premier backdrop for compelling content. From pristine shorelines to vibrant culinary hotspots, influencers found endless inspiration in its blend of luxury and laid-back coastal charm. Lifestyle voices like @gracieabercrombie, @palmbeachlately, @findit.flipit and @suebelle showcased the region’s signature aesthetic, while travel storytellers like @followmeawaytravel brought national attention to its natural beauty. Food creators including @mikeiseating and @takeabiteoutofboca highlighted the dynamic culinary scene and the buzzworthy collaboration between Rocco’s Tacos and Mark Wahlberg. Financial literacy voice @theschoolofhardknockz added even more diversity to the year’s storytelling. Together, these creators helped share the spirit of The Palm Beaches with millions, one post at a time.
The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission (FTC) proudly celebrates more than a decade of service from two exceptional team members: Director of Operations Alberto “AJ” Jordat Jr., marking 10 years, and Kelly King, a 13-year veteran. Their commitment, leadership, and passion have helped shape the region’s thriving entertainment production landscape. AJ began his career at the FTC as an administrative assistant and grew into his current role. Under his leadership as Director of Operations, the FTC has achieved three consecutive years of record-breaking growth, contributing to the industry’s expansion from a $175M sector to today’s quarter-billion-dollar economic contributor. Meanwhile, Kelly has long been a cornerstone of the FTC’s creative and client-facing marketing efforts. Kelly is also the FTC’s locations expert, strengthening community relationships and supporting productions of all sizes “AJ and Kelly embody the exceptional talent and dedication that drive our success,” said Film Commissioner MichelleHillery. “Their impact is felt across every corner of our office and the industry throughout The Palm Beaches.”
MUCK CITY PRIDE TAKES CENTER STAGE
Amazon brought the intensity of The Glades football rivalry to a national audience during the Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins game on Oct. 31, featuring exclusive footage from the iconic matchup between Pahokee High School and Glades Central High School. The highlight reel gave viewers a front row seat to the famed Muck City rivalry, one of Palm Beach County’s most celebrated athletic traditions. Although Glades Central secured the win, the feature focused on the atmosphere and excitement that define Friday nights in The Glades, capturing the traditions, pageantry and deep hometown pride that make these games unforgettable.
BIG BUCKS IN BOCA RATON
The segment also drew a local connection through Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who grew up in Palm Beach County and attended Santaluces and Boynton Beach High Schools. By bringing Muck City’s gridiron energy directly to primetime, Amazon offered viewers an authentic look at one of Florida’s most storied high school football rivalries.
IMMERSIVE EGYPT EXPERIENCE ARRIVES
Step into ancient history at Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II, now open at South Florida PBS Studios in Boynton Beach until March 2026. This immersive 70 minute experience uses stunning 3D reconstructions created with Ubisoft and insights from leading Egyptologists to transport visitors along the Nile, inside royal tombs and into the lives of Egypt’s most iconic rulers. Designed for families, students and history lovers, the exhibit lets guests stand before a towering Sphinx, watch pyramids rise stone by stone and explore the myths, monarchy and culture that shaped thousands of years of civilization. Located at 3401 South Congress Avenue, the experience offers free parking and welcomes guests ages five and up. AA Video is also scheduled to film a segment here for the Palm Beaches TV series Kids Quest in The Palm Beaches with host Issac Nelson, bringing even more visibility to this standout cultural attraction.
David Bromstad returned to PalmBeach County for Season 18, Episode 10 of My Lottery Dream Home, this time helping longtime fan favorites Rick and Alicia search for their third dream home. The episode, which premiered November 7, 2025, takes viewers through the vibrant, scenic neighborhoods of Boca Raton. Fans can now stream it on HGTV, Philo, and Hulu. Production filmed throughout southern Palm Beach County, capturing locations in both Boca Raton and Delray Beach. The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission partnered with local municipalities to coordinate permits and logistics, ensuring a seamless shoot for the cast and crew. The episode highlights the film friendly appeal of The Palm Beaches, from its natural beauty to its diverse range of picture perfect locations. With strong production support and collaborative community partners, Palm Beach County continues to stand out as a premier destination for film and television projects of all sizes.
PALM BEACH CONCOURS RETURNS
The Palm Beach Concours returns December 12 to 14, bringing elegance, craftsmanship, and automotive excitement back to Palm Beach County. Set against the beautiful scenery of Trump InternationalGolf Club, the event continues to be a favorite among luxury car showcases that choose The Palm Beaches for its stunning views and year round sunshine. The Concours and its charitable mission were recently featured in “Tasting and Touring in The Palm Beaches” on What’s Poppin’ PBC?. Hosted by Kitty Lundan, the Season 3 episode highlighted owner Sidney Vallon’s commitment to raising money each year for organizations that support and inspire children. His dedication reflects the spirit of giving that has become a hallmark of the event. Lifestyle showcases like the Palm Beach Concours capture the elevated experiences that define The Palm Beaches and keep visitors returning. Save the date and stream ThePalmBeaches.TV to start planning your next lifestyle adventure.
EXECUTIVE WOMEN OF THE PALM BEACHES FOUNDATION
Film Commissioner, Michelle Hillery recently took part in an inspiring leadership panel hosted by the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. She was joined by three fellow industry leaders: Jennifer Sullivan, Senior Vice President of the Cultural Council; Heather Andrews, Vice President of Destination Stewardship and Civic Engagement for Discover The Palm Beaches; and Emily Snyder, Director of Global Sales at Boca Raton. Together, the panelists reflected on their paths to leadership and the key moments that shaped their careers in tourism, arts, culture, film and hospitality. They spoke about mentorship, collaboration and the importance of supporting community centered growth. The discussion also highlighted how each leader plays a role in elevating Palm Beach County’s presence on the national and global stage. Their combined efforts help strengthen the region’s identity, support local talent and promote The Palm Beaches as a vibrant and world class destination.
FILM FLASHBACK: CHRISTMAS OVERTIME (2024)
Locally produced by Night Dove Pictures and written, directed and produced by Ann Deborah Fishman, Christmas Overtime was filmed entirely in Palm Beach County. The film follows an out-of-work actress hired by a work-driven ad executive on Christmas Eve, only to realize he may be the man of her dreams. A highlight of production includes a walk-and-talk scene filmed during the Annual Holiday Boat Parade in Jupiter, with support from the Marine Industries Association of The Palm Beaches. Additional scenes showcase the charm of the downtown waterfront and other local landmarks. Now streaming on VUDU and DIRECTV, and coming soon to Prime Video and Peacock, the film shows how ThePalm Beaches can easily double as a cozy holiday-town backdrop.
LOCATION SPOTLIGHT: THE BEN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Set along the downtown waterfront, The Ben Autograph Collection blends modern luxury with cinematic appeal, making it one of the most film friendly venues in The Palm Beaches. With sweeping Intracoastal views, its rooftop lounge, elegant ballroom and library inspired spaces offer a versatile mix of picture perfect settings for film, photography and high end events.
This season, The Ben enhances its creative backdrop with its annual Winter Wonderland Experience. From November through early January, the hotel’s outdoor lawn transforms into South Florida’s only real outdoor ice skating rink, surrounded by twinkling lights, a festive holiday market, a winter tree forest and cozy seasonal décor. Visitors can skate on real ice, browse artisan chalets, enjoy hot chocolate or holiday cocktails and capture photo ready moments throughout the space. For content creators and production teams, it is a built in holiday set ideal for lifestyle shoots, commercials and social campaigns. Above it all, Spruzzo, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, offers panoramic marina views, an infinity edge pool, open air cabanas and soft coastal lighting, creating a naturally cinematic setting for fashion shoots or evening event scenes. Both a creative backdrop and premier event destination, The Ben continues to shine as a standout downtown West Palm Beach location where every angle frames beautifully.
EDUCATION
CORNER: SEMINOLE RIDGE EARNS HONORS AT FSPA
Students from the Seminole Ridge Television Production Academy earned impressive recognition at the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) District 7 Workshop, standing out among top media programs from Palm Beach and Broward Counties. In the fast paced “On the Spot” contests, where teams have only hours to plan, shoot and edit, Seminole Ridge delivered strong results. The Edit to the Beat team of Kaden Orton, Tayshaun Miller, Taylor Shipp and Abby Nosworthy earned second place, as did the Movie Teaser team of Mason Contessa, Nathan Lara, Olivia Anderson Dragon, Nathan Figurella and Seth James. Third place in News Package was awarded to Lilian Amiryan, Nick Ruddick, Alexia Ordonez and Magdaline Moorman
The academy also earned multiple All Florida Awards in FSPA’s Fall Digital Contests, with students recognized for Deadline Feature, Broadcast Commentary, Drama Film, Action Film, Hype Video, Illustration and Podcast production. These honors reflect strong technical skill, creativity and teamwork across the program.
With another successful showing at FSPA, the Hawks now prepare for two major spring events: the Student Television Network National Convention and The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films, where they are expected to be strong contenders once again.
Contributors: Afya Greene, Alberto Jordat, Alexis Oteng-Amponsah, Angie Crocitto, Josh Hyber, Kelly King, Matt Mazzamaro
Production Activity Report
For October 2025
Variance Explanations
Percentage change variances of ± 10% in performance statistics are explained in this section.
1. Hotel Room Nights: The 13% decrease in Hotel Room Nights actually reflects a month-over-month improvement and continues a steady three-month positive trend. We began the year with exceptionally strong numbers; however, April showed a 15% decrease in hotel room generation, a notable shift driven largely by the extraordinarily high results in April 2024,whenwerecorded 5,359 hotel room nights of which 2,305 rooms were due to two major productions - the American Cornhole League and the Polo Docuseries. Since then, we have been working to regain ground in this category
2. Total Productions: The 13% year-to-date increase in Total Productions is an eight-percentage point increase over the previous month’s totals, andis primarily driven by a rise in Shot NoPermits (SNP) recorded in October. Several PBTV shows entered production during this period, accounting for 97% of the SNP activity captured this month. Meanwhile, permitted production remains 25% ahead of last year, a one-percentage point increase over the previous month.
3. Total Leads: The 22% increase in Total Leads represents targeted lead generation from newly approved FTC/PBTV-sponsored shows, resulting in 80 leads in August alone. This increase is a result of staff’s efforts to self-generate leads and position us ahead of last year's numbers in this category.
4. Lead Responses: A 22% increase in Lead Responses aligns with the rise in Total Leads, as the higher lead volume naturally generates more opportunities for engagement and follow-up.
5. Lead Conversions: A 27% year-over-year decrease is tied to the surge of new leads generated in August (80 in total). Because these leads were recently entered the pipeline, most have not yet converted. Looking ahead, we anticipate continued improvement in this category as leads convert into business and production activity strengthens in the coming months.
6. Website UniqueVisitors: The22%increasein WebsiteUnique Visitors reflects exceptional audiencereach and consistent engagement in digital marketing efforts.
25-275 10 Suji Sub Inc Orlando, FL
25-276 Student Permit 10 Leah Randolph
October 2025 Permits & Shot No Permits
Southwinds Golf Course and Tennis Center Suji for Golf and Tennis
Grassy Waters Preserve on September 28th and October 5th
Palm Beach Atlantic University - West Palm Beach, FL
Jupiter Beach Park on October 4th
Blowing rocks preserve on October 11th
25-277 10 South Florida PBS Boynton Beach, FL
Sugar Sand Park Field House: Classroom, Volleyball Court, Gym, a cafeteria if available if not, a table and bench that can be used as an "outdoor cafeteria."
Generate Profile Visits – 92 (October) to 209 (November)
Facebook Monthly Total
Interactions – 67 (October) to 37 (November)
Views – 7,241 (October) to 5,468 (November)
Engagement – 2,411 (October) to 57,315 (November)
LinkedIn
Profile Views - 93 (October) to 85 (November)
Reached – 1,370 (October) to 663 (November)
Engagements - 166 (October) to 118 (November)
Impressions - 6,020 (October) to 3,053 (November)
Connections - 842 (October) to 855 (November)
WIFI Analytics - PURPLE
WIFI Analytics – PURPLE (con’t)
Placer AI
Media
FIRST LOOK: Proposed $290M Convention Center hotel near Downtown West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News - West Palm Beach Convention center Hotel development Related Ross Publicprivate partnership Tourism Economic impact Hilton. chevron right arrow icon. PALM
FIRST LOOK: Proposed $290M convention center hotel near downtown West Palm Beach
WPEC - The Palm Beach County Convention Center sits in the heart of West Palm Beach, just minutes from the airport and within walking distance of restaurants
FIRST LOOK: Proposed $290M Convention Center hotel near Downtown West Palm Beach West Palm Beach News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News Rosemary Avenue, just east of the Palm Beach County Convention Center and a short walk from the existing Hilton. Because the property is privately
FIRST LOOK: Proposed $290M Convention Center hotel near Downtown West Palm Beach cbs12.com - ... to the Palm Beach County Convention Center in downtown West Palm Beach. (Related Ross)
FIRST LOOK: Proposed $290M Convention Center hotel near Downtown West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News - Palm Beach Convention center Hotel development Related Ross Publicprivate partnership Tourism Economic impact Hilton. chevron right arrow icon. PALM BEACH
Melania on surprising way she tried to give Barron a 'normal' childhood - Irish Star
Irish Star... Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida (Image: Getty Images). “Tell me how you bring a sense of normalcy to
Congress Bill Spotlight: The Charlie Kirk Act - The Fulcrum
The Fulcrum - Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Getty Images, Joe Raedle. Jesse Rifkin. By Jesse Rifkin Oct 31, 2025. Jesse
Trump at business forum year after Election Day: Family members who did, and didn't, attend The Palm Beach Post On Nov. 5, 2024, or Election Day, Trump was surrounded by family members at his election night party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in
What Is the Heritage Foundation Defending? - Middle East Forum
Middle East Forum Tucker Carlson speaking with attendees at the 2020 Student Action Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in
Palm Beach County courts New Yorkers harder than ever as cradle of capitalism leans socialist
The Palm Beach Post Related Ross would like no property taxes on new hotel in West Palm. Rendering of proposed Curio hotel at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in
APRO Board Enjoys Sneak Peek of RTO World 2026 at Fall Meeting - RTOHQ.org
RTOHQ.org Andrew Hajduk (L) and Jerry Marshall (R) take in the beauty of the Palm Beach Convention Center. The board and VAC explore the Palm Beach County
Kristin Chenoweth says Charlie Kirk backlash 'almost broke' her - MSN MSN Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images). “I'm going to bring something up
Leaked texts show Charlie Kirk believed Ben Shapiro tried to 'kill' his and Candace Owens' careers MEAWW News Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida (Joe Raedle/Getty Images). Charlie Kirk's apparent suspicions of ...
Black Cat Ice Cream wins Grand Master Award, gets ready to open in downtown Des Moines The Des Moines Register
The annual event, held Nov. 9-11 at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida, draws hundreds of ice cream professionals from across the
Halle Berry to participate in massive West Palm Beach health summit
The Palm Beach Post Palm Beach County Convention Center. The summit, which runs through Nov. 16, will feature presentations, classes, exercise sessions and symposiums
Chefs are making Thanksgiving pies to benefit Meals on Wheels - Palm Beach Daily News
Palm Beach Daily News Pie-pickup sites on Nov. 25 (two days before Thanksgiving) include the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach (650 Okeechobee Blvd.);
Sylvester Stallone's Artistic Evolution Unveiled Exclusively at Art Palm Beach 2026 - Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance The fair returns for its 4th Year January 28 – February 1, 2026, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, with tickets now available at
Black Cat Ice Cream wins Grand Master Award, gets ready to open in downtown Des Moines
The Des Moines Register The annual event, held Nov. 9-11 at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida, draws hundreds of ice cream professionals from across the
How Did Donald Trump React to Ozzy Osbourne's Death? Sharon Reveals His Voicemail primetimer.com Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Americans cast their ballots today in the presidential race between
How Charlie Kirk's Death 'Changed' This Fox News Host's Faith - Movieguide
Movieguide Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump had earlier in the day met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Local Ice Cream Shop Earns National Honors in Prestigious Competition | WGHN wghn.com West Palm Beach Convention Center, West Palm Beach FL, from November 9th-11th, 2025. A highlight of the event is the association's ice cream
Palm Beach Post Events - Art Palm Beach
The Palm Beach Post Palm Beach County Convention Center January 28 to February 1, 2026. The next edition promises to be a broader and even more highly curated show
Leaders say signs point to roaring Palm Beach County tourism season as wealth heads south
The Palm Beach Post Diament said he's sold all his booth space for the three West Palm Beach-based shows he holds in early 2026 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center
Why Palm Beach County officials are bullish about tourism this season
The Palm Beach Post The Palm Beach County Convention Center and neighboring Hilton West Palm Beach. Alexandra Clough is a business writer at The Palm Beach Post. You
Local Ice Cream Shop Earns National Honors in Prestigious Competition - WGHN
WGHN Palm Beach Convention Center, West Palm Beach FL, from November 9th-11th, 2025. A highlight of the event is the association's ice cream flavor and
Art Palm Beach
Palm Beach Illustrated Venue. Palm Beach Convention Center. 650 Okeechobee Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33401United States+ Google Map. Phone: 800-210-0689; Website: https://www
High-profile opening keynote selected for 2026 WPE Florida/Closets Conference
Woodworking Network Each is a distinct media brand of Woodworking Network. The twin-bill event is scheduled for June 30-July 2, 2026, at the Palm Beach Convention Center
DEFINITE Room Rental by Month - FY 2026
November 2025 Project Status Report
Department of Environmental Resources Management
Record Leatherback SeaTurtles
-Breaking Nesting Season for
the finalized Sea state our nesters, breaking nesters Leatherback Loggerhead year turtle beaches of FWC in However, Florida year nesting early and nests is Because for able Green 2026 this season some recorded leatherback to year to Leatherbacks Sea report late account has ; Turtle making -season throughout officially that sea for nest there are nests 2025 any turtle counts concluded early were late the remain a nesting!record season season will entire 2,022 for on be -
Natural
Areas Festival January friendly wilderness Waters of ERM Beach Palm Natural all invites ages Beach County Natural 31 celebration Areas to st, found you get from County’s Area Festival Natural outside to throughout 1 get will :00 will Areas out Natural p encourage and m take and to discover Festival! the 6 Areas explore : place 30 youth 31 p the , m 000 System on This at beauty at and the Saturday, acres Winding family adults . Palm The and of -
Upcoming Beach Restoration Projects
This yards visitors, storm completed and are as areas million U.S the . federally Army Delray upcoming . of protection, local Beach (Delray) and sand Corps by Beach important non authorized restoration dredging from and winter, -federal of recreational will Engineers, 500 their nesting and be the thousand and sponsor projects respective renourished placing beaches will space with habitat . be The (Ocean provide the approximately contracted for offshore at for projects County residents Ocean The sea Ridge) long turtles projects borrow will by actingRidge cubic term and the 1 be . 3
Manatee Season Kick-Off
year’s officers citations enforcement County 31 program boaters, manatee November Meeting Lagoon Florida, Palm st Beach ERM Manatee to which Manatee to and for for season provides help marks County’s staff patrol violations issue representatives agencies runs spread Season and held verbal the Law funding manatee from waterways environmental awareness start involved ERM a Enforcement Kick warnings November Manatee forstaff of Off speed of overtime manatee in the to Event also as the the Season zones, conservation 15 nine well Program attended th public Palm at season as hours to local Manatee educate Kick written March . Beach about This thislaw for off in in
Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners
Sara Baxter, Mayor, Marci Woodward, Vice Mayor, Maria G. Marino, Gregg K. Weiss, Joel G. Flores, Maria Sachs, Bobby Powell Jr.
Prescribed Fires at Natural Areas wetlands on depends month beneficial reduction, Prescribed Natural a regular Area A on were for total fires . and and ecosystem burn successfully of were enhance at 122 Cypress rotation conducted 5 acres management, the burned . Creek of habitat Prescribed at pine to Natural Winding flatwoods keep that wildfire Area fires the wildlife Waters sites and this risk are
Sea Turtles in the Lake Worth Lagoon
The turtles that valuable Central reports recent habitat However, Park northern ERM’s restoration years, around for of Lake nursery sea these there restoration we Worth turtles Lake Tarpon areas species have area have Worth Lagoon in seen . Cove, for Central Increased efforts . historically juvenile Lagoon increasing Snook are Lake have a observations positive Islands green is Worth been created known numbers sea and Lagoon very indication to suitable turtles Bryant of in be few sea the . In a
LagoonFest 2025
LagoonFest Palm LagoonFest everyone this learning Beaches experience tour, Lagoon by urban –a invasive to vessel and Kids exploring exhibitors, attendees while present 2025 who how green Commission and estuary . ERM Zone . ERM Busch with made to non celebrated other others staff! exhibits heron, full this cast staffthe found native Some Wildlife LagoonFest of vendors, Lake free, a staff Lagoon toured activities joined fishing Florida showcasing their participants Worth the pythons, family demonstrated Sanctuary with by connection the 20 pole elected such Fish likeLagoon friendlytaking mile Angari Discover face and the A an and gotreleased big long awesome a wonders Initiative officials, painting families festival Wildlife how an guided thanks to shark Lake The the up to a -
to Worth of close capture enjoyed and event attendees Conservation partners lagoon boat rehabilitated research
Upcoming Events
January 31: December 10: Natural Areas Festival 5K Trail Run/Walk for United Way at Winding Waters Natural at Winding Waters Natural Area Area
Adventure Awaits: Register for a FREE event at PBCERM.EVENTBRITE.COM!
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
TRAFFIC REPORT
for the period ended October 2025
(1) Estimated Seat Capacity; Adjusted Innovata/OAG Scheduled seats, actual capacity may vary
(2) Percentage Change in load factor is stated in absolute difference
(3) Freight plus mail in US Tons
(4) Landings plus Takeoffs, includes cargo carriers
(5) Per FAA Tower
Palm Beach County Department of Airports
846 PBIA, West Palm Beach , FL 33406-1470 www.pbia.org
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ENPLANEMENT TRAFFIC REPORT for the period ended October 2025 Airline
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
TRAFFIC REPORT
for the period ended October 2025
Change in Enplanements by Airline
AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL
Monthly Airport Traffic Statistics
West Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America Palm Beach International Airport for the period ended October 2025
* Per FAA Tower ** In metric tons as required by ACI reporting standards includes Mail plus Freight
$7,529,171
$14,454,719
CONTRACT TRACKING REPORT
(2022-1019), (2023-1356), (2024-0994)
(R2022-1017), (20231354), (2024-0993),
(2022-1018), (2023-1355), ( 2024-0995)
(2022-1024), (2023-1353), (2024-0992)
SUBCONTRACTS OVER $100,000
DPBC Wellcoming, LLC $1,500,000, $500,000
R2024 1302 annually, pd in installments
PBCFTC Olympusat $590,000, 118,000 annually Pd in monthly installments
DPBC-Simpleview, LLC Web Based Services
DPBC-Zimmerman, LLC R2018-1121 -Creative Design
annually pd mo. $70,000
7/30/27 initial five yr. agreement
1-1 yr renewals
1- 5yr. agreement
DPBC-Zimmerman Agency LLC R Public Relations Total contract not to exceed $300,000
Culture-Push, Inc.
Marketing Services
9/30/27 two 1-yr extensions ending 9/30/29
$201,000 annual fee not to 10/1/21 9/30/22 Initial 1 yr. with 2, 2yr. renewals (R2021-0401) (R2022-0788) (R2024-1155) exceed $300,000 including travel and other out-of-pocket $89,000 annually
9/30/2024 9/30/2026 2nd renewal of 2yrs 2 yr. extension
CONVENTION CENTER
CC-Management Global Spectrum $225,000 annually Plus up to $90,000 Incentive fee 7/1/17 9/30/28
CC-F&B Oakview Group (OVG) 10/1/22 9/30/27 (2022-0948)
DPBC - FOREIGN MARKETING
DPBC-Vox International, Inc.
DPBC-LMG Management $96,000 annually 10/1/24 9/30/27 Not to exceed $288,000 (Germany)
DPBC - ARIAREPS (Colombia) $85,500 annually 10/1/24 9/30/27 Not to exceed $256,500 (Brazil) $18,000 annually
Not to exceed $103,000 10/1/24 9/30/27
DPBC – Fauhaber $124,940 10/1/24 9/30/27 Not to exceed $374,820
DPBC – MMGY $103,000 10/1/24 9/30/27 Not to exceed $309,000
Discover The Palm Beaches
1
Total number of cultural audiences: The variation reflects several changes, including the loss of two Category B grantees (SunFest and Palm Beach Photographic Centre), reduced pop-up programming by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (Category C-II), lower local attendance at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary after its unusually high FY24 opening year (Category B), and construction-related visitation declines at Cox Science Center (Category B).
Earned PR Impressions: The Council exceeded this goal in October 2024 as a result of the Council’s annual New York City media event and subsequent article published in Forbes (UVM: 99,621,955).
Paid Broadcast & Social Influencer Marketing: This was a new performance indicator in FY24 (Previous year totals were not measured.) The Council expected to outperform this goal at the start of the fiscal year, as the goal was set prior to the establishment of the ArtiGras Podcast partnership.
Social Media Impressions (organic): Social media impressions are 83% above goal due to strong content performance and cross-promotion, combined with a conservatively estimated target for FY25
Co-op program packages sold: The Council's FY25 co-op packages were created based on the success of FY24. The Council's increased communications with the partners about this program continued to show results. This was a very popular program, exceeding our goals by almost 30%. The target goal -- set months before the program was created -- proved to once again be conservative.
Palm Beach County Sports Commission
FY25 Year-End Performance Measures
Develop
Palm Beach County Film Commission
FY25 Year-End Performance Measures
Goal status is considered complete when the minimum 75% threshold is reached.
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
Special Expenditures Report
$27,519,614.10
Salaries & Related Expenses
Direct Advertising
Trade Shows / Sales Missions
Familiarization Tours / DR
Contracted Marketing Services
Membership/Registration Fees
Postage
Pro. Seminars & Conferences
Other Administrative Expenses
$7,022,283.60
$14,290,923.00
$1,403,721.00
$839,391.17
$1,921,613.00
$827,923.00
$16,363.00
$70,208.00
Special Expenditures Report
Total Agency Expenditures:
Salaries & Related Expenses
Direct Advertising
Agency Service/Web Design
Events and Conferences
Printing
Postage
Mileage, Travel, & Lodging
Equipment Leases
/ Subscriptions
$4,826,200.50
$1,511,409.17
$2,679,604.94
$53,788.18
$181,250.76
$0.00
$3,177.55
$21,378.80
$4,146.43
Special Expenditures Report
$1,393,752.28
$595,040.00
$67,210.00
$243,385.37
$2,365.70
$5,500.00
Special Expenditures Report
Advertising
Dev & Sponsor
Travel (Mileage)
Sales & Promotion
Books, Pubs. & Subscriptions
Consumer & Trade Shows
$14,840.00
$1,015,536.00
$8,295.00
$1,489.00
$6,765.00
$29,876.00
Salaries, Insurance and Related Expenses
Other Admin Expenses
Dues & Membersips
Postage Communication Services
5. OLD BUSINESS
To: Tourist Development Council
From: Emanuel Perry EP
Date: December 04, 2025
Topic: TDC Dashboard November Report–Activity October and FYTD 2026
Bed Tax Collections:
October 2025 collected in November was $5.5M compared to the same month last year at $5.5M, an increase of 0.1%. Actual October was 6% above Budget and 41% above the prior month at $3.9M. Actual October was 9% higher than FY 2024.
FYTD 2026 Collections at $9.4M were lower than last fiscal year to date at $9.8M by (4%). Fiscal Year to Date Collections at $9.4M was 7% above the Approved Budget. FYTD 2026 Collections of $9.4M were 10% higher than FYTD 2024 Collections.
Highlights Key Room Metrics: Rooms Sold for October
Occupancy October 2025
October 2024
Hotel Room Net Sales FY26 Year over Year October
(0.6%) Lower than Last Year
Year; 7% above Oct. 2023
9% @ $79M vs $73M
(7%) @ $14M vs $15M Hotel Room Net Sales FYTD 2026
5% @ $131M vs $125M Non-Hotel Room Sales FYTD 2026
FYTD 2026 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2025
FYTD 2026 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2024
Palm Beach International Traffic:
Total Passengers October 2025
(9%) @ $26M vs $29M
3% @ $158M vs $154M
9% @ $158M vs $145M
8% Higher than October 2024 Total Estimated Seat Capacity 804,141 13% Higher than October 2024
PBI Passengers 12 Month Rolling 8,621,136 4% Higher than Last Year’s same period
AUGUST INFORMATION DUE TO GOV. SHUTDOWN
Leisure & Hospitality Employment for August 91,700 (1%) Lower than the same month Last Year Hotel Employment 12,100 10% Higher than Last Year
Tourism in Palm Beach County: A Vital Economic Engine
Tourism stands as one of Palm Beach County’s most powerful pillars, sustaining prosperity, creating opportunities, and enriching the lives of its residents. As Florida’s largest county by land, Palm Beach commands 47 miles of pristine shoreline, 39 dynamic municipalities, and a flourishing cultural landscape defined by world-class institutions and celebrated events. Palm Beach County’s influence extends further through its expanding film and television industry and a distinguished calendar of year-round athletic competitions. Beyond leisure, Palm Beach County rises as a premier stage for meetings, conventions, and business exchange, drawing visionaries and leaders from across the nation and around the world.
• 9.9M visitors in 2024 | Projected 10.2M visitors in 2025
• $7.2B in visitor spending | Projected $7.5B in 2025
• 96,000 jobs supported (2025) | Projected 97,000 jobs in (2026)
• $86.7M Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collected, reinvested into:
o Destination development, beach renourishment, cultural programs, film & production, & sports events
o Supports 4 tourism-related infrastructure debts totaling $241.3M:
▪ Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium ($75M)
▪ Cactus Park of The Palm Beaches ($91.4M)
▪ Convention Center ($32.3M)
▪ Convention Center Garage ($42.6M)
o $10.7M dedicated to beach renourishment
o $9.5M in grant money directly invested into Sporting, Film Sponsorship and Cultural events. Funding directly resulted in:
▪ Cultural Programs and Museums (including Broadway shows in the heart of Downtown WPB)
▪ Film & TV Production: The Palm Beaches TV
▪ Eudemonia – Wellness Event
▪ The Winter Equestrian Festival
▪ MLB Baseball Spring Training
Development
Impact on Our Community
Tourism Development Taxes allow visitors to fund what residents get to enjoy, from pristine beaches and cultural venues to world-class sporting events and community spaces. By reinvesting visitor dollars into local amenities and infrastructure, the County ensures that residents benefit from vibrant cultural offerings, improved public facilities, and a stronger local economy, all while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. Specific examples of community impact for all include:
• Job Creation & Economic Stability – Tourism supports tens of thousands of local jobs across hospitality, retail, arts, transportation, and entertainment, strengthening the overall economy and providing diverse career opportunities for residents.
• Lower Local Tax Burden – Tourism development taxes collected from visitors help fund essential services and amenities, reducing the reliance on property taxes and easing the financial burden on residents.
• Enhanced Cultural & Recreational Assets – Revenues support world-class museums, theaters, cultural festivals, and sports facilities that residents enjoy year-round.
• Improved Public Spaces & Infrastructure – Investments in beaches, parks, convention centers, and recreational facilities directly improve residents’ quality of life while also attracting visitors.
• Community Enrichment & Identity – Tourism fosters pride of place by showcasing Palm Beach County’s natural beauty, history, and cultural vibrancy, strengthening community identity for those who call it home.
• Support for Local Businesses – Visitor spending sustains small businesses, restaurants, and local shops, creating a more vibrant and diverse marketplace for residents.
*Palm Beach County: Opposes any further expansion of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) and Supports maintaining TDT revenue for tourism promotion, which supports businesses in the community, beach renourishment efforts, the arts, sports events, people employed in the visitor industry, and quality of place for everyone
Partners & Supporters
• Discover The Palm Beaches
• Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
• Palm Beach County Sports Commission
• Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission
• Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and residents
Palm Beach Days 2026 Schedule
Monday, January 12
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm PBC Days Firefighter Kickoff Reception at 343 W Madison St
Tuesday January 13
8:00 am – 9:00 am PBC Days Kickoff Briefing at FAC, 100 S Monroe St, 2nd Floor Conference Room
9:30 am – 11:00 am Senate Opening Session in Senate Chambers
10:00 am – 11:00 am House Opening Session in House Chambers
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Joint Session in House Chambers
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Cocktail Reception – Economic Council of Palm Beach County & The Chamber of Palm Beaches, Florida Taxwatch Inc., 106 N Bronough St
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm State Lobby Team Briefing at Aloft Hotel Conference Room, 200 N Monroe St
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Pittman Law Group Reception 1028 E Park Ave
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Hospitality Suite at Aloft Hotel Conference Room, 200 N Monroe St
Wednesday January 14
7:30 am - 9:30 am Breakfast at Aloft, AC or DoubleTree Hotels for registered attendees.
7:30 am - 9:00 am Breakfast Reception with the Chamber of Palm Beaches at DoubleTree Hotel, 101 S Adams St
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wellness Lounge 2nd Floor of the Capitol Rotunda
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Exhibits in the Capitol Rotunda
10:00 am - 11:00 am Speaker’s Forum at Senate Enclosed Portico
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Capitol Reception in the Capitol Courtyard
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm Hospitality Suite at Charlie Park at the AC Marriott Hotel, 801 S Gadsden St
Emanuel Perry
From: Emanuel Perry
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2025 11:46 AM
To: Maria Marino G.; jim.mostad@thebreakers.com; dhostettler@thebocaraton.com; davicka@thompsoncreativecollective.com; clambert@wpb.org; ddufresne@beckerlawyers.com; long@mydelraybeach.com; Mabelys; Elena Peroulakis
Cc: Valeria Martinez; George Linley; Michelle Hillery; Milton Segarra; dlawrence@palmbeachculture.com; danderson@pbconventioncenter.com; Joan Hutchinson; ddrum@pbcgov.com; Vannette Youyoute; Patricia Ramirez; Kricket Marion; Fay Reynolds; Angie M. Crocitto; Katherine Griffin; Missy Gard; cgombert@thebocaraton.com; Vivian Leiva; Assistant County Attorney Liz Herman; Nicole Hughes; Colton Hearn; Myra Figueroa; ESanders1@pbc.gov; MSantoro1@pbc.gov; Sandrea Bhoorasingh L.; kbonner@palmbeachculture.com; Laura Beebe; Andrew Gamboa; Todd J. Bonlarron; mward@pbc.gov; Alessandro Marchesani
Subject: Palm Beach County Day 2026 Registration & Schedule
Attachments: 2026 PBC Days Schedule.pdf
Importance: High
Good morning Commissioner Marino & Board Members
Here’s the link to the PBC Day Registration website: https://www.pbcgov.com/pbcdays/
Please see attached the 2026 PBC Days Schedule.
In addition, the Chamber of the Palm Beaches is bringing their signature Chamber Breakfast experience to Tallahassee. During Palm Beach County Day at the Legislature, The Chamber will host their first Palm Beach County Day Breakfast in Tallahassee on Wednesday, January 14, from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee. This special edition of their Chamber Breakfast, presented by FPL, will convene business leaders, elected o icials, and state policymakers for a focused discussion on statewide economic priorities and matters of importance to Palm Beach County’s business community.
This event represents a significant opportunity to elevate our business community’s presence at the Capitol, strengthen advocacy, and foster strategic relationships where decisions impacting our county are made.
The event is complimentary, and seating is limited to 150 attendees. We expect to reach capacity quickly; please reserve your seat using the link below:
BOCA RATON, FL (November 20, 2025) – ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, has announced Bush’s® Beans as the new title sponsor for the Boca Raton Bowl, the annual college football postseason game played at Florida Atlantic University’s Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, FloridaFla.The bowl will now be known as the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans.
The 2025 Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans will take place Tuesday, December Dec. 23, 2025, kicking off at 2:00 p.m. ET with live coverage on ESPN, ESPN Radio, and ESPN 106.3 locally.
“Our bean obsession knows no bounds—that’s why we’re on a mission to turn the stadium into the biggest bowl of beans the world has seen,” said Stephen Palacios, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Bush’s Beans.“We invite fans to join us on our journey to elevate beans in every person’s life, so we’re stepping off the sidelines and calling the plays in Boca Raton with full-flavored fun, fan-fueled bean mayhem and a few trick plays up our sleeve.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Bush’s Beans as our title sponsor this year,” said Doug Mosley, Executive Director of the game.“Bush’s Beans is a market leader because they have the best product, one that I’m sure will be present in parking lots as fans tailgate ahead of our bowl game.”
Whether fans are tailgating, cheering from the stands, or hosting watch parties at home, Bush’s Beans and its beloved Secret Family Recipe will take center stage as the official flavor of bowl season. Expect a few bean-tastic surprises leading up to and on game day.
Tickets go on sale December 7 Fans can sign up for pre-sale updates at BocaRatonBowl com or follow the Bowl’s social channels. Seating maps, parking, and additional fan information will be shared closer to game week.
For more information about the Boca Raton Bowl, visit wwwBocaRatonBowl com or follow along on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
To learn more about Bush’s Beans, visit bushbeans com and follow Bush’s Beans on Instagram,FacebookandTikTok
About the Boca Raton Bowl
The 12th Annual Boca Raton Bowl will light up Flagler Credit Union Stadium at Florida Atlantic University on December 23, 2025, with thrilling football action and fan fest fun The Boca Raton Bowl postseason college football game will be televised nationally on ESPN and broadcast on ESPN Radio and locally on ESPN 106.3.The Boca Raton Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN In 2024, the 34-event schedule included four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, the premier regular-season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events deliver more than 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting over 650,000 annual attendees.The Boca Raton Bowl has logged 11 successful years with cumulative viewership surpassing 30 million households and total sponsorship value over $250 million More than 50 Boca Raton Bowl alumni have been selected in the NFL Draft, and dozens more have entered the league as undrafted free agents For Boca Raton Bowl game and sponsorship information, visit BocaRatonBowl.com and follow Boca Raton Bowl on Instagram, Facebook,Twitter/X and YouTube
About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide In the 2025-26 academic year, the 35-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, two college volleyball events, the premiere regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
Bush’s® is That Beautiful Bean Co ® a quality-obsessed, family-owned business since 1908 We believe in the goodness of the humble bean, a food that’s equally good for humans and the earth When you enjoy our beans, you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 115 years ago in Chestnut Hill,Tenn , Bush’s has always maintained that quality is the best policy We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans to Chili Beans to our newest Sidekicks, you ’ re cooking up the best with Bush’s. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.
PREVIOUS POST
BOCA RATON BOWL GOLF OUTING CELEBRATES SPIRIT AND SUPPORT
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Don’t miss your chance at experiencing this beach bash! Get your tickets and book your hotel today.
STAY TUNED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands Expands to The Palm Beaches for 2026 MLK Weekend Celebration Set for January 15–18 across Palm Beach County
BOCA RATON, FL (October 22, 2025) – The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is officially expanding its footprint to South Florida, bringing its iconic celebration of HBCU excellence, music, and culture to The Palm Beaches during MLK Weekend 2026. The inaugural Palm Beaches edition will take place over the event weekend, January 15–18, 2026, with the main event set for Saturday, January 17, at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.
This expansion marks a dynamic new chapter in the 12-year history of NBOTB, one of the largest showcases of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. Since its inception, it has featured 29 different HBCU marching bands and awarded over $2.1 million in scholarships.
“We’re proud to bring the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands to a new audience in The Palm Beaches,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Producer of NBOTB. “This expansion is a milestone moment in the event’s legacy, allowing us to amplify the music, pride, and excellence of HBCUs on an even larger scale.”
2026 Participating Bands
This year’s participating bands will perform facing East (Away Side) and West (Home Side) as follows:
Playing to the East Side (Away):
● Bethune-Cookman University – Marching Wildcats (Daytona Beach, FL)
● Florida Memorial University – ROAR (Miami, FL)
● North Carolina A&T State University – Blue & Gold Marching Machine (Greensboro, NC)
Playing to the West Side (Home):
● Florida A&M University – Marching 100 (Tallahassee, FL)
● South Carolina State University – Marching 101 (Orangeburg, SC)
● Southern University and A&M College – Human Jukebox (Baton Rouge, LA)
“The National Battle of the Bands is an incredible addition to our calendar of major events,” said George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “This event brings immense cultural and economic value, and we’re thrilled to welcome HBCU fans and families to experience The Palm Beaches.”
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 28 at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com or Ticketmaster.com, starting at just $20. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration. More details on suites and group rates will be announced soon
Official Events & Fan Engagement
In addition to the signature band showcase, the event weekend will include a lineup of official activities and community engagement opportunities:
• NBOTB Cares Initiative – Thursday, January 15 | The Palm Beaches
• HBCU College & Career Fair – Friday, January 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Palm Beach State College Gym –Lake Worth Campus
• Emerging Experience Entrepreneurship Conference – Friday, January 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Palm Beach State College Public Safety Conference Center – Lake Worth Campus (PSD 108)
• Fan Experience – Saturday, January 17, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Flagler Credit Union Stadium – Boca Raton, FL - Featuring an arts fair, local and national talent, Greek Stroll Off competition, and more.
All official events are free and open to the public, with registration required for select activities.
“This is a true destination event that allows us to spotlight local culture, support small businesses, and welcome new visitors during a meaningful time of year,” said Emanuel J. Perry, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council.
Join our newsletter for event updates, announcements, and exclusive content by visiting, nationalbattleofthebands.com. Follow us @NationalBattleoftheBands on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and @NationalBOTB on X (formerly Twitter).
###
About National Battle of the Bands
The National Battle of the Bands’ (NBOTB) mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), their marching bands, and the important roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders in the areas of music, arts, and education. As one of the largest showcases of HBCU marching bands in the country, NBOTB serves as a platform to inspire the next generation of leaders. To date, the event has awarded over $2.1 million in scholarships to participating institutions, while engaging tens of thousands of fans annually through live performances, educational programming, and community impact initiatives.
Media Contact: Derek Ross
National Battle of the Bands media@webbermarketing.net (919) 423-5617
2026 NBOTB in the Palm BeachesAnnouncement
September 21st 2025 to October 31st 2025
Generated on November 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM ET
Pepsi National Battle of the Bands coming to The Palm Beaches in 2026 southfldaily.com | By Megan
Hayes
| Oct. 31, 2025
The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) will expand to South Florida during MLK Weekend 2026. The event runs January 15–18, with the main showcase on Saturday, January 17, at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton. Now in its 12th year, NBOTB highlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and has awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships.
Data Index Table
PBI Traffic Q4 2019 - Q3 2025
Traffic milestones for PBI - 12 Months Ended
MONTH & YEAR
Air Service – Where do we stand?
Comparing CY 2024 and 2025:
6 New Destinations:
• Nashville, TN (BNA)
• Wilmington, NC (ILM)
• Orlando, FL (MCO)
• Norfolk, VA (ORF)
• Richmond, VA (RIC)
• Concord, NC (USA)
• 32,572 scheduled flights in 2025 compared to 31,459 in 2024 (increase of 1,113 or 3.5%)
• 5,439,120 scheduled seats in 2025 compared to 5,212,332 in 2024 (increase of 226,788 or 4.4%)
Continuing trend of air carriers flying bigger gauge aircraft with increased frequencies for trunk routes
Source: Cirium-Diio Schedules
Monthly Seat Capacity % Difference for PBI and Peer Airports (compared to previous year)
RSW area recovery from Ian continues.
JetBlue & Spirit merger blocked. JetBlue announces route cuts, heavily affecting LAX & FLL. No cuts touched PBI. RSW area recovering from Hurricane Ian.
Route cuts to FLL begin; Spirit also begins to downsize as part of bankruptcy.
• San Francisco, Denver, Aventura, Miami Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, Suffolk County, Travis County, Los Angeles County, Brooklyn
Demographic:
• Health-Conscious Baby Boomers
• General Wellness/Lifestyle Optimizers
• Biohackers/Performance Optimizers
• Lookalike (1P data)
PublicRelations
• 3 Press Releases - 15.9 Million Impressions
• 68 Media in Attendance
• Satellite Media Tour – 21.1 Million Impressions in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Dallas, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Nationally Syndicated shows Coffee WithAmerica& TheJetSet
• Create Year-Round Brand Awareness with Expanded Summer 2025 Marketing
• Increased Flight Capacity to Both Markets –Nearly Year-Round!
• Need to focus on Domestic Markets due to uncertainty from International Visitation
• Growth in Texas Markets Has Been Demonstrated
Dallas Houston
SUMMER 2025 EXTENSION
MEDIA CHANNELS
Dallas&Houston:Summer2025 TraditionalMedia
Print
• Budget: $37,495
• Impressions: 1.14 Million
TV
• Budget: $52,500
• Spectrum - 744 :30s Spots
• Imps: 7.02 Million Radio
• 285 Spots (15s & 30s)
• Budget: $21,166
• Impressions: 2.42 Million
Dallas&Houston:Summer2025 OutofHome
Billboards
• May – August 2025
• Budget: $60,625
• Impressions: 15.6 Million
• High-Impact placements near DFW & IAH airports, key shopping areas, and affluent neighborhoods
Car Wraps
• May 2025
• Budget: $40K
• Impressions: 1.6 Million
• 8 Cars with Event “SWARMS”
• Lone Star Smokeout Culinary Event
• CJ Cup Byron Nelson PGA Tour Day 1
• CJ Cup Byron Nelson PGA Tour Day 2
• Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Games
• Added Value: Social, Display, In-Car Handouts
Dallas&Houston:Summer2025 TargetedDigital
Paid Social
• Budget: $51K
• Impressions: 16.5 Million Video
• Budget: $20K
• Impressions: 1.1 Million
Digital Display
• Budget: $15K
• Impressions: 8.95 Million
Search Engine Marketing
• Budget: $10K
• Impressions: 45K
OTA
• Budget: $40K
• Imps: 1.3 Million
MARKET PERFORMANCE
PalmBeachesVisitationfromHouston
Advertising in-market began in October 2024
• Q4 2023 vs Q4 2024
• 18,140 visitors vs. 36,310 visitors
• 67% growth immediately after advertising started
• Q1 2024 vs Q1 2025
• 42,570 visitors vs. 57,840 visitors
• 35.9% growth
• Q2 2024 vs Q2 2025
• 19,790 visitors vs. 27,760 visitors
• 40.2% growth
• Q3 2024 vs Q3 2025
• 17,620 visitors vs. 21,380 visitors
• 21.3% growth
Spending from Houston grew from $34M in Q1/Q2 2024 to $41.9M in Q1/Q2 2025
PalmBeachesVisitationfromDallas
• Advertising in-market began in October 2024
• Q4 2023 vs Q4 2024
• 25,560 visitors vs. 30,360 visitors
• 42% growth immediately after advertising started
• Q1 2024 vs Q1 2025
• 27,400 visitors vs. 40,210 visitors
• 46.5% growth
• Q2 2024 vs Q2 2025
• 25,590 visitors vs. 36,680 visitors
• 43.3% growth
• Q3 2024 vs Q3 2025
• 26,280 visitors vs. 30,020 visitors
• 14.2% growth
• Spending from Dallas grew from $35.6M in Q1/Q2 2024 to $45.7M in Q1/Q2 2025.
ThankYou
DESTINATION DEMAND
PalmBeachesHotelPerformance(October)
Alt.LodgingPerformanceForecast
Occupancy / ADR / RevPAR
Occupancy ADR RevPAR
Occupancy: Total number of listings booked dived by the total number of listing available ADR: Average daily rental rate for a listing booked RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room): Occupancy multiplied by ADR
HotelPerformanceForecast
PalmBeachesBedTaxForecast
Occ: -0.6% to 70.1%
ADR: +4.7% to $277
RevPAR: +3.6% to $194
Demand: +0.6% to 5.01 M
Bed Taxes: +4.7% to $97.8M
SEP (OCT) OCT (NOV) NOV (DEC) DEC (JAN) JAN (FEB) FEB (MAR) MAR (APR) APR (MAY) MAY (JUN) JUN (JUL) JUL (AUG) AUG (SEP) TOTAL
