
Palm Beach County
Tourist Development Council Board Book
May 8, 2025
Palm Beach County
Tourist Development Council Board Book
May 8, 2025
1. TDC Board Meeting Attendance 05.08.2025
2. TDC Board Meeting Agenda 05.08.2025
3. TDC Board Meeting Minutes 04.10.2025
4. CONSENT ITEMS
4.A. DTPB Activity Report
4.B. Cultural Council Activity Report
4.C. Sports Commission Activity Report
4.D. Film & TV Monthly Newsletter
4.E. Film & TV Production Report
4.F. Convention Center Income Statement & Financial Operations Analysis Compared to Budget & Prior Year
4.G. Convention Center Marketing Update
4.H. Convention Center "Pace" Revenue Report
4.I. ERM Project Status Report
4.J. PBI Traffic Report
4.K. Contract Tracking Report
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.B. Tourism Master Plan Big Ideas
6.F. - 1. DTPB Update
(1)Mayor Maria G. Marino, Chair
(4) Jim Bronstien, Vice Chair(9/30/26)
(4) Mabel Melton Appt (9/30/26), Dist. 3
(2)Joseph Fisher Appt(9/30/25)Dist. 1
(2) Elena Peroulakies (9/30/25)Dist. 1
(3) Jim Mostad (9/30/20) Appt (9/30/28), Dis.2
(5)Daniel Hostettler(0930/23) Appt (09/30/27). Dis 4.
(6)Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long (9/30/24) Appt (03/08/22) Dis.5
(7)Don Dufresne ReAp(9/30/27) Dis6
(8) Davicka N. Thompson (9/30/2024) Appt(12/6/16)RdAppt(8/25/20) [Dis.7]
(9) Commissioner Christina Lambert Appt (10/01/22)- (9/30/26) At-Large
Isami Ayala Collazo, Assistant County Administrator
Liz Herman, Assistant County Attorney
Dave Lawrence, Culture
George Linley, Sports
Michelle Hillery, Film & TV
Milton Segarra, Discover
Deborah Drum, ERM
Dave Anderson, PBCCC
Kathy Griffin, PBCCC
Emanuel Perry, TDC
Joan Hutchinson, TDC
Vannette Youyoute, TDC
Does not count towards
Thursday, May 8, 2025 – 9:00 A.M.
2195 Southern Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406 AGENDA
TO APPROVE AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS*
MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT ITEMS FOR MAY 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 INCOME STATEMENT & FINANCIAL OPERATIONS ANALYSIS COMPARED TO BUDGET & PRIOR YEAR*
G. CONVENTION CENTER MARKETING UPDATE*
H. CONVENTION CENTER “PACE” REVENUE REPORT*
OTHER TDC-SUPPORTED AGENCY/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
I. ERM PROJECT STATUS REPORT*
J. PBI TRAFFIC REPORT*
K. CONTRACT TRACKING REPORT*
5. OLD BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. JIM BRONSTIEN PRESENTATION* - Emanuel Perry
B. TDC TOURISM PERFORMANCE METRICS
1. TDC DASHBOARD CURRENT MONTH & FY2025* - Emanuel Perry
a. Bed Tax Collections*
C. PBI UPDATE – Nichole Hughes
6. NEW BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. MOTION TO APPROVE FY24 AGENCIES AUDIT REPORTS*- Dave Zamora/Emanuel Perry
B. TOURISM MASTER PLAN BIG IDEAS* – Emanuel Perry
C. CONVENTION CENTER
1. OVG Venue Management
a. Update - Dave Anderson
2. OVG Hospitality
b. Update - Kathy Griffin
c. Chef Giovanni Arias Introduction – Kathy Griffin
D. ERM
3. Update – Deb Drum
E. CULTURAL COUNCIL
1. Update - Dave Lawrence
F. DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
1. Update* – Milton Segarra
G. SPORTS COMMISSION
1. Update – George Linley
H. FILM & TV
1. Update – Michelle Hillery
The next Meeting will be on June 12, 2025. *Attachment included.
Thursday, April 10, 2025 – 9:00 A.M.
Present Absent
Mayor Maria G. Marino, Chair Davicka Thompson
Mabel Melton
Elena Peroulakies
Jim Mostad
Daniel Hostettler
Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long
Don Dufresne
Commissioner Christina Lambert
Staff
Isami Ayala Collazo, Assistant County Administrator
Liz Herman, Assistant County Attorney
Emanuel Perry, Tourist Development Council
Vannette Youyoute, Tourist Development Council
Joan Hutchinson, Tourist Development Council
Colton Hearn, Tourist Development Council
Patricia Ramirez, Tourist Development Council
Dave Lawrence, Cultural Council
Jennifer Sullivan, Cultural Council
George Linley, Sports Commission
David Fontanarosa, Sports Commission
Michelle Hillery, Film & TV Commission
Alberto Jordat, Film & TV Commission
Milton Segarra, Discover The Palm Beaches
Evan Lomrantz, Discover The Palm Beaches
Gustav Weibull, Discover The Palm Beaches
Erika Constantine, Discover The Palm Beaches
Heather Andrews, Discover The Palm Beaches
Robin Prakash, Discover The Palm Beaches
Deb Drum, ERM
Matt Mitchell, ERM
Mike Brodnicki, Palm Beach County Convention Center
Kathy Griffin, Convention Center/Spectra Hospitality
Lacey Sprague, Palm Beach County Convention Center
Nicole Hughes, PBI Airports
Paul Connell, Parks & Recreation
Devin Vaides, ISS
Other
Ed Chase, PBC Intergovernmental Affairs & Community Engagement
Jodi Cross, FRLA
Josh Brown, Sinclair Travel
2. MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS*
Motion to approve the agenda was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Jim Mostad. Motion carried 7-0 with Commissioner Christina Lambert and Davicka Thompson absent.
Motion to approve the February 13th TDC Meeting Minutes was made by Jim Mostad and seconded by Don Dufresne. Motion carried 7-0 with Commissioner Christina Lambert and Davicka Thompson absent.
4. MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT ITEMS FOR MARCH 2025 emailed to the Board and APRIL 2025 included under this Agenda*
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 INCOME STATEMENT & FINANCIAL OPERATIONS ANALYSIS COMPARED TO BUDGET & PRIOR YEAR*
G. CONVENTION CENTER MARKETING UPDATE*
H. CONVENTION CENTER “PACE” REVENUE REPORT*
OTHER TDC-SUPPORTED AGENCY/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
I. ERM PROJECT STATUS REPORT*
J. PBI TRAFFIC REPORT*
K. CONTRACT TRACKING REPORT*
L. AGENCIES Q1 FY2025 REPORTS*
Motion to receive and file Consent Items for March and April 2025 was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long. Motion carried 7-0 with Commissioner Christina Lambert Davicka Thompson.
5. OLD BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. TDC TOURISM PERFORMANCE METRICS
1. TDC DASHBOARD CURRENT MONTH & FY2025* - Emanuel Perry
a. Bed Tax Collections*
Perry
Bed Tax Collection – February 2025 collected in March was $12.7M compared to the same month last year at $11.6M, a 9% increase. Actual February was 7% above the Budget and 26% above the prior month at $10M. Actual February was 13% higher than February 2023. Revenues from Hotels skyrocketed this month, boosting the tourism industry.
FYTD 2025 Collections, at $49M, were 11% higher than the last fiscal year to date, at $44M. FYTD collections are 10% above theApproved Budget and 11% higher than 2023 collections.
The Rooms sold for February were 467,855, 7% higher than last year. Rooms available for February at 545,560 are (2%) lower than last year. Hotel RoomsActive today in the county at 19,520
Occupancy for February 2025 was 85.6%, 5% higher than last year. Occupancy for February 2024 was 81.3%. February 2023 was 83.4%. The average daily rate for February was $384.45, 2% higher than last year and 6% above 2023. The Revenue/Available Room for February 2025 was $329.05 higher than the prior February by 12%.
In February, Hotel Room Net Sales FY25 year over year increased 13% at $173M compared to $153M. Non-hotel room sales FY25 year over year in February increased 9% at $39M compared to $35M. Hotel room net sales FYTD 2025 increased 10% from $656M to $596M. Non-hotel Room Sales FYTD 2025 increased 7% at $154M compared to $144M. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2024 increased 10% at $811M compared to $740M. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2023 increased 10% at $811M compared to $735M.
Airport passengers for February 2025 were 807,230 (3%) lower than in February 2024, and the Total Estimated Seat Capacity is (0.1%) lower than last February 2024, with 1,014,286 seats. PBI Passenger 12-month rolling is an 8% increase at 8,481,485 over last year.
Leisure & Hospitality Employment for February, 96,600, decreased (3%) over the same month last year. Accommodation employment was 3% higher compared to last year at 12,800 employees. F&B was (2%) lower than last year at 61,100 employees. Arts & Entertainment employment is (9%) lower than last year at 22,700 employees.
1. National Travel & Tourism Week
2. Art & Culture Month
Perry
Join us on May 6th for a special event at the BCC! The mayor will present a proclamation for National Travel and Tourism Week, and we encourage everyone to wear
red to show support for our County's travel and tourism. We’ll also receive theArt and Culture Month Proclamation from Commissioner Woodward to celebrate our cultural organizations. Come out and help us capture these moments!
I'm the director of PBC Legislative IntergovernmentalAffairs, and I will provide you with a five-minute legislative update. We will discuss the budget, tax issues, and policy matters, focusing on how the first two impact the last. The House and Senate recently released their budgets, showing some significant differences. The Senate's budget is set at $117B, while the House's budget is just under $113B, creating a $4.4 B difference between the two proposed budgets. Typically, the discrepancies are only $500M, and although I have seen differences of up to $1.1B before, a $4.4B gap at this stage is unprecedented and indicates a potential problem moving forward.
As we are now in the sixth week of the legislative session, we have only three and a half weeks remaining. This limited timeframe makes it challenging to bridge a $4.4B gap. We need to send a consolidated budget to the conference committees, allowing them sufficient time to resolve the differences before putting the final proposal on members' desks byApril 29th for a timely signature. If we do not achieve this, we risk facing delays in the first week of May. Part of this gap can be attributed to proposed tax changes that differ between the House and Senate. The governor suggested a $1,000 reduction in the property tax rebate for December, but neither the House nor the Senate supported this proposal, so it is currently off the table.
Additionally, the governor has proposed an overall reduction in property taxes statewide. Two bills are being sponsored that approach this issue in different ways. One bill aims to implement a flat $100,000 tax exemption on homesteaded properties, simplifying the current system where the first $25,000 is exempt, followed by taxable amounts until reaching a total of $75,000. This proposed change would allow for an exemption on the first $100,000 of assessed value. The second bill proposes an exemption of $75,000 on assessed value. These are the initial debates in the ongoing property tax exemption discussions, which are expected to unfold over the next one to three years. I believe the ultimate goal regarding these property tax changes is to set the stage for 2027 when the Budget and Tax Reform Commission is scheduled to convene, a process that occurs every 20 years.
Members of this commission are appointed by the governor, the Senate president, and the House leaders. They will meet over nearly a year, gather public input, and then vote on issues to be placed directly on the 2028 ballot. I see this as a long-term roadmap aimed at establishing a comfortable and sustainable approach to tax reform. These issues will be placed on the ballot in 2028. The two bills I discussed this year have not yet been heard in either the House or the Senate. Therefore, this is not an issue for this year; it is an issue for next year and 2027 going forward. We did very well with individual appropriations for Palm Beach County.All of our Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners'
appropriations are currently in play in either the House or the Senate, along with dozens of municipal appropriations.
Even though both budgets have been reduced, particularly the House budget compared to last year, all of our appropriations are still very much in play. However, we now face a $4.4B budget gap, which complicates matters. The House has passed a few bills, and the Senate has passed a few bills, but neither has passed legislation that matches the other. This situation is not ideal as we enter week six of the legislative session. The budget argument will overshadow every policy vote that both the House and Senate make, impacting their discussions on various policy issues as well. I tend to be optimistic, but the current situation appears to be a significant challenge, considering they’ve given themselves such a short time to resolve multiple issues.
Is it possible to fix this?Absolutely. We can always hope for the best. However, if I were a betting person, I wouldn't wager on finishing on time. Judging by the governor's statements, he is prepared to fight and might even veto the entire budget, forcing them to reconvene over the summer to address it. There is a lot to watch over the next couple of weeks. Regarding the two policy bills we are monitoring for this organization; one is related to the tourist development tax (TDT). The first bill, often referred to as the “Orange County food fight,” would restrict TDT spending to a maximum of $50M on advertising. This issue has been a regular contention between the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and the Orange County Convention Center for years. The bill, filed by two members from Orange County, has not been heard yet and is currently off the table. We will keep an eye on it, as we do with any legislation that could either expand or limit the use of TDT taxes.
That leaves us with Senate Bill 1664 and House Bill 1221, which are our current concerns. This legislation mandates that the TDT tax in Palm Beach County must go to a referendum on the ballot every eight years, regardless of circumstances. While the bill has changed slightly, it now states that if there is a bond issue, such as our 2020 housing bond, it would be exempt from the voting referendum requirement. This change does not favor us in any way. In the Senate, during the last vote on this bill, Senator Barbara Sharif from Broward County raised an important point. She noted that their transportation tax, which requires long-term planning and bonding, would be significantly affected by this bill. While this issue was acknowledged, it still does not change the eight-year limit, which continues to be a concern for us.
The bill passed the House committee by a vote of 10 to 7. This outcome is noteworthy, as it included three members from Palm Beach County on that committee. Mike Caruso voted decisively against it, whileAnn Gerwig voted yes but expressed that she would not support it on the floor without further modifications to provide more flexibility for situations like ours.Another member, Peggy, was absent, but the seven no votes in the committee signal substantial concerns moving forward. This bill still has to go through another Senate stop, indicating that it faces significant questions. It is likely to become a key talking point for the Senate president and the speaker as they work to conclude this session. We need to continue advocating with our local representatives to explain the importance of this issue. policy-wise.
Mayor Marino
I know that Emanuel sent out an email with legislatives contact information. My suggestion is to please make sure you send those emails and clearly stating your position. They need to hear from us since we can't all go to Tallahassee. If you could send those letters and make the phone calls. The recent vote was 10 to 7, which indicates weakness in support. We need to push harder to ensure our voices are heard.
Dufresne
How much was the budget last year?
Chase
The total budget is $117B. The Senate's number was slightly lower than last year's, while the House was $6B less than that. Both the House and the Senate fully funded Visit Florida at $80M. For Cultural and Museum grants, the Senate allocated $40M, whereas the House allocated $13M. In terms of Beach Management, the Senate's budget was $52M, while the House's budget was $50M. We are grateful for these allocations.
Perry
I wanted to gather everyone's initial reactions regarding the PGATour or the Cognizant Classic, as we are about to start negotiations. I have received some feedback from members on how to proceed with these contract discussions. What are you looking for in this process? How do we navigate these waters?As George, Milton, and I began these conversations, I wanted to open the floor to the board for your feedback.
Mayor Marino
How many people attended? What were your thoughts on the tournament? We also need to hear about their expectations and overall experience from the tour. It is difficult for us to assess the situation without that insight. Having been involved with this tournament for over 20 years, I found it had a completely different feeling this time. There was no vibe at all. Looking back to when Honda first moved from Marisol to PGA, there was some energy, but it lacked engagement. It had to grow into a community partnership.
As a professional golfer and someone who has participated in this event for a long time, I can say it felt very different this year; again, there was no vibe at all. I never thought I would say this, but the PGATour needs to prove to us that there's a good reason for us to invest our dollars in this event.
Mostad
As a member of theAmbassador Club with Honda I’ve been involved for over 20 years. I want to reaffirm what you said: the footprint of the event was entirely different this time. That said, it still has the attention of the global golf industry focused on Palm Beach County.
I think we should approach this with caution moving forward, particularly regarding where we allocate our funds. It is important to remind everyone of our history: we should
look back at what was requested last year and what we ultimately agreed upon to provide us with a framework for the future. I hope to see growth in the event, but I believe attendance was down.Although I haven’t seen the official numbers, I could sense a decrease based on my observations.
Furthermore, the costs associated with attending the event were significantly higher for the general public compared to previous years. We might need to consider that aspect moving forward. Don, I saw you there, and it was a great setup for marketing purposes, especially for the agencies and clients who were in attendance. I think we ended up in a very good location on the 18th hole, so that was a positive aspect. I'm just hoping that the event grows, just as it did when it first moved from Marisol many years ago.
Mayor Marino
And the interesting thing that you just said was the customers. What was the value added for the folks that we brought to the event? What did they get out of it? What have they then invested in the county? To me, if we are going to invest, that investment has to have a return.
Dufresne
The event was supposed to be a big deal, but it felt very sterile. If you watched the broadcast, you would have noticed that there was more advertising for their next golf tournament andArnold Palmer than there was for Palm Beach County itself. They are essentially competing with us in terms of advertising.
We didn’t get everything we paid for; for instance, Bridge wasn’t present, and we had the Sports Commission logo displayed before on the Bridge. I think if we look back, we should forget what they asked for two years ago and instead consider the funding level for Honda the year before that.
There has been a significant increase required to kickstart this initiative, and while I do see some value in it, there is certainly a lack of community engagement, none whatsoever. Yes, I believe there is value here, but it doesn’t align with what we've been investing. On television, Palm Beach County always looks great, but when you focus on the crowd at the 18th hole on Sunday afternoon, you have to wonder how many people were actually there.
Mayor Marino
The build out was completely different this time. They removed all the bleachers because, often, when you see empty bleachers on camera, it gives the impression that no one is attending. Instead, they had everyone standing under the suites, which provides a different perspective from a PGATour event.
I have a question for Emanuel: Is there any information on what hits we got the week before at the Cognizant? Normally, during a tour event, they promote the next event.
Dufresne
Another change the elimination of isolated sponsorship groups. Previously, sponsors would be separated, with five sponsors in one section and five in another, resulting in no intermingling.Additionally, the women at the front gate were exceptionally unfriendly, which was surprising. I plan to discuss this with Ken and Steve, suggesting that they should not have their staff trained by the same individuals who trained those women.
Mayor Marino
They were different volunteer organizations.
Segarra
We were able to bring in 40 to 50 clients to generate future business from the tournament. While we do not have all the numbers from the PGA, our internal discussions suggest that we recommend maintaining the same level of sponsorship we had with the Honda Classic, which was approximately $250,000 when factoring in activations and support for the tournament. It's an important asset for the destination, but moving towards a title sponsorship of over $1 million might not be necessary. However, we are open to discussing how we can enhance our previous efforts and explore new investment opportunities. This initial proposal emphasizes that we still need the final numbers from the PGA.
Mayor Marino
If the tour approaches us with a long-term deal at $1.3M, that could be feasible. However, if they start negotiations based on last year’s figure of around $3M, that would be a nonstarter. We really need to wait for the numbers to come in. From your perspective, what was the return on investment? You mentioned bringing 40 to 50 people what have they contributed to our community?
Dufresne
The $1.25 million for the first year was granted because they desperately needed our sponsorship to remain in the county. That’s why we stepped up to support them; it was intended to be a one-year renewable deal. However, it suddenly appeared in our budget as if it had been automatically renewed. We cannot accept that approach.
We need to evaluate our sponsorship from a zero-sum perspective. While I might be willing to consider a slightly higher contribution than what was initially discussed, it won’t be by much. I definitely don’t believe we can sustain the level of support we provided last time. Moreover, the returns we are getting simply do not justify that level of investment.
Linley
About two years ago, there was concern regarding the longevity of the PGATour event afterAmerican Honda ended its 40-year title sponsorship. The PGATour then acquired the event, leading to uncertainties about its community ties and the relationship with PGA National. The decision to jump into a naming rights deal was significant, aiming to stabilize an event that seemed vulnerable.
Now, PGANational appears committed to hosting more events, but both the Tour and PGANational have out clauses that could allow them to part ways. The recent James Hardy Pro Football Invitational felt different, especially with the involvement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, bringing a unique vibe.
Regarding ROI, significant value came from the four days of TV coverage. Palm Beach County received great promotion during the broadcasts. However, sustainability remains a key concern for future investments, especially with numerous upcoming commitments. While we managed for two years, the question of continuing for five to seven years, especially with the demand for growth, is uncertain.
Segarra
We need to approach this strategically regarding the budget. There's a significant line of $1M allocated between George and Discover, not including special funds. We have various options to consider for our key sports pillars and events as a destination. The main question for the board is whether to use that money or explore additional funding. We must carefully consider this investment, as it’s historically significant.
Mostad
We need to evaluate each opportunity individually. There are many options available, especially with LIV coming on board. We should review them collectively while ensuring we have reserves for future opportunities.
Mayor Marino
I think we should discuss our initial impressions of the event, especially since we'll have better numbers later for a more informed conversation.
Lambert
We noticed a shift in vibe over the past two years. This was the first time in 15 years I hadn’t attended, not due to ticket availability but because we have so many other options now. It used to be essential for networking in Palm Beach County, but I no longer see it as the premier event, especially as a non-golfer.
Linley
Todd Fleming, the new executive director, has indicated that there will be fewer community giveaway tickets and more pay tickets this year. While attendance might be lower compared to previous years, the goal is to enhance the experience for paying customers, which they believe will benefit the bottom line.
The focus is on maximizing revenue, which is understandable, but the concept of an "elevated experience" raises questions. For example, if someone pays a lot for a premium seat only to find themselves surrounded by empty seats, that might not meet their expectations. There’s a lot of discussion around this, but these points reflect the changes being communicated.
Marino
It was the first setup, like the yellow flamingo on 17, meant for a hundred people. When I walked in, there were just three people there, raising questions about the value. We need their numbers, but I don’t want to drag this on anymore. Emmanuel, you understand the board’s feelings; we need more feedback from the tour before moving forward.
Perry
Working with Todd to prepare a presentation for the board in May, giving everyone time to review it.
Dufresne
Commissioner Lambert didn’t attend due to the lack of community engagement, noting that no one was discussing the event, which made it feel unnecessary for her to be there.
Perry
We are approaching the last year of our contract for the Boca Raton Bowl and will begin contract negotiations for a future contract soon. I’ve reached out to Mr. Doug Mosley, the executive director, to provide an overview for the board. With the expansion of the college football National Championship, smaller bowl games are taking place. What impact will this have on Palm Beach County, and can we evolve and grow this event? I’ll coordinate with him and keep you updated.
Perry
We are scheduling a tourism master plan workshop on June 18th at the convention center. Invitations will be sent out. The meeting will focus on recommendations, including 60 to 70 hours of recommendations and 17 to 18 big ideas, while involving community leaders. Our goal is to finalize the plan for BCC approval.
Mayor Marino
We had a lot of folks do the surveys?
Perry
We've had 2,400 respondents to our survey, which is a strong sample size for our county of 1.6 million people.Agood sample size is 350, so our survey's accuracy is solid. We are in a great position to move forward.
Hughes
From December 2023 to December 2024, there was a 13.1% increase in operations. January 2025 saw a 6.8% increase over January 2024, while February had a 3.5%
increase from January. Our seat capacity rose by 4% in December and 1.6% in January but slightly declined by 0.1% in February.
Air carrier operations increased by 5.3% in January 2024 and 2.1% in February. General aviation showed a 7.2% increase in December 2023 but faced a significant decline of 28.6% this year.
Total operations increased by 6.5% in December 2024, and there was a 2% rise in January 2025 compared to the previous January. However, February 2025 saw an 18.5% drop due to temporary flight restrictions while President Trump is in town, limiting general aviation flights to specific airports. This reduction has been noticeable over the past eight or nine weeks.
Mayor Marino
And coming back this weekend too?
Hughes
Yes, there will be a period when flights to Miami resume, lifting flight restrictions that currently limit helicopter and flight training operations.After Mother's Day, he will be moving to New Jersey.
AmericanAirlines has extended its New York to LaGuardia route from May 4th to August 28th and will operate four times weekly during that period. Chicago O'Hare will be year-round, averaging a 97% load factor, while Dallas-Fort Worth is expected to increase to five flights in November. JetBlue’s LAX route is performing well with an 85% load factor, particularly in the premium mint section.
Islip, NY, is operating daily in November,April capacity increased by 23%, andAtlanta’s Delta service will have up to 12 daily flights. Frontier is adding a newAtlanta route and Allegiant is increasing itsAsheville service.
New Haven will have daily flights untilApril 24th, and Wilmington, Delaware resumes operations on November 8th. Southwest is introducing year-round flights from PBI to Orlando. Nashville has daily service year-round, and Breeze is launching new flights to Akron-Canton and Richmond.
Raleigh-Durham will increase to four weekly flights in June, and United's Denver service had a 97% load factor in December. Dulles flights extend to May 1st, and Houston Intercontinental is nearly year-round. Chicago O'Hare will operate daily until May 21st, resuming in September. Overall, Florida PBI connects to many global destinations through its hubs.
Commissioner Lambert
I appreciate the discussion about Southwest's new flight from here to Orlando. I'm curious about the reverse trend and whether Orlando residents are coming here more, especially given the success of Brightline.
Hughes
We haven't started promoting that yet, but it's interesting. We promote both flying in and out.Also, the KVJ show on WRMF is endorsing PBI as their favorite airport, which is great. We've noticed that routes to Buffalo are performing well on our website, and we'll continue promoting that through the summer.
Segarra
Have you received any notice, or do you have any idea aboutAir Canada and others?
Hughes
Canada has one of the highest second-home markets in Palm Beach County. While we didn't see the expected results in the first quarter, we haven't noticed a decrease in people flying in. However, we'll receive the load factor numbers in May or June.
Emanuel Perry
Perry
We have a 33-page booklet outlining our revenue forecast of $90M for FY 2026, with optimized expenses to maintain market competitiveness. Our reserves across nine funds, particularly in our first and fourth cents, total $68M. Once the master plan is implemented, we aim to bring tangible developments to the county. The convention center is optimized to attract group business and host events. We also have a strong reserve in our special projects fund, with strategic investments tied to the tourism master plan and quick action on recommendations to ensure successful outcomes.
Motion to approve the FY25 Forecast & FY26 Budgetary Items was made by Jim Mostad and seconded by Don Dufresne. Motion carried 8-0 With Davicka Thompson absent.
Perry
I met with Mr. Mostad regarding feedback on his potential appointment as vice chair of the Tour Development Council, with a term limit of two years. This allows for opportunities for other candidates, as it's not a lifetime position.
Mostad
Thank you for that, and I appreciate your willingness to help. If there’s an opportunity to discuss it further, I think we should take that chance. I believe in transparency, so appointments should not happen out of the blue. If there needs to be a private conversation, we should address it before proceeding.
Regarding Jim Bronstein, who has contributed significantly as the chair for many years, I understand he was appointed for a lifetime position. However, I think that approach isn’t
healthy for our discussions. It should be something we consider openly. While I would be open to reappointment for a year or two if that fits logistically, I believe we should have this conversation at some point. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Motion to appoint Jim Mostad as Vice-Chair was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Daniel Hostettler. Motion carried 8-0 With Davicka Thompson absent.
Perry
I would like to provide some background information on this matter. This year, Don has truly stepped up in the finance committee, demonstrating his ability to lead effective and efficient meetings. I believe he has the skills to guide us through any challenges that may arise, particularly given the changing circumstances. With that, I would like to request a motion from the board.
Motion to appoint Don Dufresne as Chair of the Tourist Development Council Finance Committee was made by Jim Mostad and seconded by Daniel Hostettler. Motion carried 8-0 With Davicka Thompson absent.
1. Update – Deb Drum
Drum
We’ve been conducting emergency dune restoration work on Singer Island and Coral Cove. due to hurricane impacts, moving over 40,000 tons of sand to restore more than a mile of dunes. Native vegetation will be planted in the coming weeks to stabilize these areas before hurricane season.
Last December, we collaborated with Discover for their accessibility Fam ecotourism tour. Currently, a journalist from adventure.com is working on an article about our autism-friendly, certified North Jupiter flat natural area, which we'll share once published. It's great to see connections made through that Fam tour leading to this coverage.
1. Update - Dave Lawrence
Lawrence
The panel reviews for Category B and C grants are scheduled for May 13th (Category C) and May 15th (Category B), focusing on marketing and cultural tourism for Palm Beach County's cultural organizations. These sessions are open to the public.
Mosaic, celebrated from May 1st, features a record number of cultural organizations offering discounts and promotions for arts and culture activities throughout May.
Palm Beach County Open Studios will take place on May 17th and 18th, with over a hundred artists opening their studios to the public, allowing for interaction and exploration.Adownloadable map is available on the website.
The biennial exhibition opens on the same evening at 5:30 PM at headquarters in Lake Worth Beach, showcasing the best visual art from Palm Beach County, curated by an LA curator.All are invited to attend.
1. Update – Milton Segarra
Segarra
We have a few updates to share. On May 9th, we will have our travel and rally day; you'll receive an invite for that. We're also involving the Flagler BusinessAdvisory Board, which represents various industries, to discuss our plans. We invited George to present on the importance of the sports market to our industry, and we aim to include the cultural council and other members in future discussions.
Gustav Weibull reviewed the PowerPoint Presentation.
Segarra
Canada sends about 20 million visitors to the US each year, with 3.27 million coming to Florida. From that, we receive around 370,000 visitors, slightly over 10% of Florida's total.
We had a sales mission in Canada planned for last year and met with meeting planners, travel agents, and airline representatives. They expressed concerns about economic implications and the emotional sentiment surrounding sovereignty issues. However, they still view Florida as a preferred destination, especially South Florida.
They indicated a need for additional marketing support as they assess the next season's outlook in October and November, particularly regarding local sentiment.Air Canada plans to continue flights to Palm Beach County, but specifics on frequency and aircraft remain uncertain.
Dufresne
Yes, a crucial figure to consider in that analysis is the number of Canadians who own homes in Palm Beach County. If they own real estate, they are invested in the area. I believe that this number will remain fairly consistent from year to year, and it is important for us to know this figure.
Melton
Many Canadians own second homes, and the number of these owners has increased significantly. I'm not sure what impact the 90-day pause will have, but it's certainly an important factor to consider.
Segarra
We are currently facing an unknown number of visitors. However, I want to share some important information. Two weeks ago, Tourism Economics and the U.S. Travel Association predicted a potential 5.2% reduction in Canadian visitors to the U.S. If this prediction holds, it could mean 20,000 fewer visitors from Canada. We are actively working with other markets to make up for this shortfall. It’s important to keep you informed about developments regarding our top international market.
Melton
I recently read an article stating that Canadians are choosing Cuba over the U.S. as a travel destination. I'm not sure if you've seen it, but I can probably find the article and send it to you. I have to admit, this situation worries me.
Segarra
They are considering some other options.
Melton
There's always been a level of favor between Canada and Cuba. But to forego the U.S.A. for Cuba, where you're experiencing power outages and things like that. It is concerning. I just think Canada is something that we need to keep massaging.
Robin Prakash went through a PowerPoint Presentation.
Segarra
This board approved a significant investment in our marketing technology platform two years ago, and we've successfully implemented it. We now have access to valuable data, which we use in our demand forecasting model to inform our investments in promoting the destination. This new tool will help us understand which strategies are more successful, suggesting adjustments like reallocating funds between events or advertising in different cities for better returns.
We're leading the way in destination promotion, combining marketing efforts with collaborations across agencies and chambers. Our goal is to enhance our branding and create a place where both residents and visitors enjoy their experience. We're excited about this accomplishment as it will help the board and agencies clearly see where to invest and how to continue generating demand.
1. Update – George Linley
Linley
In January and February, we hosted six major league soccer clubs for training at the Garden of North County District Park, growing from two teams last year to include Nashville SC, Chicago Fire, DC United, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, and Toronto FC. This generated nearly 6,000 room nights and has potential for future development, similar to baseball spring training.
Furthermore, we've secured funding to host Real Madrid for a team base camp in Palm Beach County this summer, which is significant for our preparations for the 2026 World Cup. They will stay for at least 22 days and have a temporary build-out at the park.
In addition, North County District Park has been recognized as a qualified destination for team-based camps, and we anticipate more teams, including FAU and Manchester City, to participate. This initiative is an excellent opportunity to enhance tourism and showcase the area during the World Cup. We have approved funding to support the build-out of various clubs at their venues, and we’re excited to announce the participating teams.
InApril, we will host 13 events, potentially generating around 30,000 room nights. Notably, we’re partnering with FAU and Misfits Gaming for an eSports event fromApril 24-27 at FAUArena, featuring anActivision competition for Call of Duty. Most tickets are already sold out for this 3,000-seat venue.
Additionally, the US Open Finals will take place onApril 20, following the conclusion of the Winter Questing Festival. Last year’s event gained significant attention on ESPN, with prizes totaling around three-quarters of a million dollars.
We also heard a presentation from Paul and Jennifer Cirillo on the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Master Plan for 2035, which outlines exciting future developments in parks and recreational amenities that will enhance our tourism offerings. This comprehensive plan is available on our website for further review.
Melton
Do you have any advertising plans?
Linley
Yes, we are trying to understand what we can and cannot do. We're planning a community event, especially since drones will be present in the area, though they'll keep details under wraps. Rumor has it that a popular fan base will discover the event, and security has been a major concern.
We're exploring ways to engage the community, including a potential community day. It seems there are lessons learned from working with dignitaries in other countries, and we want to avoid complications. There may be smaller group meetings, but no public training or commercialization will occur. We aim to keep interactions casual, perhaps with some light activities.
In summary, we definitely plan to promote our connection to Real Madrid to the sports travel industry.
Melton
How we are viewed internationally is very important for us. I was thinking about the role of radio media in this context. I'm not really talking about television, but mostly about radio, since a lot of soccer fans in LatinAmerica and Europe still listen to the radio. There are many people who rely on it; my dad is one of them.
Linley
One thing we will definitely do, since Milton has been fully aligned with us on this project, is to strategize and explore ways to promote what’s happening here. We will also ensure that we remain within the guidelines that Real Madrid wants us to follow, keeping in mind the constraints involved.
Segarra
We are exploring ways to offer travel options for Real Madrid's global fan base. While Spain is not our top market, we recognize the club's worldwide following. We'll discuss potential partnerships, such as with Corte Ingles Travel, to create appealing travel deals that can make a significant impact for fans.
Dufresne
They can't see the team, those practices are private.
Linley
They expressed concern about security, suggesting that fans would discover the team's location and gather outside.Although Gardens North County Park has shaded fencing that makes visibility difficult, fans will still wait outside for the chance to get autographs and take pictures with their favorite players.
Dufresne
I understand, but I believe promoting something they want to keep private could harm our relationship and the contract we desire.
Mayor Marino
We need more specifics before we can say anything.
Dufresne
Yeah, they want private practices and don’t want to promote it to the public. It's not what they want.
Linley
Remember, we have to consider another opponent: the World Cup happening in South Florida. Teams will be based here, flying out to other locations for games, including Hard Rock Stadium and Dallas. Even if they can't get tickets, they'll be staying in Miami. The Real Madrid contingency will likely come here because it's their base. I'm not sure what we're missing in this situation.
Dufresne
If I'm Real Madrid and I prefer to keep our practice sessions private instead of having them open to the public, why would we, as a county, encourage Real Madrid fans to come to Palm Beach County when they won't be able to watch the team practice? This could potentially upset the team itself.
Mayor Marino
We need more specifics before we can make this public
Segarra
This is a prime example of effective marketing. It's not just about placing an ad in El País; it's about connecting with customers. For instance, La Corte Inglés is a major travel store, offering packages to destinations like Boca Raton Resort. People want to travel, and we aim to simplify the booking process for them. Our focus is on distribution and how we market our product to potential travelers, rather than traditional advertising methods like billboards in the LAGran Vía.
Melton
George said it has already leaked, and it is going to leak
Mayor Marino
But it would be irresponsible of us to put anything out that we don't have, or that we don't have permission to do.
Linley
We'll find out over the next 30 days. By then, we'll have much more information when we gather again, okay?
Hughes
They are flying into PBI.
H. FILM & TV
1. Update – Michelle Hillery
Hillery
The Film Commission has been busy, bringing in 25 new half-hour destination-driven programs, totaling over 12 hours of content across seven unique shows. Our coverage includes local events such as the Food and Wine Festival in West Palm Beach, local businesses like Gator Shack and TaylorMade Cafe, and new communities like Westlake. We've also highlighted organizations like Max Planck forAutism
Other shows explored fast fishing, airboat rides, ice skating at the Bend, Oktoberfest, and interviews with NFL Hall of Famer Ricky Jackson. We covered various attractions, including the Cox Science Center, Manatee Lagoon, and several local parks.
Our distribution reaches 4.5 million viewers on WSFL, 40 million on Destination America, 5.4 million on Fox 29, and 6 million on PBS. We’ve collaborated closely with local production companies and produced an extensive year-end wrap-up survey detailing the film and television industry's history in Palm Beach County since 1991. I won’t go through all 38 pages, but $4.3 billion has been spent in Palm Beach County in 2024 alone. This year, $253 million has been invested, resulting in a $133 return for every dollar spent on the Film and Television Commission.
We just wrapped filming "The Jesus Project" with 100 actors and 35 crew members at WPEC CBS studios. Production is up 13% in the county. We have a 10-page spread in an industry publication highlighting our achievements, including involvement in Fashion Week.
For the first time, I’ll be attending Cannes this year, where Florida will have a dedicated Day on May 15, featuring contributions from Palm Beach County, Broward, Miami, the Florida Keys, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
Lastly, we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Student Showcase of Films, with 550 RSVPs and only 100 seats left. The mayor will give a welcome speech, and we’ll be honoring Virginia Baker with a legacy award. We received 617 entries from 85 schools and will be awarding $30,000 in scholarships, adding to the $4.5 million distributed over the years.
1. OVG Venue Management
a. Update - Dave Anderson
2. OVG Hospitality
b. Update - Kathy Griffin
Brodnicki
I'm filling in for Dave today and want to provide an update on our year-to-date financials as of February. We see a very positive and healthy variance in our bottom line compared to the budget, which we believe we can maintain through the end of the fiscal year.
March was a fantastic month for us, highlighted by several events. TheAlzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation event and the Palm Beach Modern and ContemporaryArt Fair took place in our venue, where we hosted them for 15 days. We also concluded the month with the Georgia-Pacific Retail National Sales Meeting, which utilized our ballroom and featured phenomenal production, following a four-day setup.
As we move intoApril, we have another busy month ahead. Initially, we only had the Easter weekend marked as dark days, but due to a cancellation President Trump needed to focus on pressing matters we now have additional opportunities. Next week, the International Window Coverings Expo will be held here, followed by a forum in Congress, and we will wrap up the month with the International Restoration Convention and Expo.
These are three excellent events, along with our quarterly trends event. Our returning customers have been with us for 10 to 15 years, which speaks to their satisfaction with our services. During our downtime, we also focus on various operational projects to keep us engaged.
Mayor Marino
Where are we going this month for Michelin onApril 17th?
Segarra
We are going to go to Orlando for the Michelin Guide OfficialAnnouncement on Palm Beach being included. The list is of six destinations in Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Naples.
Griffith
Last Monday, we introduced our new executive chef, GiovanniArias, who will be joining us at our next TDC meeting. We conducted a nationwide search that lasted about six weeks, during which we received applications from approximately 75 executive chefs. After narrowing it down to two candidates, we held a tasting session, which Emmanuel attended. Chef Giovanni impressed us at every level.
We are thrilled to have him on board. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and has 35 years of experience in the industry, boasting extremely impressive credentials. Chef Giovanni has taken a unique path in his career; he has been both a vice president of another organization and a culinary director. However, he realized he was missing out on precious time with his young children, aged 7 and 9, which influenced his decision to shift his focus.
We are excited to introduce him to the Discover the Palm Beaches team. In addition to his many credentials, Chef Giovanni produced a 12-part food video series for television in Puerto Rico, showcasing his great presence on screen. I would love him to participate in some public interviews. He has also served on the board for Miami Dade College Now.
Hillery
We are developing a culinary show, as our area is not known for its culinary offerings. While all our shows touch on culinary topics, we believe a dedicated culinary show is timely and appropriate.
Commissioner Lambert
Is there an update on the new county administrator search?
Mayor Marino
We are still accepting applications for the position. Each commissioner has appointed an individual and an alternate to the task force. The task force has been established because, so far, we have received 17 applications.Although we have not hired a search firm, the advertisement has gone out, and I hope it will attract the most qualified candidates.
If the board is unable to select someone from these 17 applicants who can effectively manage seven different personalities, oversee 35 departments, and handle a $10B budget, we will consider conducting a national search. Our goal is to avoid the costs associated with a national search, as we may have a suitable candidate right here in the county or the state.
We will continue accepting applications until the end of the month.After that, the task force will vet the applicants before presenting them to the board. There is a specific timeline for each part of this process, although I do not have all the dates memorized.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 A.M.
The next Meeting will be on May 8, 2025.
*Attachment included.
TO: Tourist Development Council
FROM: Milton Segarra,
President/CEO
DATE: April 30, 2025
RE: Discover The Palm Beaches Monthly Activity Report April 2025
This report provides an overview of Discover The Palm Beaches’ (DTPB) activities in April 2025, highlighting progress toward key TDC performance measures. It outlines significant trends in our owned visitor digital footprint, advertising impressions, social media engagement, and booked room nights for the month.
To provide additional context, this report also includes lodging performance highlights. Overall, room night revenue increased to $235M (+7.6%), with 732,000 room nights sold (+1.8%). Bed taxes for March are projected to reach approximately $14M. The Palm Beaches ranked first in both RevPAR growth and room night revenue growth among all 14 Florida markets.
March 2025 Lodging Performance
Key trends driving March performance include:
• Hotel demand was up 4.3% while alternative lodging demand was down 4.1% due to Easter holiday shift from March in 2024 to April in 2025
• Group room nights was up 41%, representing 22% of all hotel room nights sold
• Transient room nights was down 2% due Easter holiday shift
• Palm Beach Gardens and Boca were both up in demand while WPB and Delray were flat to down
o All markets we up in ADR and RevPAR (PBG, Boca, WPB, Delray)
Key Lodging Performance Numbers for March
o Room demand
• Hotels: 503k (+4.3%)
• Alt. Lodging: 229k (-4.1%)
• Total Lodging: 732k (+1.8%)
o Room Night Revenue
• Hotels: $199M (+11.4%)
• Alt. Lodging: $35.8M (-9.9%)
• Total Lodging: $235M (+7.6%)
o Occupancy
• Hotels: 83.2% (+2.9%)
• Alt. Lodging: 76.9% (+2.5%)
• Total Lodging: 82.0% (+4.7%)
o Average Daily Rate (ADR)
• Hotels: $396 (+6.8%)
• Alt. Lodging: $354 (-10%)
• Total Lodging: $389 (+3.4%)
o Revenue per Available room (RevPAR)
• Hotels: $329 (+9.9%)
• Alt. Lodging: $272 (-8.4%)
• Total Lodging: $319 (+8.3%)
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.
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.
DTPB OBJECTIVES 2024 – 2025
Leisure/Consumer
• Generate 1,200,000,000 Advertising Impressions
• Generate 4,200,000 in Website Users (New Metric)
• Increase Consumer and Travel Industry database to 470,000
• Generate 250,000,000 Earned Media Impressions
• Generate 7,500,000 Social Engagements
Meetings & Conventions
• Book 175,000 DTPB only room nights (Hotel Meetings Leads)
• Generate 52,500 Group Level Booked Room Nights Convention Center Shared
• Generate 40,000 Group Level Actual FY Room Night for Convention Center Shared
• Generate 95 participants in Destination Reviews
• Generate 105 Destination Site Participants
470,000
477,152
Marketing Overview by Month FY 2024 - 2025
1 Exceeded annual 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)
2 New performance indicator as of 10/1/24. Previous year totals were not measured. The Council expects to outperform this goal as it was set prior to the establishment of the ArtiGras Podcast partnership.
3 Meta (Facebook and Instagram) now only provides “views” as a metric over “impressions.” Impressions measure how many times content is seen, while views measure how many times people engage with that content
In April, the Council launched the MOSAIC and Open Studios campaigns, refocusing advertising on drive markets (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers/Naples, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Atlanta) and local markets (Palm Beach, Broward and Martin Counties). Ads targeting multi-generational families and young solo travelers were placed across digital, print, out-of-home (OOH), radio, and social media platforms, as mentioned in our previous report.
In support of both campaigns, printed collateral and MOSAIC-themed giveaways are being distributed to strategic partners, including hotels and Visitor Information Centers through The Palm Beaches. More details on those partnerships can be found in the Partner Collaborations section below.
While we strategically decreased spending on the Council’s cultural tourism advertising campaign in April, our always-on Google Search strategy continued to push cultural travelers to the Council’s website. Two cultural tourism print ads reached our national target markets through Town & Country magazine’s Art & Design issue in April (a co-op with FY25 grantees Flagler Museum and Miami City Ballet) and Undiscovered Florida, a hybrid print/digital magazine that is polybagged with Smithsonian magazine. The latter includes two e-newsletter digital ads that are distributed in April and then again as summer approaches. The Council used the Undiscover Florida insertions to specifically highlight family-friendly cultural experiences.
The digital advertising campaign promoting the Palm Beach County Black Heritage Trail also continued in April using Google Search, Facebook, and Instagram. The Council worked with Push in April to refresh the Trail’s social media ads to maintain performance levels.
Other co-op advertising packages that appeared in April included OOH placements in the baggage claim at Palm Beach International Airport, :30 second commercials during primetime programming on South Florida PBS, full page print ads in the Council’s art&culture magazine (Spring/Summer issue), and a MOSAIC-themed section printed in Florida Weekly.
As noted above, the Council has identified 7 hotel partners to collaborate on our MOSAIC and Open Studios campaigns. Many will be offering our Shades of Culture pool floats to their guests as well as helping to distribute MOSAIC marketing materials through hotel concierge and/or activities desks. In return, the MOSAIC web page highlights these hotel partners and links to Discover The Palm Beaches’ hotel discounts web page. Additionally, the partnership with Garden District Taproom in downtown West Palm Beach commenced on April 23 with a MOSAIC Kickoff Party for local influencers and MOSAIC partners. The Taproom is serving a MOSAIC Blonde Ale (with MOSAIC branded pint glasses, while supplies last)
through the end of May. Seventeen influencers attended the party, mingling with 18 representatives from MOSAIC partner organizations such as Mounts Botanical Garden, 561 Music Festival, Visit Palm Beach, Yesteryear Village and the Morikami Museum. Each influencer signed up for FAM tours at MOSAIC partner organizations and received a complimentary goody bag and a succulent from Mounts. Following the event, the Council worked with Discover The Palm Beaches to connect their social media ambassadors with our MOSAIC partners for FAM tours in May, as well.
Above: MOSAIC Blonde Ale was on tap at the Garden District Taproom. Influencers got a preview about this year’s MOSAIC partners and deals on April 23.
On April 10 and 24, the fourth and fifth episodes of Season 2 of The ArtiGras Podcast, a partnership with the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and the annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, was broadcast. The fourth episode featured Matt Stabile, the artistic director of Theatre Lab at Florida Atlantic University. The fifth episode featured glass artists JB Berkow, the founder of Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts, and Grace Chepneik, Benzaiten’s Hot Shop Manager. Due to early report deadlines, views of the April video podcasts will be reported in next month’s report. Views for the March episodes totaled 488,212.
As previously noted, the giant Shades of Culture were on view at the Kravis Center (corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Sapodilla Ave.) all month long and will remain there through the end of May in support of MOSAIC. The Kravis Center provided a record number of ticket deals (four) to the MOSAIC campaign this year, including
Item 4B - Page 3
three live events in May and its production of “Ain’t Too Proud” in June. The Shades’ lenses feature a photo from “Ain’t Too Proud” and a photo of the nearby Norton Museum’s iconic Typewriter Eraser sculpture. This highly visible location has brought a lot of attention to the Council’s cultural tourism activities and activated the pedestrian walkways between the Kravis Center, CityPlace, Restoration Hardware, the Convention Center and Hilton West Palm Beach.
The Council also continued to support work on the county’s Tourism Master Plan in April, and staff members attended the quarterly “Advancing the Mission” meeting hosted by Palm Beach County’s Community Services department on April 24 to participate in a discussion about being a welcoming community.
Top Placements
- April 3, PR Global Newswire Distribution: “MOSAIC and Open Studios Return, Bringing a Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture (Plus Exclusive Deals, Discounts and Experiences) to The Palm Beaches This May”
o Top 10 Placements Reach: 85,281,163
- April 7, Palm Beach Daily News (Circ. 3,000; UVM: 221,642): “Local artists get the spotlight in Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s 10th Biennial”
- April 8, Miami On The Cheap (UVM: 37,922): “MOSAIC Palm Beach: A Month of Arts and Culture”
- April 10: Florida Weekly (Circ. 10,500; UVM: 104,600): “From Inspiration to Exhibition”
- April 28, Miami On The Cheap (UVM: 37,922): “Things to do in May in Palm Beach County”
- April 28, Modern Luxury Palm Beach (Circ: 30,000; UVM: 12,000): “What We're Looking Forward To This Month in Palm Beach County”
- April 28, The Manual (UVM: 629,659): “This Florida city was just named the top trending destination in the United States”
In April, the Council’s PR agency of record, Sharp, coordinated FAM tours for four influencers (3 regional, 1 national) to support MOSAIC 2025, finalized and distributed the Council’s MOSAIC and Open Studios press release, and submitted relevant organizations for consideration in upcoming issues of top-tier publications.
The MOSAIC and Open Studios teaser press release was distributed across the wire on April 3, highlighting most of the MOSAIC partner organizations and key Open Studios locations. In tandem, the agency shared a press kit, which included photos and logos, with national and local travel/lifestyle media as well as drive-market broadcast stations.
Influencer Caroline Quincy of @sweetcarolinaj (242k followers) visited The Palm Beaches from April 3-4, and her first round of content about MOSAIC partners Morikami Museum, Mounts Botanical Garden, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse published on April 15. Influencer Jade Womack of @clockoutdc (135k followers) visited April 4-6 and her first round of content posted on April 22, featuring Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Norton Museum of Art, Arts Garage, Morikami Museum, and Boca Raton Museum of Art. Influencer Cristie Anne of @thetravelingred (127k followers) visited from April 12-13 and posted her first round of content on April 27, featuring MOSAIC partners Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Mounts Botanical Garden. Influencer Yasmin Charania of @floridawithyasmin (214k followers) visited April 18-19 will be posting about MOSAIC partners Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Kravis Center, Morikami Museum, Mounts Botanical Garden, and Visit Palm Beach on April 30. All four influencers will also post second rounds of content to Facebook and Instagram in early May. Their content also featured local restaurants, beaches, shopping districts and places to stay. Results from all four FAM tours will be included in future reports.
Sharp was also asked by the Council to re-engage with social media influencers who partnered with us in the past to promote MOSAIC. In April, Sharp confirmed that Valeria of @miamituristico (169k followers), Stella Howell of @our.peachy.home (162k followers), Christine Taala of @ultimategirlmom (114k followers), and Amanda Wrate of @amandainorlando (85.9k followers) will refresh their previous FAM tour visual content to support MOSAIC 2025. The refreshed content is planned for early May on Facebook and Instagram.
In support of DTPB’s upcoming media event in New York City in May, Sharp extended invitations to top-tier travel and lifestyle media, targeting potential guests who were unable to attend the Council’s media event in New York earlier in FY25.
In April, the Council distributed press releases and conducted outreach to local digital, print and broadcast media in support of MOSAIC and Palm Beach County Open Studios. Hubbard Radio’s current affairs show “South Florida Sunday” (monthly listeners: 30,000) featured MOSAIC on its April 27 broadcast, which aired across Hubbard’s network of 6 stations.
As mentioned in a prior section of this report, the Council also identified and engaged with local social media influencers with a goal to earn content on their channels to drive more awareness of MOSAIC within Palm Beach County.
Local PR efforts from earlier this year also resulted in the publication of several local articles about Biennial 2025, which is on view in the Main Gallery at the Council’s headquarters through June.
Additionally, the Council provided data and updates on the progress of arts funding bills being considered by Florida legislators to a reporter at The Palm Beach Daily News (UVM: 221,642; Circ. 4,000), which resulted in an article that was published on April 23 titled “Palm Beach County arts advocates 'hopeful' for state funding after DeSantis veto last year”. The article also appeared a few days later in print in The Palm Beach Post (UVM: 2.5 million; Circ. 27,000).
In April, the Council’s advocacy team continued to monitor the Florida legislative session and key issues related to arts and tourism.
The Council engaged with local public arts administrators in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, and Royal Palm Beach to advocate against two bills that would eliminate public art ordinances within cities and counties. As a result, the Senate bill was amended to remove the mention of public art. Both bills later died in committee.
The Council also continued to advocate for the state arts grant funding by contacting representatives on appropriation committees and generating local press about the grant process and Governor’s veto of funding last year. Initial budget bills include funding for the grants; however, the percentage of funding and the number of grantees is still unclear.
The Council is actively working to support the advocacy efforts of Discover The Palm Beaches and other tourism agencies against the House and Senate bills that target Tourist Development Tax (TDT) and tourism agencies. We have activated our board of directors and CEOs at all grantee organizations in a letter/email campaign to key members of the Palm Beach County Delegation and other key leadership.
On April 3, the Council hosted an Institute for Cultural Advancement (ICA) professional development program titled “Demystifying the Secondary Market: For Artists and Organizations.” This session was facilitated by Heritage Auctions and shared insights into understanding the secondary market and the difference between traditional auctions and charity/benefit auctions as well as where to place works for sale.
The Council’s Community Engagement department secured a sponsorship for this year’s Black Gold Jubilee, an annual cultural and community festival in Belle Glade that celebrates the end of harvest. Held on April 12, the Jubilee featured live music,
a parade, sporting events, a car show and many other family friendly activities. The CE team also facilitated a workshop on April 5 at the outdoor Arts & Wellness Space located behind the Council’s headquarters. Palm Beach County-based artist Autumn Kioti led the workshop, titled "Peregrination Project – Gifts for Birds of Passage", discussed the migration of birds in the area, and created a temporary art installation in the Space.
Also in support of the sector, Council staff members attended exhibitions, performances and special events at Boca Raton Museum of Art, Lake Worth Playhouse, Palm Beach Zoo, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Norton Museum of Art, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, and other locations. The Council team especially enjoyed the Film Commission’s annual Student Showcase of Films event on April 25.
April Activity Report 2025
(October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025)
Our Sports Commission hosted 114 events during the first 6-months of FY 25, representing both amateur & professional sports ranging from youth to adult.
Total Lodging Room Nights = 190,011 (October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025)
• Equestrian Sports
• Baseball
• Golf
• Football
• Racquet Sports (Tennis, Beach Tennis, & Pickleball)
• Olympic Governing Bodies
• Soccer
10 different sports events delivered nationally televised broadcasts to The Palm Beaches in FY 24 (October 1 - March 31)
1 out of every 5 sports related room nights was created from a new event hosted by our Sports Commission
(October 1. – March 31)
• 30 site visits with event rights holders
• 75 bids for regional, national, or global events
• 11 NCAA Golf Championships bids awarded and nine (9) NCAA Golf Championships taking place in The Palm Beaches over a 10-year span, is more than any other destination in the United States!
• Hotel Revenue Projection = $55 million
• Bed Tax Projection = $3.3 million
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s semiannual report for FY 25 (October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025) signifies a performance that will rival or exceed for sports tourism impacts created during the previous fiscal year. The report shows the Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s collection of events is creating significant levels of overnight stays, visitor spending, and development efforts to grow the sports tourism economy in future years. During the first six (6) months of FY 25, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s event portfolio represents 114 events, creating 190,011 room nights for the county’s lodging industry. In total, the Sports Commission hosted events generated an estimated $55,559,216 in hotel revenue and $3,333,553 in bed tax revenue. Moreover, the Sports Commission events spurred an estimated $152,008,800 in visitor spending.
Sports-related room nights
Palm Beach County Sports Commission
Performance Measure
AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) League Beach Championships
Lynn Lewis Foundation Flag Football Championship
Top Gun Shootout
Top Gun Invitational
PGA
Mid-American Conference (MAC)
NCAA D1 Men's Golf Southeast Golf Invitational
Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) Stars & Stripes
Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) Fall Classic
Major League Soccer (MLS) - Chicago Fire Winter Team Training
Major League Soccer (MLS) - Nashville SC Winter Team Training
Major League Soccer (MLS) - Minnesota United FC Winter Team Training
Major League Soccer (MLS) - DC United Winter Team Training
Major League Soccer (MLS) - Houston Dynamo FC Winter Team Training
Major League Soccer (MLS) - Columbus Crew Winter Team Training
Major League Soccer (MLS) - Colorado Rapids Winter Team Training
Major League Soccer (MLS) - Toronto FC Winter Team Training
Youth Impact Center Wrestling
5 v 5 Warrior Soccer National Championship
Kodak Black Kids
International Rush Cup
U.S. Soccer - U20 Winter Team Training Camp
Sport Lisboa e Benfica - 2025 Club World Cup Team Base Camp Training Site
Real Madrid CF - 2025 Club World Cup Team Base Camp Training Site
Manchester City - 2025 Club World Cup Team Base Camp Training Site
OneHockey Winter Series
USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals
USA Fencing Regional Youth Championship
United Golf Croquet Association National Championships
Activision Call of Duty Major 3
USA Field Hcokey National Hockey Festival
The Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour National Championships Golf
World Pickleball Convention
Under Armour Junior Tour Winter Nationals Golf
Croquet
Hockey
Florida Interscholastic Cycling League Mountain Bike Race Cycling
Girls Academy East Regional Showcase
Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational
Golf
Development Player League (DPL) The Summit Soccer
USA BMX Florida State Championship BMX
Development Player League (DPL) East Regional Event Soccer
International Tennis Federation (ITF) Senior World Championship
Tennis
National Academy League presented by 3Step - National Championship - Soccer
2025 FIFA Club World Cup Team Base Camp Training- Manchester City Soccer
2025 FIFA Club World Cup Team Base Camp Training- FC Bayern Munich
2025 Parallex Youth Soccer Event
Davis Cup
Prospect Wire Southeast Championship
Prospect Select National Showcase - Palm Beach Classic
Prospect Select - Futures
Prospect Select World Series (16U-18U)
Prospect Select World Series (13U & 14U)
Prospect Select Open (15U - 18U)
Prospect Select Florida Open (13U - 14U)
Prospect Select Fall Classic & Florida Select
Prospect Select World Invite
Perfect Game Ultimate Baseball Championship
Perfect Game 13U WWBA National Championship
Perfect Game Endless Summer Classic
Perfect Game 17U Florida World Series
Perfect Game 14U National Showcase
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association (WWBA) Florida Invitationals
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association (WWBA) World Championship
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association 13U & 14U World Championships
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association Freshman World Championship
Soccer
Soccer
Tennis
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Nautique World Wake Association (WWA) Wakeboard World Championships Wakeboarding
EDP Soccer Spring Kick Off Championship Soccer
Holiday Bowl Lacrosse Championships Lacrosse
USA Shooting Shotgun Selection Trap & Skeet
USA Shooting Annual Board Meeting Trap & Skeet
3 Step Soccer MLS Next Youth Soccer League Soccer
PrimeTime Lacrosse Winter Championship
United States Soccer U17 Women's Youth National Team Training
United States Soccer U16 Men’s Youth National Team Training
Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Association (IWLCA) Presidents Cup
ITF Beach Tennis Open
Webber Marketing Battle of the Bands
Kodak Black Kids Foundation
Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
Under Armour Junior Golf Tour
Black College World Series
AFIA Soccer
Victory Event Series
Florida Netball
Manchester City - Premier League
Real Madrid CF - La Liga
FC Bayern Munich - Bundesliga League
Sport Lisboa e Benfica - Primeira Liga
District of Columbia (D.C.) United -Major League Soccer (MLS) Training Camp
Chicago Fire - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids - Major League Soccer (MLS)
U.S. Soccer
Elite Tournaments
Advocates Professional Golf Association
Foster Events Group
Perfect Game USA
Wasserman Sports Agency
United Soccer League (USL)
The Dare to Dream Experience
Prospect Select
First Responder Games, Inc.
Sports Events Hosted by the Sports Commission
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Golf
Tennis & Pickleball
Baseball
Multi-sport
Soccer
Multi-sport
Baseball
Multi-sport
Club Ice Hockey Invitational at Lynn University Ice
U.S. Soccer Girls' U17 National Team Training
Soccer
Blue Line Hockey - Columbus Day Discovery Showdown Ice Hockey
United States Tennis Association (USTA) Columbus Day Open Tennis
AVP League Beach Championships in Delray Beach
U15 Men's US Soccer Training
USTA Men's 50 Clay Court Championships
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association (WWBA) World Championship
Minority Baseball Prospects All-American Game
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association Freshman World Championship
Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) Palm Beach Gardens Classic
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association 13U & 14U World Championship
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour - Atlantic National Junior Open
Beach volleyball
Soccer
Tennis
Baseball
Baseball
Baseball
Soccer
Baseball
Golf
World Pickleball Classic Pickleball
Top Gun Shootout
Summer Ball Summit
Baseball
World Comes to the Palm Beaches Baseball
U.S. Soccer U19 Women's National Team Training
Battle at the Beach
NPC Ultimate Grand Prix
Soccer
Bodybuilding
Monster Mash Lax Clash Lacrosse
FAU Men's Golf Invitational presented by Palm Beach County Sports Commission Golf
Bill Bone Giro Cycling Circuit
Cycling
I Do Beach Tennis - International Tennis Federation (ITF) Open Beach
Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) Fall Classic Baseball
USTA National Family Clay Court Championships Tennis
Weekend Hockey Veteran's Day on the Beach
U.S. Soccer U17 Men's National Team Training Soccer
U.S. Soccer U19 Men's National Team Training Soccer
SoFlo Turkey Shootout
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Southeast Florida Junior Open Golf
NAIA Women's Soccer Nationals Opening Rounds Soccer
The Match: Superstars Golf
International Rush Cup Soccer
2024 Hydrodrags World Championships
Delray Beach Riptide Fall Classic
Hydrodrag
Thanksgiving Classic (NAIA Men & Women's Basketball Tournament) Basketball
Equestrian Sports Productions (ESP) Holiday & Horses Circuit
FAU Women's Basketball Thanksgiving Classic
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour - Southeast Florida Junior Open
Battle Youth National Championship
NCAA Division 2 Regional Volleyball Championships
Equestrian Sports
Basketball
Golf
Football
"Little Mo" Internationals in Florida Tennis
Palm Beach Grand Prix
The Elite Prospects Cup Series AA Premium Tournament
USSSA Santa Slam
Lou Groza Award Celebration
Collegiate Swim Team Training
Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon
Burkie Golf Invitational
West Palm Beach Classic (NAIA Men's Basketball Showcase)
Boca Raton Bowl
Delray Beach Riptide Winter Showdown
West Palm Beach Classic (NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Showcase)
US Kids Golf Foundation Holiday Classic
Holiday Basketball Classic of The Palm Beaches
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour - PGA National Junior Open
Winter Equestrian Festival
The Paradise Puck Series
Super Car Week
The Ridge at Wellington Groves Horse Show Series
United States Croquet Association Golf Croqeut Open
Boca Raton International Masters
USA BMX Florida State Championship
U.S. Soccer U20 Men’s National Team Training Camp
Major League Soccer (MLS) Team Training - Nashville SC
Major League Soccer (MLS) Team Training - Chicago Fire
Wellington Soccer Shootout
Florida RUSH
USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour - Palm Beach Junior Open at Park Ridge
AAU Karate- Florida Kick Off Tournament
Allstar Cheerleading- Florida Challenge
Delray Beach Riptide Winter Warm Up
USA Shooting 2025 Shotgun Spring Selection
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Palm Beach Junior Open
Les Grandes Dames USTA Senior Women's Tennis Tournament
Florida Exposure Cup
Major League Soccer (MLS) Team Training - D.C. United Club
USA Fencing Regional Youth Championship - Battle at The Beach
Major League Soccer (MLS) Team Training Camp - Colorado Rapids
Paradise Golf Invitational (NCAA DI Women's Golf)
Major League Soccer (MLS) Training Camp - Columbus Crew
Major League Soccer (MLS) Winter Training Camp -Toronto FC
Delray Beach Open (ATP TOUR)
Gauntlet of Polo
Paradise Classic (NCAA D1 Softball)
Joan Joyce Classic (NCAA D1 Softball)
United States Croquet Association Florida Regional Golf Croquet Championship
Weekend Hockey President's Day on the Beach
The Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour - Winter National Championship
Delray Beach Riptide - Spring Splash
Florida Interscholastic Cycling League (FICL) Race Circuit
United States Soccer U17 Women's Youth National Team Training
United States Soccer U16 Men’s Youth National - Team Training
PopStroke Invitational
Major League Baseball (MLB) Spring Training
Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida Championships (10U & 12U A Division)
Varsity Spirit - Spirit Sports West Palm Beach Nationals
The SoFlo Championship
Hurricane Junior Golf Tournament (HJGT) Palm Beach County Junior Open
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches (PGA TOUR)
Trap & Skeet
Hockey
Softball
Football
Swimming
Running
Golf
Basketball
Football
Lacrosse
Basketball
Golf
Basketball
Golf
Equestrian Showjumping
Ice Hockey
Motorsports
Equestrian Showjumping
Croquet
Pickleball
BMX
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Ice Hockey
BMX
Golf
Karate
Cheerleading
Lacrosse
Trap & Skeet
Golf
Tennis
Hockey
Soccer
Fencing
Soccer
Golf
Soccer
Soccer
Tennis
Polo
Softball
Softball
Cricket
Ice Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Cycling
Soccer
Soccer
Golf
Baseball
Ice Hockey
Cheerleading
Cheerleading
Golf
Golf
United States Croquet Association - The New Steuber Croquet Championships
Palm Beach Challenge & International Baseball Festival
United States Amateur Basketball (USAB) Wellington March Madness
Florida State Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) Palm Beach Gardens Classic
2025 United States Croquet Association (USCA) Croquet Week
ITF - Beach Tennis Open Singer Island Edition XXII
Hurricane Junior Golf Tournament (HJGT) Lake Worth Junior Open at Fountains
Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame
USTA Women's National Clay Court Championships
Development Player League (DPL) The Summit
Palm Beaches Spartan Sprint Weekend
Criterium Campeòn
AVP League Beach Championships in Delray Beach
Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association (WWBA) World Championship
Lou Groza Award - ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards
Boca Raton Bowl
Winter Equestrian Festival
Boca Raton International Masters
Delray Beach Open (ATP Tour)
Gauntlet of Polo - U.S. Open Polo Championships
Major League Baseball Spring Training
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
Golf Croquet
Baseball
Basketball
Soccer
Croquet
Beach Tennis
Golf
Multi-sport
Tennis
Soccer
Endurance Sports
Cycling
Golf Channel
Baseball
ESPN
ESPN
ESPN
CBS Sports Network
Tennis Channel
ESPN
ESPN / MLB Network
NBC & Golf Channel
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission has been working diligently to bring the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup to The Palm Beaches through being selected as an official Team Base Camp. A Team Base Camp acts as a home away from home for teams participating in the World Cup. A Team Base Camp is a training site and accommodation pairing that will serve as the primary base for teams during the group stage, where they will train, rest and prepare for their matches. Teams will train and prepare for games predominantly during the group stage matches. Team Base Camps have a minimum duration of 22 days with a possible period of more than 40 days.
At the end of April, FIFA unveiled the third edition of the Team Base Camp brochure, providing an updated list of potential training sites and for FIFA World Cup 26™ teams. FIFA revealed 14 new sites for qualified and aspiring national teams. In total, 62 potential Team Base Camps have been qualified as the build-up to the first-ever 48 nation FIFA World Cup intensifies.
The Sports Commission organized several site visits with FIFA and made numerous presentations along with the submission of a proposal to ultimately win a qualification for The Gardens North County District Park, which is located in Palm Beach Gardens. The Gardens North County District Park encompasses 82 acres of land with 10 lighted FIFA – specified natural grass fields. And now during the third and final update to the Team Base Camp brochure, the Sports Commission obtained a qualification for a second site within The Palm Beaches. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the City of Boca Raton have been qualified for a FIFA World Cup Team Base Camp. The FAU Soccer Stadium and Flager Credit Union Stadium will be presented as qualified venues. This is a momentous occasion for our Sports Commission as Palm Beach County is now approved to host multiple Team Base Camps for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The updated brochure includes new destinations throughout the United States and Mexico In addition to City of Boca Raton, the new list of Team Base Camp sites includes Guadalajara (Mexico), Dallas (Texas), New Brunswick (New Jersey), Querétaro (Mexico), Torreón (Mexico), 2 at Oklahoma City, Greenbrier County (West Virginia), 2 at Portland (Oregon), Santa Barbara (California), and State College (Pennsylvania).
The 48 participating teams will submit final selections following the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26. The draw, anticipated to be staged in December 2025, will reveal the geographic zones in which teams will play their group matches, further guiding their decisions regarding their respective Team Base Camp locations.
Date: April 2, 2025
To:
Board of Directors
Subject: FIELD CALIBRI 11 PT. BOLD
Sports Events Department From:
NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is partnering with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in organizing the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship from May 18-23, 2025, on The Champion Course at PGA National Resort. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s successful bid for this NCAA Championship event signifies a historic milestone. This event represents the 5th NCAA Golf National Championship to take place in The Palm Beaches, over the last 7 years. This will also be the second time our Sports Commission is hosting the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship.
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU) is a co-host with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in overseeing the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship. PBAU will provide irreplaceable support by offering volunteers and operational assistance PBAU is a member of the Sunshine State Conference, which is a Division II affiliate of the NCAA.
The NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship consists of both team and individual competitions conducted concurrently. In total, 108 golfers (20 qualifying teams and eight individuals) will compete for the National Championship in The Palm Beaches. After 54-holes of stroke play, the top eight teams will advance to the single elimination medal match-play finals to vie for a national championship. The NCAA Individual Champion will be crowned after the 54hole stroke play competition.
Participating teams and golfers for the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship will be determined on April 25th, following the NCAA Division II Regionals taking place around the country. Ultimately, The Palm Beaches will crown a team and individual National Champions, demonstrating why our county is Florida’s Golf Capital.
The NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship will provide a significant economic and tourism impact to Palm Beach County. In addition to the coaches and players, an influx of students, alumni, and golf fans will visit The Palm Beaches to enjoy the highest level of college golf. The event will create a significant level of visitor spending while filling hotel rooms across
the county. Moreover, hosting this NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship in The Palm Beaches will further build the county’s resume as a destination for collegiate championship events.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is on an unmatched pace of hosting NCAA Golf Championship events. Palm Beach County was home to the NCAA Division II Women’s National Golf Championship in 2019 and won the rights to host the 2020 Division III Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships before pandemic-related shutdowns forced the tournament’s cancelation. In 2021, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission hosted the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship. In 2022, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Regional Championship and hosted the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Regional Championship in 2023.
After hosting the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship this year, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission will host the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship once again in 2026. Moreover, this year the Palm Beach County Sports Commission participated in a very competitive bid process and won hosting rights for the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Regional Championship for the second time in 2027, the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship for the third time in 2027, and lastly the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Regional Championship for the second time in 2028.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is enjoying an unprecedented pace of winning bids and organizing NCAA Golf National Championships. The 11 NCAA Golf Championships bids awarded and nine (9) NCAA Golf Championships taking place in The Palm Beaches over a 10year span, is more than any other destination in the United States!
NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship
Hold regular NCAA Host Calls with NCAA Championship Manager, Golf Committee, Palm Beach Atlantic University, PGA National Resort, and PBCSC staff
Finalize volunteer schedule for live scoring, checkpoint officials, and tournament personnel needed and assign roles as needed
Work in conjunction with NCAA to finalize signage needs and place order to help “dress up” championship as much as possible
Place order to necessary operational items for championship (radios, copy machine, etc.)
Finalize NCAA Participant Manual to be distributed to teams
Work with local hotel providers to finalize team and officials’ block
Finalize details with National Polo Center for opening celebration
College Football Playoff National Championship Game
Secure agreement with Palm Beach County Convention Center and 2026 CFP Host Committee for Kickoff Luncheon in September
• Sunshine State Open
• USTA National Men’s 70, 85, 90 Clay Court Championships
• Prospect Wire Florida Fall Classic
• Prospect Select Fall World Series
• Perfect Game Summer Series
• Columbus Day Discovery Showdown
• World Comes to the Palm Beaches
• Perfect Game WWBA World Championship
• USTA Columbus Day Open
• Men’s Senior Baseball League
• International Rush Cup
• I Do Beach Tennis ITF World Tour 2024
• Association of Pickleball Professionals Boca Raton Open
• Delray Beach Pickleball Classic
• Equestrian Holiday & Horses Circuit
• Battle Youth National Championship
• “Little Mo” Internationals in Florida
• Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon
• Hardball 360 Fall Tournament
• Delray Beach Riptide Fall Tournaments
• World Pickleball Classic
• Winter Equestrian Festival
• Paradise Puck Series
• Florida RUSH
• Boca Raton International Masters
• USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals
• Florida Exposure Cup
• TGL Presented by SoFi
• Gauntlet of Polo
• USA Fencing 2025 Regional Youth Championship – Battle at the Beach
• Delray Beach Open
• Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Winter National Championship
• East Coast Championships SoFlo Nationals
• Palm Beach Challenge College & International Baseball Festival
• Development Player League (DPL) The Summit
• James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational
• Palm Beach Gardens Spring Classic
• Little Mo East Regionals
• FuelTech 2025 Hydrodrag Nationals/World Championships
• Delray ITF Championships
• South Florida Soul Rodeo
• Palm Brach Spartan Sprint Weekend
• Sunshine State Games Lacrosse Championships
• NPC Florida Grant Prix
• Briana Marie Cox Memorial Tournament
• Extreme Kayak Fishing
• USTA National Women’s Clay Court Championship
• Men’s Senior Baseball Stars and Stripes
• World Pickleball Convention, Conference and Championships
• Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) 108th Amateur Championship
• Prospect Wire Southeast Championships
• Prospect Select Summer Series
• Play at the Plate
• Hardball 360 Spring Training
• Wellington March Madness
• South Florida Collegiate Baseball League
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters World Championship 60s
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters World Championship 65s/70s
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 FY25.
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 in FY 25, and below is a breakdown of the development efforts over the past month:
• PPA Pickleball Challenger Series
o April or May 2026
o 25 Teams, 150 Participants
o 500 Projected Room Nights
o Patch Reef Park – Boca Raton, FL
• FISU World University Shooting Championships 2028
o June 2028
o 25 Teams
o 300 Participants
o 700 Projected Room Nights
o Palm Beach County Shooting Sports Complex
• FISU World University Golf Championships 2028
o June 2028
o 15 Teams
o 120 Participants
o 375 Projected Room Nights
o PGA National Resort
• FISU World University Cheerleading Championships
o June – July 2028
o 500–800 athletes
o 75–90 coaches
o 1000 Projected Room Nights
o 20–25 MLBPA members (retired MLB players as field scouts)
o Calusa Park
• EndZone 7v7 Flagg Football
o March – April 2026
o 300–400 athletes
o 50–60 coaches
o 1000 Projected Room Nights
o Village of Wellington
• USA Judo November 2027 Presidents Cup
o November 17-21 2027
o 125 – 250 participants
o 675 Projected Room Nights
o Palm Beach County Convention Center
• PrimeTime Lacrosse Winter Showcase
o December 19th – 21st, 2025
o 1,000 athletes
o 75–90 coaches
o 1,100 Projected Room Nights
o National Polo Center, Beldi Polo Club
• 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Team Base Camp Training
o June 14th – July 7th, 2025
o 100 Participants
o 5,000 + Projected Room Nights
o The Gardens North County District Park
• True Lacrosse All Region Games
o January 9th – 11th, 2026
o 80 Teams
o 650 Projected Room Nights
o Florida Atlantic University
• USA Field Hockey National Hockey Festival
o November 24 – 26, 2025
o 130 participating Teams, 2,000+ Athletes
o 3,200 Projected Room Nights
o National Polo Center
• 2025 Davis Cup Team 2nd Round Qualifier
o September 7th – 14th, 2025
o 14 Teams
o 2,000 Projected Room Nights
o Delray Beach Tennis Center
Event Site Visits
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 for 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 25, and below is a breakdown of site visits conducted over the past month:
• April 2nd, 2025 - FIFA 2026 World Cup – Accommodations Team – Viewed PGA National Resort2026 FIFA World Cup Team Base Camp
• April 4th, 2025 - FIFA 2026 World Cup – Facilities Team Members – Viewed Florida Atlantic Stadium and Soccer Facilities – Team Base Camp
• April 8th, 2025 – Victory Event Series Lacrosse – Top Gun Shootout & Winter Showcase – National Polo Center and Beldi Polo Club
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is developming a partnership with Beldi Polo Club, a premier new multi-field polo facility located. With its expansive grounds and evergrowing amenities, Beldi Polo Club can serve as a versatile venue not only for elite polo tournaments but for a variety of sports disciplines including soccer, field hockey,and lacrosse The Sports Commission’s expertise in attracting regional, national, and international events will help maximize the facility’s year-round usage, drawing diverse audiences and boosting tourism The Sports Commission’s business development team recently brought the President as well as the Director of Operations from Victory Lacrosse Event Series to the new facility in hopes to bring two separate tournaments to the Palm Beaches. These tournaments are expected to bring in over 100 teams from across the U.S. during the fall and winter months.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission provided an update on the sports tourism industry to tourism industry professionals and partners including hoteliers, facility operators, and event rights holders. It allowed the Commission to showcase the positive economic impact of sporting events, highlight recent successes, and demonstrate how sports tourism supports local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. These updates foster collaboration and alignment among tourism stakeholders, enabling them to better support future events and initiatives. Sharing insights on national trends and regional opportunities also helps local professionals understand how Palm Beach County fits into the broader sports tourism landscape. These types of events build stronger partnerships, encourages participation, and enhances strategic planning. By keeping tourism professionals informed and engaged, the Commission strengthens our role as a leader in driving visitation and economic growth through sports. Ultimately, these updates help maximize the value of sports tourism for the entire community and ensures sustained support for ongoing and future events.
New Event Development – Esports Activision Call of Duty League @ Eleanor Baldwin Gymnasium at Florida Atlantic University
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission brings first ever national Esports Tournament to Palm beach County. The Activision Call of Duty League Major III Tournament hosted by the Miami Heretics is taking place in Boca Raton from April 24-27, 2025. The Major III Tournament will be held at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena on the campus of Florida Atlantic University. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is partnering with Misfits Gaming to bring the first-ever professional esports event to The Palm Beaches Call of Duty enthusiasts and fans have the opportunity to attend the Major III Tournament as it is one of four majors that take place throughout the entire season. Upwards of 5,000 fans are expected to attend the event, a majority from outside of the region.
The host of the Major III Tournament, the Miami Heretics, is a professional esports organization and one of the top-rated Call of Duty teams in the entire world. The Miami-based squad is one of 12 teams from across the United States and Canada that compete in the official Call of Duty League. The Major III will feature the host team as well as the other teams that earn spots by competing in the qualifying rounds before the tournament.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s mission is to champion Palm Beach County as a premier sports tourism destination and the marketing department supports that mission through strategic communications, marketing, public relations, a plethora of digital media services, and more.
Stories written and published by the Sports Commission in February:
• The Palm Beaches to Host the 5th Annual Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament
• AAU Karate Florida Gold Coast District Championship
• Major Esports Action Hits Boca Raton
• The Palm Beaches will host the 15th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament
Across all social media platforms that the Palm Beach County Sports Commission operates, these are the performance statistics for the month of November. In November 2024, our social media performance saw notable growth across key metrics compared to October 2024, emphasizing the effectiveness of increased content and engagement strategies.
Audience Growth:
o Total followers across platforms increased by 0.17% to 25,642.
Impressions (Reach):
o Total impressions from social media were 3,320
In March, the Unrivaled In Every Way brand campaign for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission continued its rollout through the Sports Commission’s event partners including the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, The Palm Beaches Spartan Sprint, and the upcoming African American Golfers Hall of Fame.
The campaign showcases the Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s new slogan, "Unrivaled in Every Way," reinforcing the county’s status as a premier sports destination. Through on-site branding, digital promotions, and collaborative social media efforts, the campaign reached thousands of athletes, spectators, and sports enthusiasts.
The main advertisement (left) is used primarily in print publications such as program guides while the social media sized images (seen below) are distributed to event partners so they may circulate our messaging to expanded audiences for the Sports Commission.
Palm Beach County Sports Commission | Compiled for Palm Beach County Sports Commission on 28 April 2025, 9:33am
Media types: Print Online TV Radio Magazine
Total mentions by media type over the selected coverage period.
Coverage Volume Timeline
16 items over 30 days
A breakdown of mentions by media type displayed over the selected coverage period.
Top 5 Media Groups over the selected coverage period.
Themes
The most frequently mentioned keywords found within the Mention Stream. Font size indicates the frequency of the keyword by volume.
1,733,849 over 30 days
Cumulative potential audience reach by media type for the selected coverage period.
Syndications: Display of syndications is based on the report creator's selection to group or ungroup at the report creation stage.
Potential Audience Reach: Roy Morgan for Print and Magazines; Nielsen for Online; OzTam and Regional TAM for TV; GFK and Xtra Insights for Radio. To read more please click here.
Broadcast: Coverage volumes represent individual keyword matches.
Themes: Up to 30 keywords are displayed.
Mentions - sorted by time, descending
Syndicated Mentions have not been grouped for this report: Syndicated items will appear as individual items.
James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational to Bring PGA TOUR Champions, NFL Legends to The Palm Beaches
Sports Destination Management Online | 31 March 2025, 10:05am EDT
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is proud to support the return of PGA TOUR Champions golf to The Palm Beaches with the inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (3)
View Online Item Potential Audience: 8,827 | AVE: $25 | Media ID: ON3234952525
Shocking James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational Unveils New Twist
Gizmo Posts 24 | by Admin 29 March 2025, 8:01pm EDT
Growing Ice Hockey in Palm Beach County Palm Beach County Sports Commission Executive Director George Linley recently spoke with WPBF about the fastest growing sport in The Palm Beaches this year: hockey.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (2)
View Online Item Potential Audience: 707 | AVE: $6 | Media ID: ON3230705028
INAUGURAL BILLBONE OLYMPIC TRIATHLON ON APRIL 6
Aroundwellington | by Admin 28 March 2025, 2:52pm EDT
Cyclists are welcome to ride and meet the group at the Worth Avenue Clock Tower by 8:00 a.m. Out-of-county participants are encouraged to contact the Palm Beach County Sports Commission for information on hotel discounts and accommodations.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (1)
View Online Item
Potential Audience: 1,220 | AVE: $3 | Media ID: ON3228747575
The Palm Beaches to Host Development Player League (DPL) Soccer Showcase
Sports Destination Management Online | 26 March 2025, 11:31am EDT
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s successful bid will bring this national Development Player League (DPL) event to The Palm Beaches this March.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s (1)
View Online Item Potential Audience: 8,827 | AVE: $13 | Media ID: ON3220112374
Palm Beaches Sprint 5K Hosted by Palm Beach County Sports Commission
HAPPENINGNEXT | 24 March 2025, 12:54am EDT
Palm Beaches Sprint 5K Hosted by Palm Beach County Sports Commission. Palm Beaches Sprint 5K Hosted by Palm Beach County Sports Commission happening at Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Cir, Boca Raton, FL 33498-4932, United States,Hamptons...
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (3)
View Online Item Potential Audience: 70,472 | AVE: $101 | Media ID: ON3211159761
Palm Beach County to Host 2025 ITF World Tennis Masters Tour World Championships Presented by Baptist Health
Usta Florida | by Jaret Kappelman 19 March 2025, 10:00am EDT
“The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is proud to bring an international tennis event of this caliber to The Palm Beaches.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (3)
View Online Item Potential Audience: 9,386 | AVE: $27 | Media ID: ON3197629971
Commission recognizes 2025 HOF class and county awards
The Palm Beach Post | by By, Alexander Peterman, Palm Beach Post 18 March 2025, 12:00pm EDT
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission gathered for a night of celebration on Sunday evening, recognizing the career exploits of seven county legends across four...
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (2), Palm beach County Sports Commission's (1) View in CisionOne
Potential Audience: 23,454 | AVE: $238 | Media ID: PR267542018
Commission recognizes 2025 HOF class and county awards
The Palm Beach Post | by Alexander Peterman, Palm Beach Post 18 March 2025, 12:00pm EDT
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission gathered for a night of celebration on Sunday evening, recognizing the career exploits of seven county legends across four...
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (2), Palm beach County Sports Commission's (1) View in CisionOne
Potential Audience: 23,454 | AVE: $238 | Media ID: PR267537185
Palm Beach County Sports Commission recognizes 2025 Hall of Fame class, county awards
The Palm Beach Post | by Alexander Peterman, Palm Beach Post 17 March 2025, 12:14am EDT
Palm Beach County Sports Commission recognizes 2025 Hall of Fame class, county awards. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission gathered for a night of celebration...
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (4), Palm beach County Sports Commission's (1) View in CisionOne
Potential Audience: 1,495,856 | AVE: $2,136 | Media ID: ON3188783249
WIOD-AM (Pembroke Pines) | 3 March 2025, 4:05am EST
...palm Beach is returning as a presenting sponsor for this year's cognizant Classic, in collaboration between the county's Tourist development Council, the palm Beach county Sports Commission, discover palm Beach as the county's tourism Marketing agency.
Keywords: palm Beach county Sports Commission (1)
View Radio Item
Media ID: RA2062673606
WFLA-AM (Clearwater) | 3 March 2025, 3:00am EST
The palm Beach is returning as a presenting sponsor for this year's Cognizant Classic and collaboration between the county's tours, develop Council, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and discover Palm Beach as the county's tourism Marketing agency.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (1)
View Radio Item
WIOD-AM (Pembroke Pines) | 3 March 2025, 2:05am EST
ID: RA2062542198
...Beach is returning as a presenting sponsor for this year's cognizant classic and collaboration between the county's Tourist development Council, the palm Beach county Sports Commission, and discover palm Beach, the county's tourism Marketing agency.
Keywords: palm Beach county Sports Commission (1)
View Radio Item
WFLA-AM (Clearwater) | 3 March 2025, 1:00am EST
ID: RA2062439707
Palm Beach is returning as a presenting sponsor for this year's cognizant Classic, in collaboration between the county's Tourist development Council, the Palm Beach county Sports Commission, and cover. Palm Beach is the county's tourism Marketing agency.
Keywords: Palm Beach county Sports Commission (1)
View Radio Item Media ID: RA2062303156
WIOD-AM (Pembroke Pines) | 3 March 2025, 12:05am EST
...Beach, is returning as a presenting sponsor for this year's Cognizant Classic, in collaboration between the county's Tourist development Council, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and discover Palm Beach as the county's tourism marketing agents.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (1)
View Radio Item Potential Audience: 40,200 | AVE: $324 | Media ID: RA2062200712
WFLA-AM (Clearwater) | 2 March 2025, 11:00pm EST
...Beach is returning as a presenting sponsor for this year's cognizant Classic, in collaboration between the county's Tourist development Council, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, and discover palm Beach as the county's tourism Marketing agency.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (1)
View Radio Item Potential Audience: 74,900 | AVE: $603 | Media ID: RA2062061757
WFLA-AM (Clearwater) | 2 March 2025, 11:00pm EST
...Beach is returning as a presenting sponsor for this year's cognizant Classic, in collaboration between the county's Tourist development Council, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, and discover palm Beach as the county's tourism Marketing agency.
Keywords: Palm Beach County Sports Commission (1)
View Radio Item Potential Audience: 74,900 | AVE: $603 | Media ID: RA2062061755
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission plays a pivotal role in promoting the significance of sports and recreational events in The Palm Beaches, thereby generating substantial marketing impressions. By attracting and hosting a diverse range of sporting events, the Sports Commission not only showcases the vibrant sports culture in Palm Beach County but also brings in athletes, fans, and media attention. These events create a wealth of marketing impressions, capturing the interest and enthusiasm of a broad audience. These impressions extend beyond the sporting events themselves, contributing to the county's economic development through increased tourism, local business exposure, and a boost to The Palm Beaches' reputation as a sporting destination. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission's commitment to showcasing the county's athletic prowess underscores its role in boosting marketing impressions.
Total Impressions this Period: 2,127,104
Impressions to date:
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission utilizes impression data to refine marketing strategy. By analyzing impressions from various promotional activities and events, insights are gained into which campaigns are resonating most with which target audience. This data-driven approach enables the effective allocation of resources, optimization of messaging, and overall enhancement of promotional efforts to attract more sports visitors to Palm Beach County.
When superstar athletes choose to live and play in The Palm Beaches, the cameras inevitably follow. From global ad campaigns to major league broadcasts, celebrity-driven production is surging across Palm Beach County.
In recent months, a wave of high-profile projects has been drawn to the area, driven by local legends who continue to shape culture, commerce, and community. Serena Williams filmed the viral “Mic Drop” spot for the 2025 Lincoln Navigator in downtown West Palm Beach. The commercial showcases the luxury vehicle and Williams’ iconic presence, helping drive national buzz. Venus Williams joined the action with a health-focused campaign for the walking app WeWard, encouraging active living with help from scenic local backdrops. Coco Gauff highlighted her hometown pride while promoting her signature shoe, the Coco Delray, New Balance commercial shot in Delray Beach.
premiered on ESPN to nearly a million viewers while Major League Baseball spring training included dozens of televised games from The Palm Beaches across several regional and national networks. According to ESPN, the West Palm Beach-based Houston Astros and Washington Nationals along with the Jupiter-based Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, averaged 378,000 viewers per game on its network, the highest preseason average since 2016 and a 29% jump from 2023. Meanwhile, the inaugural James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational took place at The Old Course at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton and was broadcast on Golf Channel over three days.
A driving force behind Palm Beach County’s emergence as a film-friendly destination, County Administrator Verdenia Baker is retiring after 38 years of visionary leadership and steadfast support of the entertainment production industry. As Deputy County Administrator, she helped oversee the founding of the Film & Television Commission, setting the stage for decades of production growth.
Among her many contributions, Ms. Baker’s commitment to empowering future storytellers through initiatives like the The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films reflects her dedication to the County’s creative community. This year, she was honored with the first-ever Legacy Award at the 30th Annual Student Showcase of Films for her commitment to education and the arts. “We are where we are today because of Verdenia’s belief in the power of film to shape community and opportunity,” said Film Commissioner Michelle Hillery.
This May, Palm Beach County invites you to experience MOSAIC 2025 Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture a county-wide celebration of creativity sponsored by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
Adding dimension to MOSAIC is the new ArtiGras Podcast, produced by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, now available on demand at ThePalmBeaches.TV. The video podcast features intimate conversations between host Sarah LaPierre and local artists, performers and cultural leaders. From May 1–31, visitors and locals can enjoy exclusive deals on performances, museums, and cultural attractions including those featured on The Palm Beaches TV, such as the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, and the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission (FTC) is showcasing the region’s production power at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, May 13–24. As part of the inaugural “Florida Day” on May 15, the state will be spotlighted in the Film USA Pavilion with two key panels. “Filming Florida: Crafting Stories in the Sunshine State” highlights the state’s cinematic diversity, infrastructure, and incentives, while a second panel features Film Commissioners Michelle Hillery, Sandy Lighterman, Tyler Martinolich, and Chad Newman discussing Florida’s on-the-ground advantages. Palm Beach County’s coastlines, locations, and streamlined permitting make it a standout. Meanwhile, Film Florida is hosting an special networking event where connections shine with industry pros. By representing PBC on the world stage, the FTC continues to elevate the County as a world-class production destination.
Palm Beach County (PBC) continues to shine as a soughtafter backdrop for commercial still photography, offering stunning natural scenery, iconic architecture, and year-round sunshine. In the past year alone, brands like Adidas, Talbots, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Sports Illustrated, Bergdorf Goodman, and Veronica Beard have chosen The Palm Beaches to stage visually striking campaigns.
Last year, commercial still photography played a major role in tracking a record-breaking $253.6M in production spend throughout The Palm Beaches, accounting for nearly $27M of that total. The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission supports these productions every step of the way through permitting and locations assistance. With its unmatched landscapes and expert production assistance, the County is poised to attract and welcome more commercial photography projects from all around the world.
Production Coordinator Alexis Oteng represented the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission at the South Florida Film Forum at Mad Arts in Dania Beach. Presented by our Film Lauderdale neighbors, and in conjunction with the White Elephant Group Festival, the two-day event united South Florida’s film community through dynamic panels, screenings, art installations, and networking opportunities.
Film Florida, sponsor of the Forum, will have a presence at the Cannes Film Festival with a pavilion in May, followed by an industry event at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. These back-to-back appearances at festivals reflects Florida’s push to stay front and center in conversations around global production, incentives, and creative collaboration.
Subtropic Film Festival is accepting submissions for a new lineup of seasonal film screenings at the Norton Museum of Art. Each month, from May through September, filmmakers have a chance to exhibit their unique stories for a celebration of diversity, creativity and storytelling through film. The Illuminations – Light & Space, series begins May 30 and is seeking films that explore light, space and material, inspired by Laddie John Dill and the Light and Space movement. Pride Visions follows on June 20, inviting LGBTQ+ films that celebrate identity and community. Different Abilities, Extraordinary Lives screens July 18, spotlighting stories about life with disabilities. Sunshine State Stories on August 15 invites Florida filmmakers to share work rooted in local culture and scenery. The seasonal screenings wrap September 19 with Mexican Heritage Celebration, honoring Mexican culture and the Mexican American experience.
What’s Poppin’ PBC? is back! Season 3 premiered on WSFL-TV, and host Kitty Lundan took viewers on a journey through the different seasons in The Palm Beaches for its “Poppin’ Events in PBC” episode adventure began at the annual KidsFit Jamathon, a high-energy summer event at the South Florida Fairgrounds that encourages kids to stay active and healthy through music and movement. As the seasons shift, Kitty walked into spooky fall fun with a behind-the-scenes look at haunted houses, also at the Fairgrounds. Then, she hit the runway for a show hosted by local fashion house Neesha’s Finest Fashion Inc., which raises awareness for sickle cell disease and supports survivors. The episode concludes at Winterfest in Wellington, a holiday event sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health and organized with the Chamber. The highlight? A headline performance by music icon, philanthropist, and TV personality Vanilla Ice
Relive these moments and stream this episode, along with all the What’s Poppin PBC? episodes, on demand at
DraftKings recently brought their high stakes energy to Palm Beach County for a commercial shoot at the scenic Osprey Point Golf Course and a parking lot at Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton. Both locations were featured in their latest multimillion-dollar responsible gaming campaign that riffs on Kenny Roger’s classic song “The Gambler.”
The spot highlights the thrill of sports betting against the lush, backdrop of one of the areas top-rated public golf courses. A standout moment in the shoot features a live alligator on the green an unforgettable visual that was safely coordinated by the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission in partnership with Osprey Point staff to ensure smooth and responsible filming. This element added Florida flair to the production while showcasing the county’s capability to accommodate creative requests with professionalism and care.
South Florida-based Meta4 Creative Media, in collaboration with Alexandra Bello Productions, released The Hitmen on Prime Video.
The crime-comedy, which debuted at a sold-out red carpet event in Coconut Creek, follows two mob enforcers whose routine job takes a wild turn when they’re left babysitting their boss’s infant only to be tasked with a much darker assignment.
Real-life law enforcement officers Anthony N. Galizia Sr. and Danny Klapadoras star, bringing authenticity to this sharp, chaotic tale. Shot across Palm Beach County, the film is a milestone for the West Palm Beach-based Meta4, which has longterm plans to develop a state-of-the-art studio facility in the County. Learn more about Meta4 Creative Media in our press release and stream The Hitmen now here
Swede Fest Palm Beach 2025 delivered an unforgettable evening on March 28 at the Lake Worth Playhouse Hundreds of filmmakers and fans gathered to enjoy 27 hilarious “bad movies by good people.” The annual event celebrated its 10th anniversary with lots of laughter and community spirit.
Joshua Rager’s Rocky earned the Best of the Fest 2025 award. Christopher and Daniele Notarnicola’s Alien received the 10Year Anniversary Best of the Fest honor. Event producer Elizabeth shared her excitement for the milestone celebration, saying, “Swede Fest Palm Beach was truly a celebration. It was incredible to rewatch the staggering creativity of our local film fans and movie makers from the past 10 years. It was the ultimate gathering of professional and amateur filmmakers. The Film Society exists to encourage and celebrate the art of filmmaking, to connect other filmmakers together and to enjoy the end results.”
Discover The Palm Beaches, in collaboration with the PalmBeachCounty Film and Television Commission, recently hosted a national travel media FAM tour, showcasing the County’s cinematic appeal. Film Commissioner Michelle Hillery welcomed writers from Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, and other magazines to talk about locations featured in popular films and TV shows that make The Palm Beaches a must-visit destination for travelers. The tour spotlighted locations from Apple TV’s Palm Royale and Netflix’s Polo, while also showcasing The Palm Beaches’ star power with sites from Baywatch, Caddyshack, Marley & Me, Parker, Body Heat, and Bad Boys II A 2013 Visit Florida study found that 23% of domestic visitors cited a film or TV show as a key reason for choosing the state.
This month, Destination America premieres the first season of Kids Quest in The Palm Beaches and the sixth season of Passport to The Palm Beaches, reaching nearly 80 million viewers. Both shows are produced by local company AA Video, led by Jeff Aderman. Host Isaac Nelson takes kids and families on fun, educational adventures in Kids Quest from Lagoon Fest and Zoo Lights to the Strawberry Festival, exploring the Cox Science Center, Jupiter Ridge wildlife, and even teeing off at PopStroke. Kids Quest debuts Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 a.m., with new episodes airing May 10 and 17. PassporttoThePalmBeaches returns May 24 at 7:30 a.m., with weekly episodes through June 28. Host Jacqueline Journey guides viewers through themed stories capturing the spirit of Palm Beach County, from haunted history to creativity and inspiration. Catch past episodes on demand at ThePalmBeaches.TV.
Burt Reynolds: The Last Interview is a feature-length documentary offering an unfiltered, unscripted and deeply personal conversation with Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds, which was recorded shortly before his passing in 2018. Directed by Rick Pamplin, the film reveals an intimate portrait of Reynolds his career highs, personal passions and the life lessons he cherished. The documentary also includes a special Q&A with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, who reflects on his relationship with Reynolds and the actor’s intended role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Critically acclaimed, The Last Interview holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.7/10 on IMDb. The feature is also available to stream on platforms including Electric Now and Vimeo On Demand, and has expanded to international airlines and global markets.
From sweeping drone shots of crashing waves to cinematic golden-hour strolls, boardwalks and piers offer a ready-made blend of atmosphere, drama and beauty.
The Juno Beach Pier stretches 990 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. With clean lines, symmetry, and unobstructed ocean vistas, establishing shots or slowmotion sequences are a breeze. Plus, the area around the pier offers built-in variety: surf shops, palmlined streets and beach access all within walking distance.
A coastal town with a retro atmosphere is found at Lake Worth Beach Pier The Casino Building and beachfront cafes add layers of character with second story patios that provide interesting camera positions.
Looking for wild Florida? You’ll find it at Ocean Ridge Hammock Park, with a boardwalk that snakes through lush sea grapes and tropical foliage before opening to a quiet stretch of sand. It’s perfect to capture isolation, mystery, or the rawness of nature without distractions from commercial development.
Coastal corridors deliver more than nice views they offer diverse cinematic backdrops that range from sun-drenched serenity to stormy suspense. Find a coastal location for your production by visiting the FTC’s locations database here
The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films welcomed a full house of over 650 students, teachers, and state dignitaries on April 25 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Florida’s largest student film competition celebrated its milestone 30th year with pearl-inspired theme, featuring a dazzling white-carpet preshow and inspiring live awards ceremony. Local news outlets and other media captured interviews and behind-the -scenes moments with student filmmakers. Frank Licari, host of the 3X Emmy-nominated PBS series On The Town in The Palm Beaches, opened the show with a tribute to past finalists, highlighting “Where They Are Now.”
A total of 85 schools from across the state submitted a recordbreaking 617 entries, judged by 54 industry professionals from around the world. Nineteen awards and over $30,000 in scholarships and prizes were presented. Highlights included the Burt Reynolds Scholarship, the first-ever Legacy Award to County Administrator Verdenia Baker, and appearances by Vanilla Ice, DJ Newmark, Kitty Lundan, Jevon White and Oscar-nominated producer Chad Renfro
For the full list of winners and event photos, visit pbfilm.com/ press-releases. For updates on the 2026 Student Showcase of Films, stay connected by following @StudentShowcaseOfFilms on Facebook and @StudentFilmsFL on Instagram and X
Percentage change variances of ± 10% in performance statistics are explained in this section
1. Hotel Room Nights: A 62% YTD increase in Hotel Room Nights suggests a continued positive trend for visiting production companies doing business in The Palm Beaches. A new reality series that is shooting throughout Palm Beach County reported a one-time influx of 720 hotel room nights, which significantly boosted the YTD percentage in this category. While we anticipate a softening in the YTD totals in the coming months, we still anticipate seeing gains over the previous year. Notable productions contributing to hotel stays so far in 2025, in addition to the reality show, include Frontgate Marketing Inc. (West Chester, OH), Minus L Productions (Glen Ridge, FL), Mekka Media LLC (New York, NY), and TNBT Productions Inc. (Toronto, Canada).
2. Production Days: The 10% increase in production days is largely attributed to a new reality series that filmed nearly every day throughout the month of March. This production utilized two separate units operating simultaneously across various locations in the County, including both public spaces and private properties. The extended duration and scale of this project significantly contributed to the YTD variance and also aligns with the uptick seen in Total Productions.
3. Total Productions: The 28% year-over-year increase in Total Productions is driven by a sharp rise in permitted projects: 130 issued in 2025, compared to 74 last year. A key factor is the new reality series, which generated 29 permits in the first three months of the year, accounting for nearly a quarter of all activity. January also set a record with 51 permits issued, the highest in any single month, thanks to high-impact productions like national commercials for DraftKings, Mekka Media, LLC, and digital content from Mr. Beast. These projects have helped secure a strong first quarter for production in 2025.
4. Total Leads: The 23% YTD decline in Total Leads reflects an 11-point improvement over the last month. The decrease is largely due to the typical post-wrap slowdown following several FTC/PBTV-sponsored productions, with many of those leads already converting last year. Nevertheless, staff continues to proactively generate leads for WFLX FOX 29’s South Florida Daily. A new wave of PBTV-related activity is expected this summer as additional PBTV shows are set to receive approval during upcoming sponsorship meetings. With this anticipated influx in Q3 and Q4, Total Leads are expected to meet or exceed annual performance targets.
5. Lead Responses: A 23% decrease in lead responses corresponds with the overall slowdown in lead volume.
6. Lead Conversions: The 37% year-over-year decline in lead conversions reflects the overall reduction in Total Leads and a natural shift in demand. In 2024, a high volume of leads supported the inaugural season of WFLX’s South Florida Daily, which now requires less direct input in its second year. Despite this, staff continues to actively track opportunities to generate new leads for WFLX and other production partners. So far, 33 of 55 leads have converted into production business in Palm Beach County, yielding a strong 60% conversion rate. With a new slate of content for The Palm Beaches TV set to be approved this summer, staff expects an increase in both lead generation and conversions in the coming months.
7. Website Unique Visitors: A 47% increase in website traffic highlights the effectiveness of the FTC’s digital marketing initiatives. The recent surge in online engagement suggests that outreach efforts, including targeted advertising and social media campaigns, are successfully driving more traffic to the FTC and PBTV websites.
Exterior / Interior of Cast Home200 NE 3rd Ct. Boca Raton, FL 33432
Walk & Talk scene from Cast Home, down Mizner Blvd. to Deluca's Chophouse Deluca's Chophouse - 499 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL
Smoke Inn Boynton Beach 1030 Gateway Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
25-091 3 Seersucker LLC Los Angeles, CA
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N
Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N
Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy
25-092 3 Seersucker LLC Los Angeles, CA
25-093 3 Seersucker LLC Los Angeles, CA
Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy
Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
25-094 3 Seersucker LLC Los Angeles, CA
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N
Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N
Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy
25-095 3 Seersucker LLC Los Angeles, CA
25-096 3 Seersucker LLC Los Angeles, CA
Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy
Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
25-097 3 ` Los Angeles, CA
Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square / Surrounding Area
150 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Clematis Splash Park
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Fern Street Chess Park / Surround Area
402 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
South Flagler Dr. / Fern St. to 7th St.
Clematis St. - Rosemary Ave. to Narcissus Ave.
Red Reef Park & Beach - 1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
E. Atlantic Ave - 2nd Ave to Jimmy Buffett Memorial Hwy Veterans Park - 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
1341 S State Rd 7, Wellington, FL 33414 (Drone Launch Point) US-441/SR-7 at 17 STREET (broll on sticks)
25-098 3 ITV America Stamford, FL
1600 S Dixie HwyLake Worth Beach, FL 33460 (broll on sticks) Worst Ex Ever
Austintatious
Clematis St all the way down to S Flager Dr West Palm Beach
Buffet Highway - From Ponce de Leon crossing Boca Raton Inlet, to E. Palmetto
Mizner Park – Down the Plaza Road – 590 W Plaza Real to E Plaza Real Boca Raton
E Camino Real starting from S Federal Hwy to the Bridge Boca Raton
E Atlantic Ave Delray Beach starting NE 6th Ave to S Ocean Blvd
Clematis St all the way down to S Flager Dr West Palm Beach Jimmy Buffet Highway - From Ponce de Leon crossing Boca Raton Inlet, to E. Palmetto Park. Rd.
E Camino Real starting from S Federal Hwy to the Bridge Boca Raton
E Atlantic Ave Delray Beach starting NE 6th Ave to S Ocean Blvd
Clematis St all the way down to S Flager Dr West Palm Beach Jimmy Buffet Highway - From Ponce de Leon crossing Boca Raton Inlet, to E. Palmetto Park. Rd.
Permits & Shot No Permits Totals
S = Tourism Branding Content Sponsorship Program (TDC Funded)
NOTE: Production Revenue is reported once with the first Permit/Shot No Permit of each Sponsorship Project.
*The Honda Classic numbers are a percentage of the total economic impact projected. We are waiting to receive actual numbers from the Sports Commission.
Palm Beach Convention Center
OPERATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT-BUDGET COMPARISON For the Six Months Ending March 2025
REVENUE
REVENUE
OPERATING EXPENSES
Palm Beach Convention Center
FINANCIAL OPERATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT-PRIOR YEAR COMPARISON For the Six Months Ending March 2025
Social
Facebook - 8,909 (March) to 8,892 (April)
Instagram –
LinkedIn - 1,098 (March) to 1,117 (April)
Instagram Monthly Total – DON’T HAVE ACCESS
Interactions –ImpressionsReach –
Generate Profile Visits -
Facebook Monthly Total
Interactions – 50 (March) to 57 (April)
Views – 6,114 (March) to 4,088 (April)
Post Reach –77,210 (March) to 47,526 (April)
Profile Views - 89 (March) to 91 (April)
Reached – 113 (March) to 672 (April)
Engagements - 118 (March) to 119 (April)
Impressions - 5,768 (March) to 3,686 (April)
Connections - 752 (March) to 761 (April)
WIFI Analytics - Purple
Engagement Overview
Trump Encourages Christians to Vote; Media Misquotes Him - The New American [google.com]
The New American West Palm Beach Convention Center. The president's speech has been misquoted and mangled by mainstream media and social media alike, falsely
Trump's 'no need to vote' comment disturbing - MinnPost [google.com]
MinnPost Former President Donald Trump speaking at the Turning Point USA Believers' Summit at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on July 26. Credit:
Palm Beach's Emanuel Perry Named in South Florida Business Journal's - Hoodline [google.com]
Hoodline Palm Beach County Convention Center. What is this? Report Ad. As reported by The South Florida Business Journal, Perry's achievements extend beyond
Making Connections will be the focus at the ACTRIMS Forum 2025 - Newswise [google.com] Newswise ... Palm Beach County Convention Center and the Hilton West Palm Beach in Florida. The ACTRIMS Forum 2025 will bring together leading scientists and
Trump tells Christians 'we'll have it fixed so good you won't have to vote' in 2028 - FOX 5 DC [google.com] FOX 5 DC Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump had earlier met with Israeli Prime M. Expand. U.S.-Israeli
Trump explains Christians 'won't have to vote again' comments - Fox 29 [google.com]
Fox 29 Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images). Laura Ingraham interview. In the
Trump says Democrats are 'after Catholics,' calls out Harris for her criticism of Knights of Columbus [google.com] Catholic News Agency Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. | Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images. Tyler Arnold. By Tyler Arnold
J&R Restoration to Exhibit and Sponsor Lunch at Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo on April 22nd [google.com] Yahoo Finance Palm Beach County Convention Center. This premier one-day event is expected to draw over 1200 registered attendees, including community
Somfy North America to Exhibit at IWCE 2025 - CEPRO [google.com]
CE Pro Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Somfy's newest product is the Top-Down Bottom-Up 45 WireFree Zigbee motor, a
Pro-Israel evangelical leader calls on Trump to tariff Tucker Carlson for pro-Iran post [google.com]
The Jerusalem Post Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. (photo credit: Flickr/Gage Skidmore). Pro-Israel activist and evangelical leader
The 5th Annual Autism in Black Conference Kicks Off Tomorrow - CBS 4 [google.com]
CBS 4 Palm Beach Convention Center and virtual participants from around the globe for three transformative days of learning, connection, and empowerment
Dana White reveals 'coolest things' from Trump and Bill Maher's meeting at White House [google.com] MEAWW News is one step destination for Politics, Celebrity, Crime, Sports & More
... Palm Beach Convention Center on November 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida (Win McNamee/Getty Images). Dana White reflects on Donald Trump's
Birthday Wish: Trump Administration Seeking Military Parade For Birthday, Army Anniversary –IJR [google.com] Independent Journal Review Palm Beach Convention Center on June 14, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump celebrated his 78th birthday during the event. (Photo by Joe
Commissioner Powell Visits Winding Waters Natural Area: ERM had the pleasure of conducting a tour of Winding Waters Natural Area for County Commissioner Bobby Powell Jr (District 7) and his staff. Biologists gave the Commissioner an overview of the successful restoration work that occurred at Winding Waters and how the Palm Beach County Natural Areas system has become a much needed oasis for wildlife and the 500,000+ residents and tourists that visit the natural areas every year
BONEFISH COVE RESTORATION UPDATE
Safety Council Award: Staff attended the Safety Council of Palm Beach County’s annual Safety Awards Luncheon where Katelyn Armstrong, the Department’s Reef Coordinator and Dive Safety Officer, received a special recognition award for improving safety within the department’s dive program Since coming into this position in 2021, Katelyn has introduced biennial swim and dive skills assessments for all ERM SCUBA divers, purchased an automated external defibrillator (AED) for diverelated field days along with the appropriate AED staff training, and most recently added a section to the County’s dive log to document diver and crew health conditions prior to and during dive-related fieldwork. Thank you, Katelyn, for keeping ERM divers safe!
COMMISSIONER POWELL VISITS WINDING WATERS NATURAL AREA
Bonefish Cove Restoration Update: Progress continues on the construction of Bonefish Cove in Lake Worth Lagoon The project is comprised of 2 sections, north and south, with each section including one island with a bird nesting mound, multiple oyster reefs, a submerged seagrass shelf and red mangrove habitat. The north island is nearing completion. Limestone rock is being delivered to build the oyster reef and breakwaters, and sand is being placed to form the submerged seagrass shelf The southern section is following just behind, with sand placement ongoing and rock to follow for the creation of the breakwaters and oyster reefs. When completed, the project will improve water quality and provide critical habitat for threatened shorebirds and protected native mangroves
COUNCIL AWARD
Students Create and Install Seabird Decoys: Three students from Pine Crest Middle School partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and ERM staff to create and install seabird decoys on the Tarpon Cove Islands in the Lake Worth Lagoon The students designed and created ten Least Tern and seven Black Skimmer decoys The goal of the decoys is to encourage nesting of these state threatened seabird species on the restored islands this season. The students are part of the school’s Technology Student Association (TSA), a national organization that engages students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics They took 2nd Place in the State TSA competition for Community Service projects and are preparing for the National TSA Competition in June. We hope the collaboration will result in a productive seabird nesting season!
VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP TO LOXAHATCHEE SLOUGH NATURAL AREA
Orchid Research at Natural Areas: Staff hosted orchid researchers from Northwestern University, Chicago Botanical Garden, and Pine Jog Orchid Lab at various Palm Beach County Natural Areas. The researchers are studying the fungus required for orchid seed germination
The group was able to obtain fungi samples from different populations of terrestrial and epiphytic orchids found in the Natural Areas
STUDENTS CREATE AND INSTALL SEABIRD DECOYS
Virtual Field Trip to Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area: The final Virtual Live Fieldtrip of the year virtually took more than 90 students through a cypress swamp at Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area. Special guest Brittany Gardiner, a 7th grade Life Science teacher at Bak Middle School of the Arts, joined staff on the exploration of the wetlands Students learned about the unique plants and animals that call this place home, from towering cypress trees and carnivorous plants to majestic snail kites and transforming dragonflies With the help of minnow traps and plastic cubes, students were introduced to several underwater residents including fish, crayfish, shrimp and two types of giant salamanders – two-toed amphiuma and greater siren
May 3: INVASIVE WEED PULL FOR KIDS (ASL FRIENDLY) at Winding Waters Natural Area
May 10: WILDLIFE TRACKING at Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area
May 17: BIRDING W/O BINOX at Pondhawk Natural Area
May 21: RUNNING WILD – 3.6 MILE RUN at Yamato Scrub Natural Area
May 24: NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT at Yamato Scrub Natural Area
May 29: INVASIVE WEED PULL at Pine Glades Natural Area
REPORT for the period ended March 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
ENPLANEMENT TRAFFIC REPORT for the period ended March 2025 Airline
for the period ended March 2025
Change in Enplanements by Airline
Monthly Airport Traffic Statistics
West Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America Palm Beach International Airport for the period ended March 2025
Per FAA Tower ** In metric tons as required by ACI reporting standards includes Mail plus Freight
DPBC Wellcoming, LLC $1,500,000, $500,000 11/8/23 12/31/26 R2024 1302 annually, pd in installments
PBCFTC Olympusat $590,000, 118,000 annually Pd in monthly installments
DPBC-Simpleview, LLC Web Based Services R2022-0636 $106,012 annually, pd monthly at $8,834.33.
10/1/23 9/30/23 9/30/24 4-1 yr renewals 2nd renewal
DPBC-Zimmerman, LLC R2018-1121 -Creative Design $840,000 annually pd mo. $70,000 10/1/22 9/30/27 1- 5yr. agreement
DPBC-Madden Preprint Media, LLC Website Design $146,650 phase 1 $98,760 phase 2 Pd monthly at $8,230
initial 2yr agreement with 2 additional 2yr. renewals
DPBC-Zimmerman Agency LLC R2018-1120 Public Relations
@ $16,000 mo. optional services not to
(1) 2-yr renewal one (1) 1-yr renewal with ext. for COVID exceed $58,000 for a total R2021-0160 of $250,000
Culture-Push, Inc.
Marketing Services $201,000 annual fee not to 10/1/21
1 yr. with 2, 2yr. renewals (R2021-0401) (R2022-0788) (R2024-1155) exceed $300,000 including travel and other out-of-pocket
DPBC-Professional $223,160 10/1/23 9/30/24 Convention Management Association (PCMA) (sole Source)R2024-0831
DPBC-Brand USA
Transparent Media $663,075
Partners R2024-0601
CC-F&B Oakview Group (OVG)
(2022-0948)
DPBC-Vox International, Inc. $92,125 annually 10/1/24 2/30/27 (Canada) Not to exceed $276,375
DPBC-LMG
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
DPBC – MMGY
To achieve long-term economic growth, Palm Beach County must boldly position itself as more than a beach destination by investing in game-changing projects that:
• Bridge existing tourism gaps
• Appeal to a wide range of demographics
• Generate sustained visitor demand
• Stimulate regional economic development
• Celebrate cultural and natural assets
The county can future proof its tourism industry while delivering broad community benefits. Below are 19 transformational ideas with significant potential for impact (no priority order is implied):
1. Develop Conference Center in Northern Palm Beach County
2. Develop a State-of-the-Art Indoor Sports Complex
3. Develop an Auto Racetrack
4. Collaborate on Bids for Large-Scale International Events
5. Create a Global Art Fair or Biennale
6. Develop a Signature Music Festival
7. Create a Dedicated Arts & Gallery District
8. Develop a High-Profile Distillery Destination in the Glades Region
9. Develop a Flagship Immersive Experience Venue
10. Develop a Major Sports & Entertainment Stadium
11. Develop a World-Class Marina and Waterfront District
12. Develop a World Class Convention Center District
13. Develop an Additional Baseball Spring Training Stadium / Facility
14. Develop a Major Wellness Attraction (e.g., Therme USA)
15. Develop a World-Class Cluster of Performing Arts Venues
16. Develop Luxury-Oriented Recreational Vehicle (RV) and Glamping Parks in the Glades Region
17. Develop the World’s First Adult Learning Campus with a Focus on Palm Beach County Visitors
18. Develop an Indoor Show Horse Jumping Arena in Wellington
19. Develop an Iconic Instagrammable Global Landmark
1. Develop Conference Center in Northern Palm Beach County
Northern Palm Beach County currently lacks the facilities to attract moderate-scale business events, limiting its share of lucrative meetings and conferences. A strategically placed, sustainable, tech-enabled conference center would:
• Fill seasonal gaps in tourism
• Drive midweek hotel occupancy
• Boost spending at restaurants and attractions
• Anchor further mixed-use development
• Provide opportunities for a broad supplier pipeline
High business tourism has one of the highest per-capita spending rates of any segment and supports year-round jobs.
Northern Palm Beach County presents a strategic yet underutilized area for business tourism. By developing a modern, sustainable, and tech-forward conference center, the region can diversify its tourism economy, extend visitor stays, and stimulate broad economic development. The absence of such a facility currently limits Northern Palm Beach County’s competitiveness in the meetings and conventions market.
Pros
1. Economic Diversification & High-Yield Visitor Segment
• Business travelers spend significantly more per capita than leisure tourists, often 2x–3x more.
• Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism supports year-round employment, especially in sectors like hospitality, transportation, AV services, and catering.
2. Seasonality Mitigation
• Business events typically occur midweek and outside of peak tourist seasons, helping to smooth out seasonal fluctuations in hotel occupancy and business demand.
3. Stimulates Ancillary Spending
• Increases demand for local restaurants, retail, transportation services, and cultural attractions, potentially drawing new businesses or expanding existing ones.
4. Catalyst for Mixed-Use Development
• A strategically located center can become an anchor project, encouraging surrounding development such as hotels, restaurants, co-working spaces, and entertainment venues.
5. Enhanced Destination Profile
• Hosting high-profile events enhances the region’s visibility and reputation as a business-friendly, innovative destination, potentially attracting corporate relocation interest.
6. Supplier and Small Business Opportunities
• Conference operations create vendor opportunities in tech, design, catering, logistics, event production, and more especially impactful if a local, diverse supplier pipeline is prioritized.
7. Public-Private Partnership Potential
• Strong opportunity for collaboration between local governments, hospitality partners, and private developers, reducing public sector risk and leveraging outside investment.
Cons
1. High Initial Investment & Risk
• Conference centers are capital-intensive projects that require substantial upfront investment in land, construction, and technology often with slow ROI.
• Without proper demand analysis, there’s a risk of underutilization.
2. Competitive Market
• Neighboring destinations (e.g., West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami) already host wellestablished conference venues.
• Differentiation and strong brand positioning will be critical to avoid being overshadowed.
3. Infrastructure and Accessibility Needs
• A successful conference center requires robust transportation infrastructure, such as highway access, airport proximity, and public transit options which may need additional investment in Northern Palm Beach County.
4. Potential Community Concerns
• Concerns around traffic congestion, noise, and development impacts on the local character may arise, especially if the center is sited near residential areas or sensitive environments.
5. Operational Complexity
• Requires an experienced operator to manage complex scheduling, marketing, and event coordination potentially necessitating a long-term management contract or partnership.
6. Environmental Footprint
• Even with sustainable design, large-scale facilities have an environmental impact. Balancing growth with green building standards and community sustainability goals will be essential.
Conclusion
The development of a conference center in Northern Palm Beach County offers a high-potential opportunity to elevate the region’s tourism economy, especially through business travel and mixed-use development. However, careful planning, stakeholder engagement, market analysis, and phased investment strategies will be key to mitigating risks and ensuring long-term success. A feasibility study and demand forecast would be logical next steps to validate the concept.
2. Develop a State-of-the-Art Indoor Sports Complex
Big Idea
Construct a large, multi-use indoor sports complex capable of hosting regional, national, and international youth and amateur tournaments across a variety of sports, including:
• Volleyball, basketball, futsal, wrestling, gymnastics, pickleball, and cheerleading
• Climate-controlled facilities for year-round use
• Integrated with nearby hotels and restaurants
This would support sports tourism during Florida’s hot and stormy seasons, provide a consistent tourism boost outside of peak months, and make Palm Beach County a top destination for families traveling for youth sports.
Economic Impact
High youth and amateur sports generate significant room nights, restaurant revenue, and retail spending. With proper programming, the facility can be in use nearly 365 days a year, supporting jobs and small businesses.
Overview
Youth and amateur sports represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism economy. Palm Beach County is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend with a state-of-the-art, multi-sport indoor complex. A facility capable of hosting regional, national, and international tournaments across sports like volleyball, basketball, futsal, wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, and pickleball would fill an important year-round need for families and teams seeking top-tier venues, especially during Florida’s hot and rainy seasons.
Pros
1. High Volume, High Frequency Tourism
• Youth and amateur sports generate strong room-night demand from families, coaches, and officials, often traveling in groups and staying for multi-day events.
• Frequent, repeatable event cycles support weekend and off-peak travel, diversifying the tourism calendar.
2. Year-Round Economic Generator
• An indoor, climate-controlled facility is usable nearly 365 days per year, especially appealing during Florida’s summer heat and stormy weather.
• Delivers consistent demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and retail regardless of season.
3. Family-Oriented Visitor Segment
• Sports travel is family-based and spending-friendly attendees often dine out, shop, and visit attractions in between games or during extended stays.
• Enhances Palm Beach County’s positioning as a safe, active, family-friendly destination.
4. Job Creation and Local Business Support
• Daily operations, concessions, security, event staff, programming, and maintenance support long-term employment.
• Creates vendor and supplier opportunities for local small businesses, from food services to apparel and equipment.
5. Facility Versatility
• Flexible design allows for hosting not only sporting events but also trade shows, community programs, camps, and festivals, maximizing usage and return on investment.
• Can be used by local schools, clubs, and recreation programs during downtime.
6. Public-Private Development Potential
• Strong candidate for public-private partnership models with hotel developers, sports marketing firms, or national youth sports organizations.
Cons
1. High Capital and Maintenance Costs
• Indoor sports complexes require significant upfront investment, particularly for quality flooring systems, lighting, seating, HVAC, and specialized equipment.
• Ongoing costs for staffing, insurance, utilities, and maintenance are considerable, especially with near-daily use.
2. Requires Robust Programming
• To remain profitable and active year-round, the facility must be aggressively marketed and programmed this may require a dedicated management entity or third-party operator with deep experience.
3. Infrastructure and Site Requirements
• Needs ample space for the facility itself plus parking, drop-off zones, access roads, and potentially nearby lodging and dining.
• Poor site selection could cause traffic congestion or community pushback if not well-integrated into the surrounding area.
4. Competitive Landscape
• Several Florida counties have already developed similar facilities. Palm Beach County would need to differentiate through size, amenities, location, or partnerships to attract top-tier tournaments.
5. Potential for Uneven Utilization
• Heavy weekend and seasonal demand may not fully offset midweek or off-season lulls without supplemental uses like adult leagues, local school rentals, or fitness programming.
6. Environmental Considerations
• Large indoor venues have a notable energy footprint; integrating green design and operational sustainability will be important to align with community and county goals.
Conclusion
An indoor sports complex offers strong, sustainable economic benefits by tapping into the booming youth sports travel market. It aligns well with Palm Beach County’s goals of extending visitation yearround, supporting families, and creating new jobs. Success will depend on location, smart partnerships, diverse programming, and proactive operations planning. A market demand study and financial feasibility model are recommended next steps.
3. Develop an Auto Racetrack
Big Idea
Motorsports attract massive audiences and have a proven record of creating economic ripple effects across hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. A venue capable of hosting high-profile events like NASCAR or Formula 1 would:
• Drive national and international visitation
• Create seasonal signature events
• Introduce new demographics to Palm Beach County
Economic Impact
Very high racetracks generate hundreds of millions in visitor spending, especially during major events.
Auto racing is a globally popular sport that drives significant tourism, media coverage, and economic activity. Developing a world-class racetrack in Palm Beach County capable of hosting national and international events such as NASCAR, Formula 1, or IMSA would position the region as a premier motorsports destination. Beyond marquee races, the venue could also host driving experiences, car shows, corporate events, and festivals year-round.
Pros
1. High Economic Impact and Visibility
• Major race weekends generate hundreds of millions in visitor spending, attracting spectators, sponsors, media, teams, and support staff from across the world.
• Creates high-profile, seasonal anchor events that boost brand visibility for Palm Beach County.
2. National and International Draw
• Motorsports fans are deeply loyal and travel-ready, especially for premier series like Formula 1 or NASCAR.
• Offers a unique way to attract new visitor demographics including automotive enthusiasts, international travelers, and affluent spectators.
3. Significant Ripple Effect on Local Economy
• High demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and retail, especially during race weekends.
• Creates partnership and sponsorship opportunities across sectors including hospitality, media, and automotive.
4. Diverse Programming Potential
• Outside of major events, racetracks can host:
o Driving schools and experiences
o Corporate events and product launches
o Car clubs, exhibitions, and private rentals
o Film and media productions
• These uses offer off-season and midweek revenue streams.
5. Long-Term Job Creation
• Supports a broad workforce: event staff, concessions, mechanics, security, groundskeeping, media production, and more.
• Construction and ongoing operation offer high-wage skilled trades and specialty job opportunities.
6. Destination Branding
• A racetrack becomes a signature destination, especially if architecturally unique or environmentally innovative.
• Aligns with growing interest in experience-based tourism.
1. Enormous Capital Investment
• Motorsports venues are extremely expensive to build and maintain, with costs ranging from hundreds of millions to over $1 billion for a Formula 1–caliber facility.
• Return on investment depends heavily on securing contracts with racing leagues and long-term programming.
2. Environmental and Community Concerns
• Potential pushback over noise, traffic, pollution, and land use, especially in or near residential or ecologically sensitive areas.
• Mitigation through sound barriers, sustainable design, and site selection will be critical.
3. Land and Infrastructure Needs
• Requires extensive land (several hundred acres), robust transportation infrastructure, and parking capacity to support large crowds.
• Infrastructure upgrades may be needed, particularly in terms of roadways, public safety, and utilities.
4. High Risk, High Reward
• Success hinges on landing marquee racing contracts, which are competitive and subject to change.
• Facilities without major league commitments risk underutilization or failure to attract consistent crowds.
5. Market Saturation and Competition
• Florida already hosts multiple racing venues, including Daytona International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.
• To succeed, Palm Beach County would need a clear value proposition or niche, such as a luxury motorsports resort, unique event format, or year-round visitor experience.
6. Seasonal Spike vs. Year-Round Use
• Signature events bring big spikes in visitation but may leave gaps in year-round programming unless secondary uses are actively developed.
Conclusion
A major auto racetrack in Palm Beach County presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. With the right partnerships, location, and design, it could deliver unparalleled economic impact and global exposure. However, success will depend on clear differentiation, community engagement, and strong governance. A detailed feasibility study, environmental impact analysis, and early stakeholder outreach are essential next steps.
4. Collaborate on
Big Idea
By partnering with Miami and Broward, Palm Beach County can position itself as the ideal overflow, training location, and venue for mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, or the Olympic Games. This strategy would:
• Attract infrastructure investment
• Build global visibility
• Ensure long-term tourism benefits through legacy planning
Economic Impact
Extremely high large events create short-term surges and long-term branding and infrastructure gains.
Overview
Large-scale international events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympic Games generate extraordinary tourism, media attention, and long-term economic benefits. By collaborating with neighboring counties like Miami-Dade and Broward, Palm Beach County can serve as an ideal support hub offering niche venues, training facilities, team accommodations, media staging, and overflow lodging. This cooperative approach allows Palm Beach County to share in the benefits of hosting without bearing the full infrastructure burden.
Pros
1. Global Visibility and Branding
• Affiliation with world-class events significantly raises Palm Beach County’s international profile, helping reposition it as a globally relevant destination.
• Builds long-term tourism value through association with elite sporting and cultural events.
2. Strategic Infrastructure Investment
• Event-related upgrades (e.g., to transportation, venues, broadband, signage) have lasting benefits for residents and businesses.
• Opportunity to leverage state and federal funding tied to mega-event hosting.
3. Shared Risk, Shared Reward
• A regional partnership allows Palm Beach County to capture benefits with limited direct exposure to the high costs and risks of being a primary host.
• Maximizes use of existing hotels, venues, and amenities without needing to overbuild.
4. Immediate Economic Surge
• Hosting overflow fans, media, teams, and sponsors creates a surge in short-term hotel bookings, restaurant activity, and local spending.
• Creates thousands of temporary jobs in hospitality, security, transportation, and event logistics.
5. Long-Term Legacy Planning
• Allows Palm Beach County to develop lasting sports and tourism infrastructure, training facilities, and brand assets that outlive the event.
• Could lead to permanent relationships with international sports federations and organizations.
6. Enhanced Regional Collaboration
• Builds stronger ties with Miami and Broward, encouraging future joint initiatives in areas like transportation, marketing, and workforce development.
Cons
1. Limited Control Over Event Planning
• As a secondary or supporting location, Palm Beach County may have limited input on scheduling, branding, and media coverage.
• Risk of being overshadowed by primary host cities in public perception and media exposure.
2. Infrastructure Strain
• Even without hosting main events, an influx of visitors can stress local transportation, public safety, and hospitality systems, especially during peak periods.
• May require temporary facilities or services with limited post-event utility.
3. Investment Without Guarantee
• Event bids are highly competitive, and significant resources may be expended in planning without securing a winning bid.
• Timing and uncertainty of returns may pose budgeting challenges.
4. Displacement and Access Issues
• Large events can disrupt local life through road closures, increased security, and elevated costs for residents and businesses.
• Risk of short-term crowding and overbooking during key tourism seasons.
5. Risk of Overreliance on One-Time Events
• While large-scale events are impactful, they are episodic their benefits must be tied to a sustainable, long-term tourism strategy.
Conclusion
Partnering on bids for large-scale international events offers extremely high potential impact with a relatively low-risk entry point for Palm Beach County. It allows the region to gain global exposure, benefit from major tourism surges, and secure lasting infrastructure improvements all while working collaboratively within a regional framework. Key next steps include identifying strategic venue assets, forming regional alliances, and aligning with long-range legacy planning goals.
5. Create a Global Art Fair or Biennale
Big Idea
Art Basel has elevated Miami’s global cultural stature. A Palm Beach counterpart would:
• Establish the county on the international art circuit
• Attract affluent cultural tourists and collectors
• Activate hotels, galleries, and creative spaces
• Stimulate growth of a year-round arts economy
• Showcase PBC’s broad cultural engagement (artists, audiences, visitors)
Impact
High cultural tourists spend more, stay longer, and seek unique experiences.
A Palm Beach County–based global art fair or biennale would build on the momentum of events like Art Basel Miami Beach, tapping into a high-value segment of affluent cultural tourists, collectors, and creators. This type of signature cultural event would establish Palm Beach County on the international art circuit, while also serving as a catalyst for creative sector development, year-round engagement, and destination branding rooted in arts and culture.
Pros
1. High-Spending, Experience-Seeking Visitors
• Cultural tourists spend more per day, stay longer, and actively seek distinctive local experiences from fine dining and boutique hotels to galleries and performances.
• Collectors and art patrons are often among the highest-value tourism segments.
2. Global Visibility and Prestige
• A successful fair or biennale would position Palm Beach County as a serious cultural destination, gaining international media attention and influencer coverage.
• Builds on existing regional arts infrastructure and complements South Florida’s growing reputation for creativity and design.
3. Year-Round Creative Economy Growth
• Stimulates demand for local galleries, studios, curators, educators, designers, and event producers, creating jobs and increasing visibility for regional artists.
• Encourages development of arts districts, public art initiatives, and creative incubators tied to the event’s momentum.
4. Strong Private Sector Engagement
• Offers extensive sponsorship and branding opportunities for luxury goods, real estate, lifestyle brands, and media partners.
• Supports collaboration with museums, universities, and local arts organizations, helping elevate their profile and programming.
5. Venue and Hospitality Activation
• Leverages hotels, cultural venues, event spaces, and creative hubs, boosting occupancy, F&B revenue, and foot traffic.
• Can activate both traditional and unconventional spaces, increasing visitor exploration and geographic distribution.
6. Aligns with Community and Economic Development Goals
• Reflects Palm Beach County’s existing cultural engagement and investment in inclusive, community-based arts access.
• Bridges tourism, economic development, education, and placemaking strategies.
Cons
1. Competitive Landscape
• The global art calendar is crowded, with well-established events in Basel, Venice, New York, and Miami.
• Palm Beach County must find a unique niche or theme (e.g., sustainability, Latin American art, emerging digital forms) to stand out.
2. High Production Costs
• World-class art fairs and biennales require significant upfront investment in curation, staging, logistics, marketing, and security.
• Success depends on attracting high-quality galleries and institutional partners in the first few years.
3. Seasonality and Scheduling Challenges
• Timing must be strategic to avoid overlap with Art Basel Miami, Frieze, or other top-tier art events.
• May require investment in temporary infrastructure (e.g., pavilions, exhibit halls) to host at scale.
4. Accessibility and Affordability Concerns
• High-end art events can unintentionally create barriers for local residents and emerging artists, unless inclusive programming is intentionally built in.
• Needs strong community engagement strategy to ensure relevance beyond elite audiences.
5. Dependency on Strong Curation and Leadership
• The event’s success hinges on visionary artistic direction and curatorial excellence difficult to sustain without committed institutional leadership and funding.
6. Potential for Uneven ROI in Early Years
• Cultural brand-building is often a long-term play; economic returns may take several editions to reach full potential.
Conclusion
Launching a global art fair or biennale in Palm Beach County is a bold, high-impact strategy that could elevate the county’s cultural standing and attract a lucrative visitor segment. While the venture demands strong creative leadership and significant investment, it also offers long-term benefits across tourism, arts, education, and community development. Next steps should include a concept development study, site and partner analysis, and cultural asset mapping to refine the vision and identify a distinctive positioning strategy.
6. Develop a Signature Music Festival
Big Idea
Palm Beach County lacks a nationally renowned signature event for younger, experience-seeking audiences. A professionally produced festival on par with Coachella or South by Southwest would:
• Draw thousands of new visitors (broad demographics, high-volume, experience-driven, younger)
• Enhance the county’s nightlife and music identity
• Create strong brand recognition
• Cross-promote other attractions
• Increase destination visibility and exposure
• Strengthen the local arts and entertainment scene
• Foster a sense of local identity
Economic Impact
High large music festivals generate direct visitor spending, press coverage, and long-term tourism interest.
Overview
Palm Beach County currently lacks a nationally recognized cultural event that appeals to younger, experience-driven audiences. Creating a signature music festival professionally produced and comparable in ambition to events like Coachella, Lollapalooza, or South by Southwest would fill this gap, significantly enhance the county’s cultural profile, and attract diverse new visitors. With the right vision, venue, and partnerships, the festival could become a defining annual event with widespread tourism, branding, and community benefits.
Pros
1. Attracts Younger and Diverse Audiences
• A high-profile music festival draws millennial and Gen Z visitors, who travel for experiences and are highly active on social media boosting organic marketing and destination exposure.
• Broadens Palm Beach County’s appeal beyond traditional leisure and seasonal travelers.
2. High Direct Economic Impact
• Large festivals generate significant hotel stays, restaurant visits, rideshare use, and retail sales, especially over multi-day events.
• Additional revenue from ticketing, concessions, sponsorships, and merchandise.
3. Increases Destination Visibility
• A well-branded festival positions the county as a cool, contemporary, creative destination.
• Offers the chance for national press coverage, influencer participation, and digital content creation.
4. Enhances Cultural Identity and Nightlife
• Builds a stronger music and nightlife culture, helping to retain young residents and attract creatives.
• Encourages growth in related sectors: live venues, record shops, food trucks, event production, and experiential retail.
5. Community and Creative Industry Development
• Provides a platform for local musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, chefs, and performers.
• Builds opportunities for internships, jobs, and small business participation in event services.
6. Strong Cross-Promotion Potential
• Can integrate local museums, attractions, arts districts, and culinary partners to create a weeklong or county-wide celebration.
• Offers a “halo effect” for neighboring events, nightlife, and small businesses.
7. Sense of Place and Identity
• A signature music festival can become a point of pride for residents and a symbol of Palm Beach County’s cultural evolution.
• Helps foster civic engagement and community ownership of cultural tourism.
Cons
1. High Production and Logistics Costs
• Festivals of this scale require major upfront investment in staging, artist fees, security, ticketing infrastructure, permits, and marketing.
• Weather, artist availability, and logistics add complexity.
2. Competition and Differentiation
• Florida has a growing number of music festivals; success depends on a clear niche, genre focus, or unique concept (e.g., beachside location, wellness/music blend, emerging talent platform).
• Must avoid overlap with existing regional events and festival fatigue.
3. Venue and Infrastructure Needs
• Requires a large, accessible venue with space for stages, vendors, crowd management, parking, and transit plus community buy-in.
• Public safety, noise ordinances, transportation planning, and waste management must be addressed.
4. Risk of Community Pushback
• Concerns may arise over crowds, traffic, noise, or perceived “party tourism” especially if the event isn’t aligned with local values or residents feel excluded.
• Needs strong community relations, affordable ticket tiers, and inclusive programming.
5. Weather and Seasonality
• Outdoor festivals are vulnerable to Florida’s heat, humidity, and storms, especially in summer months.
• May require contingency planning or flexible, covered venues.
6. ROI Dependent on Branding and Execution
• Early editions may struggle to turn a profit or secure major headliners.
• Long-term success depends on strong artistic curation, brand identity, and audience loyalty.
Conclusion
A signature music festival represents a bold opportunity for Palm Beach County to engage new audiences, stimulate economic activity, and cultivate a dynamic cultural brand. While success depends on smart planning, substantial investment, and community alignment, the long-term payoff in tourism, media exposure, and local pride could be substantial. Next steps include concept development, market feasibility analysis, venue identification, and stakeholder engagement to explore potential formats and partners.
7. Create a Dedicated Arts & Gallery District
Idea
A walkable, concentrated arts district with studio spaces, performance venues, galleries, and outdoor art would:
• Attract cultural tourists and art buyers
• Strengthen the creative economy
• Encourage placemaking and small business growth
• Offer year-round activation for residents and visitors alike
Linking this with affordable artist housing would ensure long-term vibrancy.
Moderate to high arts districts spur both tourism and economic development, particularly in underused areas.
A walkable, vibrant arts district would serve as both a tourism draw and a community hub, featuring galleries, studios, performance venues, public art, and creative retail. Such districts have proven successful in activating underutilized urban areas and supporting the growth of a local creative economy. When paired with affordable artist housing, the district can achieve long-term cultural and economic sustainability, becoming a year-round destination for locals and visitors alike.
Pros
1. Attracts Cultural Tourists and Art Buyers
• A concentrated arts district gives tourists a reason to stay longer and explore more deeply, especially visitors seeking authentic, creative experiences.
• Potential to host art walks, gallery nights, and festivals that drive spending at local shops, restaurants, and hotels.
2. Strengthens the Creative Economy
• Supports artists, designers, performers, and small-scale producers by providing accessible spaces to work, exhibit, and sell.
• Encourages growth in adjacent industries: art framing, supplies, creative services, marketing, and event production.
3. Encourages Placemaking and Local Identity
• Transforms underused or overlooked areas into vibrant cultural destinations.
• Builds distinctive, walkable neighborhoods that foster pride of place and social cohesion.
4. Supports Small Business Growth
• Arts districts naturally attract cafés, boutiques, bookstores, and co-working spaces, making them incubators for local entrepreneurship.
• Provides an ecosystem where businesses, nonprofits, and creative professionals can collaborate and cross-promote.
5. Year-Round Activation
• Unlike single events, an arts district offers consistent programming opportunities from live performances and studio tours to educational workshops and street fairs.
• Encourages repeat visits and builds a loyal local and regional audience.
6. Synergy with Affordable Artist Housing
• By integrating affordable housing options for creatives, the district becomes more than a destination it becomes a living, evolving cultural community.
• Helps maintain diversity, accessibility, and authenticity over time.
1. Long-Term Development Horizon
• Arts districts often require multi-year investment in planning, infrastructure upgrades, and tenant recruitment.
• Initial returns may be modest as the district builds identity and momentum.
2. Risk of Gentrification
• Successful arts districts can unintentionally raise property values and displace the very artists and small businesses they aim to support.
• Must be paired with equity-based zoning, rent stabilization tools, and cultural preservation policies.
3. Requires Strong Public-Private Coordination
• Success depends on collaboration among planners, developers, nonprofits, and artists, which can be complex to coordinate.
• Needs a clear vision, governance model, and long-term funding strategy.
4. Needs Thoughtful Curation and Programming
• Without intentional curation, districts can feel disjointed or lack the vibrancy needed to attract repeat visitors.
• Ongoing investment in events, public art, and cultural programming is required to keep the district alive.
5. Infrastructure and Zoning Challenges
• May require rezoning, streetscape improvements, pedestrian safety enhancements, and parking solutions particularly in older or industrial areas.
• Utility upgrades and code compliance for adaptive reuse of older buildings may add cost and complexity.
6. Marketing and Brand-Building Needed
• A new arts district will require sustained marketing to attract visitors, buyers, and media attention.
• Strong branding and storytelling are essential to differentiate it from other cultural hubs in South Florida.
Conclusion
A dedicated arts and gallery district offers a powerful opportunity to cultivate Palm Beach County’s creative economy while enhancing its cultural brand. While it requires long-term commitment and strategic planning, the payoff is a resilient, year-round destination that supports both tourism and quality of life for residents. Integrating this idea with affordable artist housing and placemaking initiatives could ensure equitable, sustainable impact. A cultural asset inventory, site feasibility study, and community engagement plan would be valuable next steps.
8. Develop a High-Profile Distillery Destination in the Glades Region
Big Idea
As part of the Other Land Society initiative, a large-scale, architecturally significant distillery could:
• Serve as a centerpiece for agritourism
• Celebrate sugarcane, rum, and local heritage
• Offer tastings, food events, and behind-the-scenes tours
• Attract culinary tourists and lifestyle media attention
• Prioritize local supplier partnerships and SME collaboration
This aligns tourism development with rural revitalization and job creation.
Economic Impact
Moderate to high distilleries are proven tourism anchors, especially when tied to storytelling, retail, and food.
Overview
As a centerpiece of the Other Land Society initiative, a large-scale, design-forward distillery in the Glades region would celebrate the area’s unique agricultural heritage and identity, particularly its ties to sugarcane and rum production. This concept taps into the growing popularity of agritourism and spirits tourism, offering immersive visitor experiences such as tastings, food events, and behind-the-scenes production tours. With a strong architectural and cultural story, it could become a destination for culinary travelers, lifestyle media, and rural economic development.
Pros
1. Agritourism Anchor and Cultural Storytelling
• Highlights the rich agricultural legacy of the Glades, turning local sugarcane production into a compelling, immersive tourism experience.
• Offers a strong narrative around history, craftsmanship, and regional pride, appealing to both visitors and locals.
2. Culinary and Spirits Tourism Appeal
• Distilleries attract foodies, mixologists, lifestyle travelers, and experience seekers, especially when paired with tastings, special events, and unique architecture.
• Can serve as a launchpad for food festivals, chef collaborations, and pop-up markets.
3. Year-Round Visitor Draw
• Unlike seasonal attractions, distilleries operate year-round, offering consistent programming, indoor experiences, and retail sales.
• Also serves as a potential wedding, event, and corporate retreat venue.
4. Rural Economic Development
• Brings new tourism infrastructure to a traditionally under-visited part of the county, aligning with broader equity and revitalization goals.
• Supports local farmers, producers, and small businesses through supply chain partnerships and retail opportunities.
5. Distinctive Destination Branding
• Architecturally significant design and place-based branding can make the distillery a regional icon comparable to Napa wineries or Kentucky bourbon stops.
• Attracts press attention and influencer coverage, especially with unique products and curated experiences.
6. Retail and SME Opportunity
• On-site retail can showcase local goods, branded merchandise, and specialty foods, creating a platform for local makers.
• Opportunity to incubate or partner with small producers, food vendors, and artists from the Glades region.
Cons
1. Regulatory and Licensing Complexity
• Distillery operations are heavily regulated, requiring state and federal compliance, environmental review, and safety protocols.
• Navigating zoning, water usage, and agricultural processing approvals may require extensive coordination.
2. High Capital Investment
• Large-scale, architecturally ambitious distilleries are expensive to build and operate, especially with visitor amenities, production equipment, and hospitality elements.
• May need public-private partnerships or impact investment to be viable.
3. Transportation and Accessibility Challenges
• Success depends on creating a seamless visitor experience, but the Glades region may require improvements in roads, signage, and wayfinding to accommodate tourism traffic.
• Remote location may limit spontaneous visitation unless well-integrated into a broader tourism route.
4. Seasonal and Marketing Risks
• Florida’s summer heat and hurricane season may affect year-round visitation unless indoor experiences are robust and climate controlled
• Will require strong branding, storytelling, and marketing strategy to attract attention beyond local audiences.
5. Workforce Development Needs
• A new tourism anchor may require training programs in hospitality, retail, production, and food service, especially if targeting job creation for local residents.
• May face initial challenges sourcing a workforce familiar with both distilling and guest experience.
6. Potential Community Concerns
• Concerns may emerge around alcohol-related tourism, traffic, or commercialization of agricultural lands.
• Requires proactive community engagement to ensure alignment with local values and vision.
Conclusion
A high-profile distillery destination in the Glades region offers a powerful blend of heritage tourism, culinary appeal, and rural revitalization. With the right design, storytelling, and operational partnerships, it could become a landmark attraction that elevates Palm Beach County’s western region. Key next steps
include site analysis, regulatory assessment, financial modeling, and community engagement to refine the vision and explore funding strategies.
9. Develop a Flagship Immersive Experience Venue
Big Idea
Create a one-of-a-kind digital art or immersive entertainment venue inspired by the Las Vegas Sphere or COSM that leverages:
• Advanced projection, AR/VR, and sound
• Rotating shows or environmental themes
• Day and nighttime programming
• Opportunities for local creative tech talent
This type of experience could become a signature indoor attraction for all ages especially during inclement weather or off-peak seasons.
Economic Impact
High these attractions generate strong attendance, press, and social media buzz, and can drive sustained repeat visitation.
Overview
A state-of-the-art immersive venue inspired by attractions like the Las Vegas Sphere, COSM, or Meow Wolf would position Palm Beach County at the cutting edge of digital arts and entertainment. This flagship attraction would combine projection mapping, AR/VR, sound, and interactive storytelling to deliver rotating shows and multi-sensory experiences for all ages. As a signature indoor destination, it offers strong appeal during off-peak seasons, inclement weather, and day-to-night programming, while creating a platform for local creative tech talent.
Pros
1. High Visitor Appeal and Marketability
• Immersive venues generate strong attendance and buzz due to their novelty, interactivity, and photo-friendly visuals.
• Ideal for families, tourists, school groups, and locals, creating year-round demand.
2. Strong Economic Impact
• Drives ticket sales, merchandise revenue, concessions, and group bookings, with potential for corporate sponsorships and private events.
• Encourages extended stays and secondary spending at nearby restaurants, hotels, and shops.
3. All-Weather, All-Season Attraction
• Indoor, climate-controlled venue offers a reliable option during hot, rainy, or stormy seasons, supporting Palm Beach County’s tourism resilience.
• Especially valuable for keeping visitors engaged in the summer months or during unpredictable weather.
4. Platform for Creative Tech Talent
• Provides opportunities for local artists, animators, designers, musicians, coders, and producers to showcase work and develop immersive content.
• Encourages growth in the creative technology and experience design sectors areas with high growth potential.
5. Versatile Programming
• Rotating shows and themes allow for seasonal tie-ins, educational exhibits, and brand collaborations.
• Can host live performances, special events, product launches, and artist takeovers, supporting repeat visitation.
6. Strong Social Media and PR Potential
• Immersive experiences are inherently “Instagrammable” and shareable, boosting organic marketing through user-generated content.
• Opens opportunities for press features, influencer campaigns, and branded partnerships.
7. Supports Cultural and Educational Goals
• Potential to integrate STEM, environmental, or local heritage themes, aligning with educational tourism and school partnerships.
• Can become a tool for interactive learning and community engagement.
Cons
1. High Capital Investment and Operating Costs
• Building a technically advanced immersive venue requires significant funding for infrastructure, technology, and creative production.
• Ongoing operating costs include IT support, security, content development, and maintenance.
2. Fast-Moving Industry with High Expectations
• Immersive entertainment is an evolving sector with rising guest expectations; staying current requires frequent content updates and tech upgrades.
• Risk of becoming outdated if not continuously refreshed.
3. Complex Talent and Vendor Needs
• Requires a cross-disciplinary team of technologists, creatives, and operations professionals to maintain high-quality experiences.
• May need to source specialized vendors or recruit national talent, especially in the early stages.
4. Zoning and Location Considerations
• Needs a central, accessible location with parking, transit access, and high visibility preferably near other attractions or commercial hubs.
• Noise and light pollution concerns may arise depending on design and location.
5. Potential Community Concerns
• Some residents may view immersive entertainment as “frivolous” or overly commercial unless clear benefits to education, culture, or the local economy are communicated.
• May require a public engagement strategy to build support.
6. ROI Dependent on Strong Programming and Marketing
• The venue’s success depends on sustained content innovation, brand partnerships, and destination marketing.
• Early underperformance could impact financial sustainability and investor confidence.
Conclusion
A flagship immersive experience venue presents a high-potential opportunity to differentiate Palm Beach County in the competitive entertainment and cultural tourism space. With the right creative and operational vision, it can become a must-see attraction, platform for local talent, and a year-round economic engine. Next steps include concept development, feasibility and site analysis, tech
partnerships, and stakeholder engagement to evaluate funding models and identify a compelling thematic focus.
10. Develop a Major Sports & Entertainment Stadium
Idea
Palm Beach County is the largest county in Florida without a professional sports franchise. Developing a world-class, muln-use stadium with sustainable operanons anchored by a Major League Franchise would:
• Establish Palm Beach County as a major-league sports desnnanon with sustainability top of mind
• Drive year-round visitanon through matches, concerts, internanonal friendlies, esports, and fesnvals
• Serve as a catalyst for mixed-use development, including hotels, restaurants, and retail
• Acnvate community engagement through youth academies, local partnerships, and cultural programming
Posinoned strategically near major transportanon corridors and supported by public-private investment, the stadium would contribute to the region’s idennty and economic diversificanon.
Impact
Very high a major league franchise and major venue could apract hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, generate nanonal and internanonal media exposure, snmulate large-scale hospitality and infrastructure investments, and support thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Palm Beach County stands out as Florida’s largest county without a professional sports franchise. Developing a world-class, sustainably operated stadium anchored by a Major League team (e.g., MLS, MLB, NFL, or NWSL) would establish the county as a top-ner sports and entertainment desnnanon. The venue would support a year-round calendar of high-impact events, including concerts, internanonal matches, esports, and cultural fesnvals. Strategically located near major transportanon corridors and backed by public-private investment, the stadium would become a regional catalyst for economic development and brand idennty.
Pros
1. Massive Economic and Tourism Impact
• A major league stadium can apract hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, delivering strong ROI in ncket sales, tourism spending, hospitality revenue, and retail acnvanon.
• Generates nanonal and internanonal media exposure, elevanng Palm Beach County’s global visibility.
2. Year-Round, Mula-Use Programming
• Capable of hosnng professional sports, internanonal friendlies, concerts, esports tournaments, fesnvals, and community events.
• Supports weekend and midweek acnvanon, helping to balance tourism seasonality.
3. Desanaaon Branding and Idenaty
• Establishes Palm Beach County as a major-league sports and entertainment market, joining the ranks of South Florida’s elite event cines.
• Enhances civic pride and creates a cultural touchstone for residents and fans.
4. Catalyst for Mixed-Use Development
• A stadium project oqen sparks surrounding investment in hotels, restaurants, retail, housing, public spaces, and transit.
• Creates opportunines for placemaking and innovanon districts, linking sports, tech, culture, and hospitality.
5. Community Engagement and Social Impact
• Provides a home for youth academies, fitness and wellness programs, local tournaments, and community events.
• Enables local partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and cultural organizanons, embedding the stadium into everyday community life.
6. Supports Jobs and Economic Diversificaaon
• Construcnon and operanons support thousands of direct and indirect jobs in event staffing, facility management, security, concessions, media, and more.
• Creates long-term workforce development opportunines ned to sports management, hospitality, and entertainment industries.
7. Public-Private Partnership Potenaal
• Strong candidate for creanve financing strategies that minimize public burden while maximizing long-term returns, including naming rights, ncket surcharges, and special tax districts.
1. Enormous Capital and Infrastructure Investment
• Stadium development is one of the most capital-intensive tourism projects, requiring hundreds of millions in investment and long-term maintenance.
• Must secure a major franchise commitment before investment is viable.
2. Site Selecaon and Transportaaon Challenges
• Requires a centrally located site with highway and transit access, walkability, and minimal disrupnon to residennal areas.
• Needs substannal infrastructure upgrades including roads, transit connecnons, unlines, and parking.
3. Community Concerns and Poliacal Risk
• Risk of public opposinon due to concerns over cost, traffic, noise, environmental impacts, and gentrificanon.
• Requires transparent planning and strong stakeholder engagement to build support.
4. Compeaave Sports Market
• Palm Beach County will need to differennate itself from nearby markets (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando) to apract and retain a franchise.
• The success of the stadium hinges on securing consistent, high-profile programming and fan loyalty.
5. Risk of Underualizaaon
• Without strong event programming and tenant commitments, stadiums risk becoming underused or financially burdensome during off-seasons or non-event days.
• Requires a diversified, high-volume calendar and nimble operanonal strategy.
6. Sustainability Expectaaons
• Modern stadiums are expected to meet high sustainability standards from net-zero energy and water reuse to green transit access and community benefits.
• Adds cost but aligns with long-term resilience and community values.
Developing a major sports and entertainment stadium in Palm Beach County represents a transformanonal opportunity with extremely high economic, branding, and community potennal. Anchored by a professional franchise and guided by inclusive planning, the stadium could become a year-round driver of tourism, investment, and civic pride. However, success depends on site strategy, polincal will, financial structuring, and sustained programming. Next steps include a market feasibility study, site and transit analysis, and franchise partnership exploranon.
11. Develop a World-Class Marina and Waterfront District
Big Idea
Palm Beach County has an extraordinary but underleveraged asset in its waterfronts. With a globally competitive marine industry, desirable climate, and deep cultural cachet, the county is well-positioned to offer a signature marina district experience that rivals destinations like Monaco, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale. Stakeholders have identified marine tourism, coastal development, and public space activation as critical growth opportunities. A world-class marina district would attract luxury travelers, host international events, stimulate adjacent retail and hospitality growth, and create a waterfront identity that is both vibrant and inclusive.
Impact
Very high A world-class Marina and Waterfront District in Palm Beach County could generate hundreds of millions annually in economic impact through high-value marine tourism, luxury hospitality, events, and real estate development, while creating hundreds of jobs and elevating the county’s global brand.
Overview
Palm Beach County’s coastal assets are some of the most desirable in the country but remain underleveraged relative to peer destinations. With a thriving marine industry, luxury tourism appeal, and strong cultural cachet, the county has the ingredients to create a globally recognized marina and waterfront district. Inspired by places like Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, such a district could include public promenades, luxury berths, culinary experiences, cultural venues, and event spaces becoming a signature year-round attraction for residents and international visitors alike.
Pros
1. Major Economic Engine
• A marina and waterfront district can drive hundreds of millions in annual economic activity through marine tourism, yacht provisioning, real estate, hospitality, and events.
• Generates long-term value through increased property values, retail revenue, and new business formation.
2. High-Value Visitor Segment
• Attracts luxury travelers, yachting enthusiasts, and international guests who contribute significantly through extended stays, high-end dining, shopping, and services.
• Opportunity to host international boat shows, regattas, and lifestyle festivals that draw global media attention.
3. Strengthens the County’s Global Brand
• Elevates Palm Beach County’s standing as a premier waterfront destination, complementing its reputation for elegance, affluence, and natural beauty.
• Creates a distinctive visual and experiential identity anchored in place-based design.
4. Stimulates Mixed-Use and Hospitality Development
• Activates adjacent neighborhoods with new boutique hotels, restaurants, shops, and cultural spaces.
• Creates public and private investment opportunities, especially in underutilized waterfront parcels.
5. Promotes Marine Industry and Innovation
• Leverages the region’s strength in boatyards, marine tech, and charter services, reinforcing existing business clusters.
• Can integrate elements like sailing schools, marine research, and ocean sustainability centers to expand workforce development and innovation.
6. Enhances Public Access and Community Experience
• A well-designed district can blend luxury and inclusivity, offering walkable promenades, event lawns, art installations, and public piers.
• Supports placemaking and community gathering, increasing resident engagement and quality of life.
Cons
1. High Cost and Complexity of Development
• Waterfront construction is expensive, highly regulated, and technically complex, involving environmental mitigation, engineering, and long permitting timelines.
• Requires extensive collaboration across jurisdictions and private stakeholders.
2. Environmental and Climate Resilience Challenges
• Must be planned with sea-level rise, storm surge, and climate adaptation in mind requiring sustainable materials, smart drainage, and green infrastructure.
• Risk of environmental impacts to marine ecosystems during construction if not carefully managed.
3. Potential Equity and Access Concerns
• If overly oriented toward luxury markets, the project could face criticism for excluding residents or reinforcing inequities in coastal access.
• Needs intentional design strategies to balance public benefit with private investment.
4. Infrastructure and Connectivity Needs
• Success depends on strong transportation, signage, water taxi access, and pedestrian connections to other parts of the county.
• May require parking upgrades, traffic mitigation, and multimodal solutions to support increased visitation.
5. Seasonality and Programming
• To maximize ROI, the district must offer year-round activation, including cultural events, live music, markets, and festivals, beyond the traditional boating season.
• Requires a dedicated management entity or BID (business improvement district) to coordinate programming and upkeep.
6. Competition from Other Regional Destinations
• Palm Beach County must clearly differentiate its offering from nearby waterfronts in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples, focusing on design excellence, authenticity, and guest experience.
A world-class marina and waterfront district has the potential to become a defining destination for Palm Beach County, generating massive economic impact, strengthening the county’s global brand, and catalyzing long-term coastal development. When designed with inclusivity, sustainability, and placemaking in mind, this project could benefit visitors and residents alike. Recommended next steps include a visioning study, site identification, environmental review, and public-private investment strategy.
12. Develop a World Class Convention Center District
A World-Class Convention District in West Palm Beach would transform the area around the Palm Beach County Convention Center into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hub for meetings, tourism, and cultural experiences. Anchored by an expanded convention center and a second full-service headquarters hotel, the district would feature walkable connections to CityPlace, the Kravis Center, and downtown attractions, with dynamic public spaces, chef-driven dining, retail, and year-round arts programming. Integrated transit access via Brightline, trolleys, and airport shuttles, along with sustainable urban design and green infrastructure, would create a seamless, modern experience for both business and leisure travelers, positioning West Palm Beach as a premier national and international destination for conventions and events.
Very high A World-Class Convention District in West Palm Beach could generate hundreds of millions annually in economic impact through increased convention bookings, visitor spending, hotel occupancy, dining, retail, and job creation, while significantly boosting the city’s profile as a premier meetings and events destination.
Transforming the area surrounding the Palm Beach County Convention Center into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly convention district would elevate West Palm Beach as a national and international destination for large-scale meetings, events, and cultural experiences. Anchored by an expanded convention center and a second full-service headquarters hotel, the district would link key assets like CityPlace, the Kravis Center, and downtown, while introducing dynamic public spaces, chef-driven restaurants, year-round arts programming, and seamless multimodal access via Brightline, trolleys, and airport shuttles. This modern, walkable urban district would support both business and leisure tourism while driving sustained economic growth.
Pros
1. Significant Economic Impact
• Could generate hundreds of millions annually through increased convention bookings, tourism spending, dining, retail, hotel stays, and related services.
• Boosts midweek and shoulder season visitation, balancing the county’s tourism calendar.
2. Elevates West Palm Beach’s National Profile
• Positions the city as a top-tier convention and meetings destination, competing with markets like Austin, Nashville, and Denver.
• Drives national and international exposure through large events, trade shows, and corporate conferences.
3. Supports Hospitality and Small Business Sectors
• Increases demand for local hotels, restaurants, retail, transportation providers, and event vendors.
• Expands opportunities for minority-owned businesses, local chefs, artists, and makers to participate in the visitor economy.
4. Walkable Urban District with Cultural Connectivity
• Creates a highly walkable, mixed-use destination that links the convention center with CityPlace, the Kravis Center, museums, dining, and nightlife.
• Encourages live-work-play lifestyle for both residents and visitors.
5. Seamless Transit Integration
• Leverages access to Brightline high-speed rail, airport shuttles, trolleys, bike share, and walkable streets, reducing the need for car dependency.
• Supports green mobility and sustainability goals.
6. Year-Round Activation through Arts and Events
• Incorporates public art, street performances, festivals, and culinary events to engage visitors even outside major conventions.
• Builds a sense of place and vibrancy that benefits both visitors and the local community.
7. Sustainable Urban Design
• Offers opportunity to model resilient, sustainable urban development with green infrastructure, smart energy systems, and stormwater management.
• Enhances the city’s reputation for future-forward planning and climate-conscious design.
1. High Development Costs and Coordination Complexity
• Requires significant public and private investment in infrastructure, land acquisition, hotel development, and facility expansion.
• Must be carefully phased and managed to limit disruption to existing businesses and residents.
2. Limited Site Availability and Urban Constraints
• Urban infill projects can face zoning, land use, and entitlement challenges, especially in already dense downtown environments.
• Requires thoughtful planning to avoid overcrowding or loss of local character.
3. Dependence on Convention Market Dynamics
• Convention and event demand can be vulnerable to economic downturns, travel trends, or pandemic disruptions.
• Must maintain flexibility and build in multi-use functionality to mitigate future shocks.
4. Community Engagement and Equity Considerations
• Large-scale urban projects can raise concerns about gentrification, displacement, or exclusion of existing residents and small businesses.
• Requires strong community engagement, equitable development policies, and inclusive economic strategies.
5. Infrastructure Strain During Large Events
• Large conventions may stress transportation, parking, security, and public services, particularly during peak events or high season.
• Must be accompanied by strategic infrastructure upgrades and operational planning.
6. Competitive Regional Landscape
• Faces competition from nearby markets like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa, all with established convention assets.
• Success depends on distinctive branding, superior visitor experience, and flexible programming.
A World-Class Convention Center District in West Palm Beach would be a transformational project with far-reaching impacts on economic development, tourism, downtown revitalization, and civic pride. By integrating infrastructure, culture, sustainability, and hospitality, it can serve as a national model for 21st-century convention districts. Key next steps include a district master plan, market demand study, infrastructure and mobility assessment, and identification of public-private partnership models to advance the vision.
13. Develop an Additional Baseball Spring Training Stadium / Facility
Develop a state-of-the-art baseball spring training stadium or training facility to expand Palm Beach County’s footprint as a premier destination for Major League Baseball spring training. The facility would serve as a spring training base for a new MLB franchise while offering year-round programming such as youth tournaments, minor league development, and community events.
High the facility would drive significant seasonal visitation, boost tourism spending in hotels, dining, and retail, and support year-round economic activity through tournaments and programming. It would also create new jobs and stimulate nearby hospitality and commercial development.
Palm Beach County is already home to two Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training facilities
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches making it a proven hub for spring training tourism. Developing an additional state-of-the-art spring training stadium or training complex would further solidify the county’s reputation as a premier destination for spring training, attract additional MLB teams, and deliver substantial seasonal and year-round economic benefits. Such a facility could also serve youth tournaments, minor league development, and community programming during non-MLB periods, maximizing its utility and impact.
1. Reinforces Palm Beach County as a Premier Spring Training Destination
• Positions the county alongside top spring training markets like Phoenix and Fort Myers, creating a more robust Grapefruit League experience.
• Attracts new MLB franchises looking for modern, well-located facilities in desirable climates.
2. High Seasonal Economic Impact
• Spring training draws tens of thousands of out-of-state visitors, boosting hotel occupancy, restaurant activity, car rentals, retail, and attractions over a concentrated two-month season.
• Increases media exposure, sponsorship opportunities, and repeat visitation.
3. Year-Round Facility Use Potential
• Outside of spring training, the facility can host:
o Youth, high school, and collegiate baseball tournaments
o Minor league team activities or player development programs
o Community events, camps, clinics, and exhibitions
• Provides a multi-purpose asset that supports tourism and resident use.
4. Supports Hospitality, Retail, and Real Estate Growth
• Can catalyze development of new hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use amenities near the facility.
• Offers retail and sponsorship opportunities tied to the team and event programming.
5. Builds Civic Pride and Fan Engagement
• Enhances the county’s identity as a sports destination, appealing to locals and seasonal residents alike.
• Enables fan experiences like autograph sessions, family nights, and behind-the-scenes tours.
6. Public-Private Partnership Potential
• MLB franchises typically engage in cost-sharing agreements, making the project a strong candidate for public-private investment models that reduce risk.
Cons
1. High Capital and Operating Costs
• Stadium development and maintenance are capital-intensive, with significant upfront investment needed for land, construction, and infrastructure.
• Ongoing operational costs can be high, especially if year-round programming is not robust.
2. Seasonal Usage Concentration
• Spring training is a limited window (February–March); without extensive off-season programming, the facility risks underutilization.
• ROI depends on the ability to generate demand outside peak months.
3. Site Selection and Infrastructure Needs
• Requires significant acreage with parking, road access, utilities, and proximity to hospitality infrastructure.
• Infrastructure improvements (roads, drainage, signage) may be needed to accommodate visitor flow.
4. Competitive Market
• Florida already has numerous spring training facilities, and attracting new franchises may be challenging.
• Must compete with existing stadiums offering favorable lease terms, geographic appeal, and fan bases.
5. Community Impact and Use Balance
• Balancing professional, tourism, and community uses will require careful scheduling and management.
• Community may expect access to fields and programming in exchange for public investment.
6. Environmental and Weather Concerns
• Outdoor sports venues must be designed with stormwater management, heat mitigation, and climate resilience in mind.
• May face limitations on year-round use due to Florida’s summer heat and hurricane season.
Conclusion
An additional spring training stadium or training complex would strengthen Palm Beach County’s position as a baseball capital, attract new visitors, and provide a versatile asset for year-round sports tourism. However, success depends on securing a franchise partner, selecting a strategic location, and ensuring the facility is activated beyond spring training. Key next steps include a market demand study, feasibility analysis, franchise outreach, and partnership development plan.
14. Develop a Major Wellness Attraction (e.g., Therme USA)
Attract and develop a large-scale, world-class wellness destination in Palm Beach County similar to Therme USA that blends thermal baths, spa amenities, fitness, water-based recreation, immersive art, and health-focused dining. This indoor-outdoor destination would appeal to locals and tourists seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic experiences, and serve as a year-round anchor attraction that integrates wellness, sustainability, and cultural programming.
Very high a major wellness attraction would generate hundreds of thousands of annual visits, support long-term job creation, catalyze nearby hospitality and retail growth, and position Palm Beach County as a national leader in wellness tourism with high-value, year-round spending.
Overview
Wellness tourism is a rapidly growing global market, driven by travelers seeking experiential, healthcentered, and nature-connected destinations. A large-scale wellness resort or complex modeled after destinations like Therme in Toronto, Bucharest, or the upcoming U.S. projects would uniquely position Palm Beach County as a top-tier health and wellness destination. The facility could offer thermal pools, spa treatments, immersive art installations, saunas, yoga studios, wellness workshops, and family zones, with a focus on sustainable design and inclusive pricing models.
Pros
1. High-Volume, Year-Round Tourism
• Wellness attractions appeal to a wide audience families, seniors, couples, and solo travelers and can draw hundreds of thousands of annual visitors.
• Indoor and climate-controlled elements ensure year-round operations, especially during hot, rainy, or off-peak seasons.
2. Strong Alignment with Travel Trends
• Taps into booming global interest in health, longevity, mindfulness, and relaxation, especially among millennial and Gen Z travelers.
• Offers a distinctive alternative to theme parks or traditional spas, blending wellness with culture and entertainment.
3. High Per-Capita Spending
• Visitors to wellness destinations typically spend more on premium services, F&B, retail, and experiences, making it a high-yield market.
4. Catalyzes Hospitality and Real Estate Development
• Sparks demand for hotels, eco-resorts, boutique wellness accommodations, and adjacent mixed-use development.
• Can activate underutilized or transitional land parcels, especially near coastal or natural areas.
5. Job Creation and Local Business Support
• Supports a wide range of direct and indirect jobs from therapists and hospitality workers to wellness product vendors and creatives.
• Potential for local supplier integration, including skincare, food, design, and sustainability solutions.
6. Destination Branding and National Media Visibility
• A high-profile wellness attraction can serve as a signature tourism asset that draws national attention, influencer coverage, and strategic partnerships.
• Helps position Palm Beach County as a leader in healthy, balanced, and sustainable lifestyles.
1. High Capital Investment
• Large-scale wellness facilities like Therme require hundreds of millions in development costs, including infrastructure, water systems, architecture, and technology.
• Requires significant public-private partnership or foreign direct investment to bring to fruition.
2. Infrastructure and Access Needs
• Must be easily accessible by transit, highway, and airport, and ideally located near complementary amenities like hotels and attractions.
• May require zoning adjustments, parking facilities, and road upgrades.
3. Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
• Water-based amenities must comply with state and federal environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Sustainability goals must align with coastal resilience and water conservation priorities.
4. Market Education and Differentiation
• U.S. consumers may be less familiar with the European-style thermal wellness model, requiring brand positioning and experiential storytelling.
• Needs to differentiate from spas and resorts already operating in South Florida.
5. Community Expectations
• Must ensure equitable access and community benefit avoiding the perception that it's exclusively for luxury travelers.
• Could face pushback on land use, traffic, or affordability if not designed with public input.
Conclusion
Attracting a global wellness brand like Therme USA presents a transformational opportunity to elevate Palm Beach County’s tourism economy while advancing goals around health, sustainability, and placemaking. With strong market alignment and economic upside, this attraction could become a yearround anchor destination that complements existing offerings and enhances resident well-being. Next steps include a site suitability study, market demand analysis, investment recruitment strategy, and alignment with broader tourism and health initiatives.
Big Idea
Develop a world-class cluster of performing arts venues in Palm Beach County to complement the Kravis Center and provide dedicated homes for symphony, ballet, opera, theater, and emerging performing arts organizations. This cultural district would enhance the region’s national standing as a performing arts destination, support professional arts organizations, and create a vibrant, year-round hub for cultural tourism, education, and community engagement.
High a performing arts cluster would generate significant tourism and local spending, drive cultural investment, support creative sector jobs, and position Palm Beach County as a leading destination for the arts. The surrounding hospitality, retail, and education sectors would benefit from increased visitor activity and programming.
Overview
Palm Beach County has an impressive base in the performing arts, anchored by the Kravis Center, but lacks a cohesive, multi-venue cultural district that can house its full range of professional and emerging arts organizations. Creating a cluster of purpose-built, acoustically advanced venues including performance halls, rehearsal studios, outdoor stages, and community theaters would support the growth of ballet, symphony, opera, theater, and multidisciplinary performance, while enhancing the cultural identity of the region and creating a draw for residents, visitors, and patrons.
Pros
1. Elevates Palm Beach County’s National Cultural Profile
• A world-class arts cluster would attract touring productions, top-tier talent, and national attention, putting the county on par with cities like New York, London, and Paris
• Strengthens the county’s identity as a year-round arts and culture destination.
2. Expands Capacity for Local Arts Organizations
• Provides permanent, high-quality homes for local ballet, symphony, opera, and theatrical companies, reducing reliance on shared or inadequate spaces.
• Supports long-term artistic planning, audience growth, and educational outreach.
3. Drives Cultural Tourism and Visitor Spending
• Performing arts attendees are high-value cultural tourists, often dining, shopping, and staying overnight in conjunction with shows and festivals.
• Enables multi-day arts programming and festivals, encouraging extended stays and repeat visitation.
4. Supports Job Creation and the Creative Economy
• Creates jobs in production, technical arts, event staffing, marketing, and administration, while supporting artists and educators.
• Offers a platform for local talent development and creative entrepreneurship.
5. Activates Downtown or Underused Areas
• Can anchor urban revitalization or downtown redevelopment, drawing foot traffic and investment to surrounding restaurants, hotels, and galleries.
• Enhances public space through outdoor concerts, pop-ups, and public art.
6. Promotes Education and Youth Engagement
• Venues can host school partnerships, masterclasses, artist residencies, and student matinees, expanding access to arts education.
• Helps cultivate next-generation audiences and artists.
7. Potential for Public-Private Partnerships
• Strong opportunities for philanthropic support, naming rights, and corporate sponsorship, especially among arts patrons and cultural donors.
Cons
1. High Capital and Operating Costs
• Purpose-built arts venues are expensive to design, build, and maintain, especially when acoustic quality, flexibility, and aesthetics are prioritized.
• Must secure sustainable funding models and diverse revenue streams to support operations.
2. Requires Coordination and Governance
• A cultural district involving multiple organizations requires collaborative governance, programming coordination, and shared infrastructure planning.
• Needs clear roles, scheduling protocols, and mechanisms for artistic independence.
3. Risk of Market Saturation or Overlap
• Without strategic planning, new venues may duplicate functions or compete for limited audiences, particularly in shoulder seasons.
• A demand study is essential to align supply with audience size and programming gaps.
4. Location and Access Considerations
• Site selection must ensure accessibility via transit, walkability, and adequate parking, especially for older audiences and evening events.
• May require additional investment in public realm enhancements and wayfinding.
5. Equity and Accessibility
• High-profile arts projects must balance excellence with affordability and inclusivity, ensuring broad community participation and engagement.
• Needs outreach and subsidized programming to avoid perceptions of elitism.
Conclusion
Developing a world-class performing arts cluster is a strategic opportunity to solidify Palm Beach County’s cultural identity, grow its visitor economy, and support the long-term health of its creative ecosystem. With the right mix of venues, partnerships, and programming, it can become a nationally recognized cultural destination and a source of pride for residents. Next steps include a cultural facilities needs assessment, master planning study, fundraising roadmap, and stakeholder engagement process to refine scope and implementation strategy.
16. Develop Luxury-Oriented Recreational Vehicle (RV) and Glamping Parks in the Glades Region
Big Idea
Establish a network of luxury-oriented RV resorts and glamping parks in Palm Beach County’s Glades Region, offering upscale outdoor accommodations that connect visitors to the region’s natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and rural charm. These sites would serve adventure travelers, snowbirds, and lifestyle tourists, with amenities such as private fire pits, spa-style bathrooms, wellness programming, farm-to-table dining, and water-based recreation, supporting rural tourism development and visitor diversification.
Impact
Moderate to high luxury RV and glamping parks can drive sustained overnight stays and repeat visitation, support local food and service providers, and spark job creation while aligning with rural revitalization and agritourism goals. The relatively low-cost development model can yield high returnon-investment, especially in underutilized areas.
Overview
The Glades Region offers a compelling backdrop for upscale outdoor experiences, combining open landscapes, Everglades access, farm country, and cultural heritage. As RV and glamping travel continues to grow nationally, the development of thoughtfully designed, high-amenity camping resorts could position Palm Beach County as a leader in luxury nature-based tourism. These sites would appeal to travelers seeking sustainable, wellness-driven, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, while also boosting the rural economy and creating new tourism infrastructure west of the coast.
Pros
1. Taps into Fast-Growing Travel Trends
• RV and glamping tourism has surged post-pandemic, with travelers seeking flexible, selfcontained, nature-based experiences.
• Appeals to a wide range of demographics from retirees and snowbirds to millennial families and digital nomads.
2. Affordable, Flexible Development
• Compared to hotels and resorts, glamping and RV parks require lower capital investment and offer flexible phasing or modular design options.
• Can be developed on agricultural or underutilized lands, accelerating rural land activation.
3. Strong Economic Ripple Effects
• Visitors contribute to the local economy through grocery purchases, dining, gas, recreation, and guided tours.
• Provides revenue opportunities for small businesses, such as outfitters, food trucks, farm markets, and event hosts.
4. Aligns with Rural Revitalization Goals
• Supports tourism development in the Glades Region without heavy environmental disruption or industrial-scale development.
• Can be linked with local heritage tours, agricultural education, and naturalist programming.
5. Attracts Long-Stay and Return Visitors
• RVers and glampers often stay multiple nights or return seasonally, particularly if wellness or outdoor programming is offered.
• Parks can be structured with memberships, loyalty programs, or seasonal leases for repeat business.
6. Supports Sustainable Tourism
• Encourages low-impact travel with opportunities for solar energy, water reuse systems, and ecoeducation.
• Glamping experiences can be designed to educate and promote environmental stewardship.
1. Infrastructure and Utility Needs
• Remote or rural areas may require investment in roads, electrical, water/sewer, and broadband access, which could add upfront costs.
• Coordination with utilities and public works is essential for feasibility.
2. Zoning and Land Use Challenges
• May face regulatory hurdles depending on existing land use designations and permitting for mixed-use tourism developments.
• Requires collaboration with local governments to streamline the process and ensure land use compatibility.
3. Seasonal Demand Patterns
• While glamping and RV travel are popular year-round in Florida, peak demand is highly seasonal, which could limit consistent staffing and operations.
• Off-season programming and amenities will be needed to maintain profitability.
4. Market Perception and Branding
• The Glades may not yet be widely known as a leisure destination; robust branding and marketing strategies will be needed to attract upscale travelers.
• Partnerships with influencers, travel writers, and RV networks can help reposition the region.
5. Environmental and Community Sensitivities
• Needs to be carefully planned to avoid negative environmental impacts on wetlands, wildlife, and agricultural lands.
• Local buy-in is essential to prevent pushback on changes to rural character or land use.
Conclusion
Developing luxury RV resorts and glamping parks in the Glades Region presents an exciting, costeffective opportunity to expand Palm Beach County’s tourism footprint and strengthen rural economies. With smart design, strong branding, and a focus on sustainability and authenticity, these projects can attract new visitor segments and generate long-term value. Next steps include a market assessment, site analysis, regulatory review, and partnership development with outdoor hospitality operators.
17. Develop the World’s First Adult Learning Campus with a Focus on Palm Beach County Visitors
Create the world’s first purpose-built adult learning campus designed specifically for visiting learners especially retirees, mid-career professionals, lifelong learners, and seasonal residents. Offering immersive courses, workshops, and retreats in subjects such as arts, science, history, wellness, technology, and personal growth, the campus would combine education, hospitality, and cultural engagement to position Palm Beach County as a global hub for experiential learning tourism.
High an adult learning campus would attract affluent, experience-driven travelers who stay longer and spend more, especially during shoulder seasons. It would support hospitality, education, and cultural sectors, while offering consistent year-round programming that diversifies and elevates the tourism economy.
With an aging but active population, a growing national interest in lifelong learning, and strong alignment with the visitor demographics of Palm Beach County, this idea leverages an emerging market: vacation-based intellectual enrichment. The campus could feature classroom facilities, performance spaces, studios, wellness amenities, and on-site lodging, with programming led by universities, museums, artists, and thought leaders. This innovation would blend tourism with purpose, offering meaningful travel that enhances both individual lives and local economies.
Pros
1. Captures a High-Spending, Values-Driven Market
• Appeals to affluent, educated travelers seeking meaning, enrichment, and personal growth during their travels.
• Visitors in this segment typically stay longer, travel in off-peak seasons, and spend more on lodging, dining, and cultural activities.
2. Year-Round, Predictable Programming
• Educational travel is not weather-dependent, making the campus an ideal tool to stabilize tourism demand across seasons.
• Repeatable programs, cohort-based learning, and seasonal themes encourage return visitation.
3. Enhances the County’s Cultural and Educational Profile
• Positions Palm Beach County as a global leader in purpose-driven tourism, aligning with its strengths in arts, science, and wellness.
• Attracts partnerships with universities, think tanks, and nonprofits, while supporting local institutions through program integration.
4. Supports Local Talent and Institutions
• Offers teaching opportunities for retired educators, artists, scientists, and creatives living in the region.
• Provides new revenue and collaboration channels for museums, performing arts centers, nature centers, and higher education institutions.
5. Revitalizes Hospitality and Real Estate
• Could anchor or repurpose underused hotel or campus infrastructure, especially in western or inland areas of the county.
• Sparks demand for hospitality, wellness services, cafés, and creative businesses nearby.
6. Social Impact and Equity Potential
• Could include scholarships, sliding scale fees, or community access programs, making it a model for inclusive, intergenerational learning.
• Supports mental and emotional well-being, especially for active retirees and solo travelers.
Cons
1. Requires Strong Institutional Partnerships
• Success hinges on securing credible and visionary partners in education, curriculum development, and faculty recruitment.
• A clear governance structure and business model will be necessary to maintain quality and financial sustainability.
2. High Upfront Planning and Development Costs
• Needs investment in physical infrastructure, instructional technology, residential amenities, and marketing.
• May face challenges securing land, zoning approvals, or appropriate adaptive reuse options.
3. Niche Market Requires Marketing and Cultivation
• Though growing, adult learning tourism is still emerging and would require robust branding and strategic outreach to attract early adopters.
• Needs to distinguish itself from existing educational offerings (e.g., Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes or university extension programs).
4. Scheduling and Staffing Challenges
• Programs must align with visitor travel windows and offer engaging, flexible formats to accommodate different stay lengths and learning styles.
• Instructors, facilitators, and guest speakers must be vetted, trained, and available year-round.
5. Risk of Limited Local Engagement
• Without community integration and equitable access, there’s a risk of the campus being perceived as elitist or disconnected from residents.
• Needs intentional local programming, events, and partnerships to build community trust and relevance.
Conclusion
A dedicated adult learning campus would be a globally unique tourism and education initiative that taps into powerful trends in wellness, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven travel. It would distinguish Palm Beach County as a visionary destination for intellectual and personal enrichment, while reinforcing its cultural assets and diversifying its economy. Next steps include market validation, concept development, site identification, and strategic partnership building with institutions and hospitality stakeholders.
18. Develop an Indoor Show Horse Jumping Arena in Wellington
Big Idea
Establish a world-class indoor show jumping arena in Wellington, Florida to expand the region’s yearround capacity for elite equestrian events. Comparable in design and quality to leading venues such as Tryon International Equestrian Center (NC), World Equestrian Center (Ocala), and Alltech Arena (KY), the indoor facility would allow for high-profile competitions, exhibitions, and training regardless of weather, enhancing Wellington’s global reputation as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.
Economic Impact
High an indoor equestrian arena would generate significant visitor spending during expanded competition seasons, support equine industry growth, and increase local hospitality, retail, and real estate activity. It would also attract international participants and media, creating long-term brand and economic benefits.
Overview
Wellington, Florida is internationally recognized for its Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and premier show jumping scene. However, it lacks a large-scale, climate-controlled indoor facility capable of hosting top-tier events during the summer and shoulder seasons or in inclement weather. Developing such a venue would allow Wellington to compete with other elite equestrian destinations like Tryon, Ocala, and Lexington, and establish a year-round event calendar that strengthens its equestrian economy and global stature.
Pros
1. Strengthens Wellington’s Global Equestrian Position
• Adds a key piece of infrastructure that allows Wellington to rival or surpass leading international equestrian venues.
• Supports ambitions to host FEI indoor events, international qualifiers, Olympic-prep competitions, and equestrian showcases.
2. Expands Seasonal Capacity
• Overcomes Florida’s summer heat and storm season, allowing for year-round use, extended competition seasons, and new summer circuits.
• Offers flexibility for emergency event relocation in the case of weather-related disruptions.
3. Economic Boost for Local Businesses
• Elite equestrian events attract high-net-worth visitors, sponsors, owners, and media, driving spending in hotels, restaurants, luxury retail, veterinary services, and real estate.
• Provides a boost to year-round employment in hospitality, maintenance, event production, and equine services.
4. Enhances Training, Youth, and Community Access
• Offers expanded training opportunities for local riders and youth programs, particularly during the off-season.
• Creates opportunities for community partnerships, educational events, exhibitions, and nonprofit programming.
5. Adds Flexibility and Revenue for Venue Operators
• Allows for a broader calendar of events, including dressage, hunter/jumper shows, equine expos, horse auctions, and gala exhibitions.
• Can be rented for corporate events, fundraisers, or crossover programming like concerts or pet expos.
6. Positions Wellington as a Year-Round Destination
• Enables the region to retain visitors and competitors outside the winter festival window, helping reduce economic seasonality.
• Supports the broader Palm Beach County tourism economy by drawing additional overnight stays.
Cons
1. High Construction and Operational Costs
• Indoor equestrian arenas require significant investment in ventilation, footing systems, lighting, spectator seating, stabling, and AV.
• Long-term operational costs include climate control, staffing, maintenance, and specialized cleaning.
2. Land Use and Zoning Challenges
• Identifying an appropriate site with sufficient acreage, infrastructure access, and zoning permissions could be complex.
• Potential community resistance regarding traffic, noise, or land development impacts.
3. Competitive Landscape
• Florida already hosts several top-tier facilities (e.g., WEC Ocala), and success depends on differentiation and strong programming.
• Requires careful coordination with existing Wellington venues to avoid redundancy or scheduling conflicts.
4. Seasonal and Event Scheduling Risks
• Hosting high-profile events depends on sanctioning by equestrian federations, rider availability, and sponsor demand.
• Long-term viability requires a sustainable calendar of diverse event types, not just elite competitions.
5. Parking and Transportation Needs
• Large equestrian events bring substantial needs for horse trailers, rider access, VIP parking, and spectator flow, requiring robust planning.
• May necessitate road upgrades, shuttle systems, and staging areas to manage peak crowds.
Conclusion
A world-class indoor show jumping arena would fill a critical infrastructure gap in Wellington’s equestrian ecosystem, enabling year-round competition, expanding training capacity, and attracting high-value visitors and global attention. It would elevate Wellington’s international status while delivering consistent economic and community benefits. Next steps include a feasibility study, site identification, cost analysis, and stakeholder engagement with equestrian federations, landowners, and event organizers.
19. Develop an Iconic Instagrammable Global Landmark
Big Idea
Design and construct an iconic, visually striking, and instantly recognizable structure in Palm Beach County comparable to landmarks like The Bean (Chicago), High Line (New York), the Eiffel Tower (Paris), Big Ben (London), or the Sydney Opera House. The goal is to create a signature attraction that defines the county’s identity, draws visitors from around the world, and becomes a magnet for photography, social media, events, and civic pride.
Very high a truly iconic structure could generate millions of visits annually, elevate Palm Beach County’s global profile, stimulate visitor spending in hospitality, retail, and attractions, and deliver longterm branding and economic development returns far beyond initial construction costs.
Overview
Around the world, signature landmarks have helped transform cities into global destinations. These structures not only anchor tourism but also symbolize the spirit and aspirations of a place. Palm Beach County, while rich in natural beauty and lifestyle appeal, lacks a single architectural or sculptural feature that is immediately recognized worldwide. An iconic, instagrammable structure designed by a worldclass architect or artist would fill this gap, creating an enduring destination asset that connects residents and visitors to a shared identity and offers constant engagement opportunities.
Pros
1. Major Tourism Magnet
• Iconic landmarks drive consistent visitation and can anchor itineraries, tours, festivals, and brand campaigns.
• Becomes a must-visit site for domestic and international tourists, encouraging longer stays and secondary exploration.
2. Elevates Global Branding
• Positions Palm Beach County alongside global cities recognized by their iconic structures, enhancing its stature on the world stage.
• Becomes a symbol of innovation, creativity, and place identity.
3. Stimulates Surrounding Economic Development
• Landmarks often catalyze investment in adjacent parks, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, galleries, and retail.
• Creates opportunities for vendor kiosks, pop-up markets, food and beverage offerings, and special events.
4. Enhances Civic Pride and Community Identity
• Offers residents a visual and cultural anchor that fosters pride and a deeper connection to their home region.
• Can host community events, light shows, or performances tied to the structure itself.
5. Instagram and Social Media Amplification
• Photo-friendly design ensures viral marketing across social media platforms, attracting younger demographics and influencers.
• Generates free, organic media exposure through selfies, travel features, and lifestyle content.
6. Versatility for Programming
• The structure can serve as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, temporary art installations, and light mapping shows, extending its value beyond static attraction.
• Can incorporate interactive elements, augmented reality experiences, or educational features.
Cons
1. High Initial Cost
• World-class landmark structures require major investment in design, engineering, materials, and public space integration.
• Total costs vary widely depending on ambition, ranging from tens of millions to over $100 million.
2. Design and Execution Risk
• Success depends heavily on visionary design and execution poorly conceived or politically compromised projects risk ridicule rather than acclaim.
• Requires selection of top-tier architects, artists, and engineers, potentially through an international design competition.
3. Maintenance and Operational Costs
• Ongoing maintenance, security, lighting, and programming costs must be factored into the longterm plan.
• Needs a dedicated operational budget or revenue streams (e.g., sponsorships, licensing, events).
4. Site Selection Challenges
• Requires a high-visibility, accessible location that can support large volumes of visitors while enhancing, not disrupting, surrounding communities.
• Infrastructure needs include parking, transit access, landscaping, and public amenities.
5. Community and Aesthetic Concerns
• Not all residents may initially support the project; public engagement is critical to build enthusiasm and avoid controversy.
• The structure must resonate with local character while reaching global appeal a delicate balancing act.
6. Potential for Underperformance
• If the landmark fails to capture imagination or is poorly marketed, it risks becoming an expensive underused asset.
• Strong branding, launch strategy, and integration into the broader tourism narrative are essential.
Conclusion
Developing an iconic, globally recognizable structure could have a transformational impact on Palm Beach County’s tourism economy, brand identity, and cultural landscape. With thoughtful planning, world-class design, and community alignment, it could become a perpetual driver of visitation, media attention, civic pride, and economic growth. Key next steps include a visioning and feasibility study, global design competition framework, site analysis, and stakeholder engagement strategy.
Following is the weighted average ranking of Big Ideas by the Steering Committee.
12. Develop a World Class Convention Center District
18. Develop an Indoor Show Horse Jumping Arena in Wellington
4. Collaborate on Bids for Large-Scale International Events
2. Develop a State-of-the-Art Indoor Sports Complex
8. Develop a High-Profile Distillery Destination in the Glades…
9. Develop a Flagship Immersive Experience Venue
14. Develop a Major Wellness Attraction (e.g., Therme USA)
6. Develop a Signature Music Festival
11. Develop a World-Class Marina and Waterfront District
16. Develop Luxury-Oriented Recreational Vehicle (RV) and…
10. Develop a Major Sports & Entertainment Stadium
5. Create a Global Art Fair or Biennale
3. Develop an Auto Racetrack
17. Develop the World’s First Adult Learning Campus with a 15. Develop a World-Class Cluster of Performing Arts Venues
7. Create a Dedicated Arts & Gallery District
13. Develop an Additional Baseball Spring Training Stadium /…
1. Develop Conference Center in Northern Palm Beach County
Weighted Average
Please note that the Big Idea presented during the review meeting (19. Develop an Iconic Instagrammable Global Landmark) was not included in the Steering Committee Survey, and therefore no weighted average is available for it.
April 23rd , 2025
• Travel and tourism activity declined modestly.
• Hoteliers noted slight decreases in occupancies, and guests shortened stays and reduced discretionary spending on property.
• Business travel fell.
• Live entertainment venues saw declining ticket sales.
• Large attractions that normally draw international visitors saw a drop in travelers from abroad, particularly Canada, and airports and airlines reported a notable decline in foreign passengers to the U.S.
Year Last 5 Weeks (as of 4/30)
Room Rates as of Last 5 Weeks as of 4/30/25 vs
(5/1/24)
Official Award Ceremony in Orlando on April 17
• 500 Attendees including International Media
9 RESTAURANTS RECOGNIZED IN THE PALM BEACHES
MICHELIN One Star:
• Konro – West Palm Beach
MICHELIN Recommended:
• būccan – Palm Beach
• Coolinary and The Parched Pig – Palm Beach Gardens
• Moody Tongue Sushi – West Palm Beach
• Nicholson Muir Distinguished Meats – Boynton Beach
• Stage Kitchen & Bar – Palm Beach Gardens
• The Butcher's Club – Palm Beach Gardens
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand:
• aioli – West Palm Beach
• Palm Beach Meats – West Palm Beach
Media Reach Secured by The Palm Beaches, with Additional Coverage Pending Reporting from Michelin.
• Florida Partnership Expansion Announcement
• 87 Media Placements
• 1.3B Impressions
• $13 Million Publicity Value
• National Outlets, including Yahoo! and Robb Report
• Florida Outlets, including Miami Herald, Palm Beach Daily News, Palm Beach Post, NBC6 Miami
• Palm Beach County Restaurant Selection Announcement
• 20 Media Placements To Date
• 40.4M Impressions
• $1.3 Million Publicity Value
• National Outlets, including Conde Nast Traveler, Yahoo!
• Local Coverage: WPTV, WPBF, South Florida Business Journal, Palm Beach Post, Sun Sentinel
• 520 Attendees
• 22 customers
• 1 County Commissioner
• $250,000 raised for PCMA Foundation
• 7 Palm Beach County Partners
• Local Thought Leaders Amanda Perna
• Cultural Council Partnership
• 5 New Leads representing over 6,000 room nights