Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board

CITY OF DENISON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ADVISORY BOARD MEETING AGENDA Monday, August 10, 2026 After determining that a quorum is present, the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board of the City of Denison, Texas will convene in a Regular Meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 W. Main Street, Denison, Texas, at which the following items will be considered: 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS Citizens may speak on action items listed on the Agenda. A “Request to Speak Card” should be completed and returned to the Board Secretary upon arrival, prior to the Board reaching the Public Comment section of the agenda. Citizen comments are limited to three (3) minutes, unless otherwise required by law. 3. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION A. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and take action on approving the Minutes of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting of July 13, 2026. B. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and take action on approving the Post-Project Report provided by the Perrin Air Force Base Museum. C. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and take action on the Denison CVB Tourism Grant 2026 Cycle Three submission by the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce. D. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and take action on the 2026 Discover Denison Visitors Guide. E. Receive a report and hold a discussion regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 24 - Taxation, Article III. Hotel Occupancy Tax of the City's Code of Ordinances. Page 1 of 31 4. DIRECTOR'S REPORT A. Tourism B. Main Street C. Parks and Recreation D. Denison Area Chamber of Commerce E. Downtown Denison, Inc. F. Denison Arts Council G. Lake Texoma Association H. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site I. Perrin Air Force Base Museum 5. ADJOURNMENT CERTIFICATION I do hereby certify that a copy of this Notice of Meeting was posted on the front window of City Hall readily accessible to the general public at all times, and posted on the City of Denison website on the 3rd day of August 2026. ______________________________ Karen L. Avery, Deputy City Clerk In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Denison will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending City Council meeting. To better serve you, requests should be received 48 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 903-465-2720, Ext: 2437. Page 2 of 31  CITY OF DENISON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 13, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Zac Duce called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. Board Members present were Cindy Salem, Brandi Burkhalter, Kat Pickens, Amanda Lanum, and Aimee Atkinson- Dennis. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Duce called for any public comments at this time. Jordan Starr, Tourism Manager, confirmed there were no Request to Speak Cards received by this point in the meeting. Therefore, no public comments were received. 3. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION A. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and take action on approving the Minutes of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Meeting of June 8, 2026. Board Action On motion by Board Member Pickens, seconded by Board Member Salem, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Advisory Board approved the Minutes as presented. B. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and take action on the Denison CVB Tourism Grant 2026 Cycle Two submission by the Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club. Board Action Shelly Minnis presented the Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club's Tourism Grant application for the 2026 Cycle Two funding round. Mrs. Minnis explained that the requested funding would support expanded marketing efforts for the club's annual event, including professional advertising, social media promotion, printed marketing materials, promotional T-shirts, and outreach designed to increase attendance and overnight visitation. She noted Page 3 of 31 July 13, 2026 Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting MINUTES Page |2 that club members travel from across the United States to attend the event and that they frequently wear the event T-shirts at other competitions throughout the year, providing ongoing exposure for both the event and the City of Denison. Mrs. Minnis also discussed plans to expand the event by offering additional activities, including Fit Dog and Farm Dog competitions, and shared that the event will be featured in the Texoma City Lifestyle magazine. She stated that promotional materials and T-shirts would be printed locally in Denison and would prominently feature the Discover Denison logo. Chairman Duce asked whether this would be the third year of the event or the third year the organization had applied for Tourism Grant funding. Mrs. Minnis responded that it is both the third year of the event and the third year the Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club has applied for CVB Tourism Grant funding. She noted that participation has remained consistent at approximately 300 attendees each year, while hotel room usage has increased from approximately 25 room nights in 2024 to approximately 35 room nights in 2025, based on reports received from local hotels. She stated that the club hopes expanded marketing efforts will continue to increase overnight visitation in future years. Chairman Duce asked for clarification regarding the $715.00 T-shirt expense included in the application budget. Mrs. Minnis explained that the shirts serve as long-term promotional items and are worn by participants at dog shows and events nationwide, extending the reach of Discover Denison's branding. Board members expressed support for the promotional value of the shirts. Board Member Salem noted that the event will take place the same weekend as Dia de los Muertos and suggested opportunities for cross-promotion through directional signage and coordinated media coverage to encourage visitors to attend both events. Mrs. Minnis agreed that collaborative marketing efforts would benefit both events and shared that advertising for the event is scheduled to begin September 1, 2026. On motion by Board Member Salem, seconded by Board Member Lanum, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Advisory Board approved the Denison CVB Tourism Grant 2026 Cycle Two submission by the Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club in the amount of $2,499.80. C. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and take action on establishing the Discover Denison Attractions Committee and appointing a Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board member to serve as Committee Chair. Board Action Tourism Manager Jordan Starr presented a proposal to establish the Discover Denison Attractions Committee. Mrs. Starr explained that the committee would provide a collaborative forum for tourism partners, including museums, hoteliers, entertainment venues, attractions, and other tourism stakeholders, to meet regularly to discuss upcoming events, cross-promotional opportunities, tourism initiatives, and ways to better support one another. Mrs. Starr stated that the committee would also provide Tourism staff with greater insight into the needs of local attractions and improve communication between tourism Page 4 of 31 July 13, 2026 Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting MINUTES Page |3 partners outside of regular CVB Board meetings. She indicated the goal would be to begin committee meetings in fall 2026 in advance of the holiday tourism season. Board members discussed the committee structure, meeting frequency, and timing of appointments. It was noted that several current Board members' terms expire at the end of the year, but the Board determined there was no need to delay appointing a committee chair. Board Member Kat Pickens volunteered to serve as Committee Chair. On motion by Board Member Salem, seconded by Board Member Lanum, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Advisory Board approved the establishment of the Discover Denison Attractions Committee and appointed Board Member Pickens to serve as Committee Chair. 4. DIRECTOR’S REPORTS A. Tourism Tourism Manager Jordan Starr provided updates on several ongoing tourism initiatives. Mrs. Starr reported that City of Denison staff are working to improve the collection process for Hotel Occupancy Taxes from short-term rental properties. Meetings have been scheduled with Airbnb and VRBO to discuss having the platforms collect and remit taxes directly on behalf of property owners. She noted that implementation will likely require City Council approval of an ordinance authorizing the platforms to collect and remit taxes within the city limits. Mrs. Starr also shared that Discover Denison has applied for Airbnb's City Portal, which would provide tourism data such as booking trends, occupancy patterns, seasonal demand, and visitor insights. Tourism Manager Starr also introduced a proposed Tourism Incentive designed to complement the existing Tourism Grant Program. Under the proposal, event organizers who generate a minimum of 25 hotel room nights in Denison would receive a reimbursement of $5 per room night booked. She explained that similar programs have been successfully implemented in neighboring destinations to encourage overnight visitation. Mrs. Starr noted that the incentive would encourage event organizers and tournament providers to place a greater emphasis on marketing their events to overnight visitors while working more closely with Denison hotels to accurately track room nights associated with specific events and submit the necessary documentation for reimbursement. During discussion, Board Member Salem expressed concern that the proposed $5 reimbursement may represent a significant portion of the City's 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue and questioned whether the reimbursement amount should be reduced. She also noted that collecting and tracking the required hotel room data could create additional administrative work for event organizers. Board members asked whether overnight stays in short-term rentals would qualify toward the incentive. Mrs. Starr responded that, at this time, only hotel room nights within the City of Denison would be eligible for reimbursement. Tourism Manager Starr announced that the new Discover Denison website is scheduled to launch on July 22, 2026, and encouraged Board members to review the site and provide feedback during the 30-day punch list period. She further advised that City Council has requested a formal update regarding proposed website Page 5 of 31 July 13, 2026 Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting MINUTES Page |4 advertising opportunities before authorizing implementation. At this time, chain businesses will not be included on the Discover Denison website or in the Visitor Guide. An update was also provided on the 2026 Discover Denison Visitor Guide. Mrs. Starr reported that revisions are nearing completion and that an updated draft will be presented to the Board at its next meeting. Mrs. Starr concluded her report by announcing plans for Discover Denison's first Familiarization (FAM) Tour during the T.V. Munson Wine Walk weekend. Travel writers and influencers will be hosted in Denison in exchange for creating articles, blogs, and social media content highlighting the community. Planned experiences include Ironroot Republic Distillery, a Lake Texoma sunset dinner cruise, the T.V. Munson Wine Walk and French Market, local dining, a private tour of Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, and overnight accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn. Mrs. Starr also reminded Board members that applications for Board appointments will open October 1 and discussed upcoming vacancies and reappointments for terms beginning in January 2027. Board members discussed recruitment priorities for the Chamber of Commerce, sports tourism, Lake Texoma Association, and at-large positions. B. Main Street Main Street Director Donna Dow reported that three weeks remain in the Music on Main concert series and noted that the most recent concert had the highest attendance of the season. She announced that Texoma FC won their division and praised the downtown community for supporting the organization. Mrs. Dow announced that the Rhythm & Rails concert, in partnership with Discover Denison, will be relocated from Heritage Park to the parking lot across from the Depot District due to ongoing construction. The event will utilize the train mural as its backdrop, and attendees are not expected to experience any disruption. She also noted that the Fall Fest entertainment will likely be relocated for the same reason. Construction at Heritage Park remains on schedule, with substantial completion anticipated in mid-October, weather permitting. Streets and alleys are expected to reopen before Heritage Park is fully completed. Mrs. Dow reminded Board members that planning for the 2027 community events calendar will begin in August and noted that Yellow Jacket Tailgating events will soon begin in partnership with Parks and Recreation. C. Parks and Recreation Recreation Manager Andrew Means reported that most youth sports leagues have concluded for the season. Denison Youth Sports' 11U All-Star baseball team qualified for the Dixie Baseball World Series in Alabama. Mr. Means stated that the upcoming weekend will conclude the summer tournament season before activities resume in September due to extreme temperatures. He provided updates on National Parks and Recreation Month activities, including the citywide scavenger hunt and weekly Chamber Cash prizes to the scavenger hunt winners, as well as the upcoming Popsicles in the Park event. Mr. Means also reported that Yellow Jacket Tailgating will begin August 28 with the Battle of the Axe Page 6 of 31 July 13, 2026 Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting MINUTES Page |5 football game and continue throughout the home football season. Planning is underway for the 11th season of Denison on Ice, which opens November 21 and will conclude January 3rd, 2027. Sponsorship opportunities are now available. D. Denison Area Chamber of Commerce No report was provided. E. Denison Arts Council Board Member Cindy Salem reported that the Arts Council successfully relocated into its new facility and will host a ribbon cutting on July 28. The organization will also host an open house on August 1 to coincide with the opening of the "Small on the Wall" exhibit. Mrs. Salem provided an update on the heART of Denison community art project, noting that more than 110 canvases have been distributed and will be displayed throughout the building. She stated that the gallery will remain the organization's primary focus while local programming and classes are developed following Labor Day. Planning is also underway for Dia de los Muertos on November 7th, with sponsorship solicitation and advertising efforts beginning soon. Mrs. Salem noted that the event is already listed on several promotional platforms and that both English and Spanish versions of the Arts Council's website continue to support outreach to a broader audience. Mrs. Salem shared that the Arts Council invested approximately $13,000 in a comprehensive electronic advertising campaign for last year's event, which included cable television, YouTube, and other digital marketing platforms. She explained that future advertising efforts will depend on available hotel occupancy tax revenue and grant funding, but the organization plans to evaluate the results of last year's campaign and continue investing in promotional opportunities that increase attendance and tourism. F. Downtown Denison, Inc. No representative was present to provide an update. G. Lake Texoma Association No representative was present to provide an update. H. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site No update provided. I. Perrin Air Force Base Museum No representative was present to provide an update. Page 7 of 31 July 13, 2026 Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting MINUTES Page |6 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. ______________________________ ____________________________ Zac Duce, Chairman Cindy Salem, Vice Chairman ______________________________ Jordan Starr, Tourism Manager Page 8 of 31 Page 9 of 31 Page 10 of 31 Page 11 of 31 Page 12 of 31 Page 13 of 31 Page 14 of 31 Page 15 of 31 Page 16 of 31 Page 17 of 31 Page 18 of 31 DENISON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU TOURISM GRANT APPLICATIONS 2026 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT TOURISM MANAGER | JORDAN STARR 321 W. MAIN STREET | DENISON, TX 75020 (903) 647-7976 | JSTARR@DENISONTX.GOV Page 19 of 31  HOT FUNDING APPLICATION OVERVIEW What is a HOT grant? By ordinance, the City of Denison approves a local hotel occupancy tax with portions of the fund to be dedicated to support convention and tourism centers, promotional and tourist advertising of the City, promotion of the arts, historical preservation and program support for events and activities that attract tourists to the City of Denison. Who is eligible for a grant? Grants from the Denison CVB are intended to provide financial support for initiatives, activities, and events that promote the City of Denison for the purpose of attracting visitors to the City. Grants are broken down into three categories: 1) Events 2) Conventions 3) Historic Preservation What can the funds be used for? Grant funds must be used to promote tourism and attract visitors to Denison. Eligible uses include marketing, advertising, outreach, and promotional activities for events and conventions or historic preservation projects that draw tourists from outside the local area. What can funds NOT be used for? Items ineligible/not covered by grant funds are any items that only ticketholders/attendees receive after arriving, items needed when purchasing admission to the event, or items for use at the event/project. Who decides if I receive the grant? Grant applications are reviewed and approved by the Denison CVB Board of Directors. Grant applications and reports are divided into three separate applications. Please choose the category that best fits your HOT request. Events: pages 4-21 Conventions: pages 22-38 Historic Preservation: pages 39-49 Advertising & Promotion: pages 50-60 CVB BOARD CYCLE APPLICATION OPEN APPLICATION DEADLINE DECISION SPRING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026 MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026 MARCH 2026 SUMMER MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026 JUNE 2026 SEPTEMBER FALL MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 2026 NOVEMBER WINTER MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026 2026 NOTE: EVENT APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 60 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT DATE PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO: TOURISM MANAGER | JORDAN STARR 321 W. MAIN STREET | DENISON, TX 75020 (903) 647-7976 | JSTARR@DENISONTX.GOV Page 20 of2 31  APPLICATIONS FOR TOURISM GRANTS 2026 Which category or categories apply to your funding request, and amount request under each category: Convention Center: construction, improvement, equipping, repairing, operation, and maintenance of convention center facilities or visitor information centers, or both. Amount requested under this category:____________________________________ Registration of Convention Delegates: furnishing of facilities, personnel, and materials for the registration of convention delegates or registrants. Amount requested under this category:_______________________________ ✔ Advertising, Solicitations, Promotional programs to attract tourists and/or convention delegates or registrants to the municipality or its vicinity. Amount requested under this category: _____________________________________ $5,000 Promotion of the Arts that Directly Enhance Tourism and the Hotel & Convention Industry: the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of the arts that can be shown to have some direct impact on tourism and the hotel/convention industry. The impact may be that the art facility or event can show hotel nights that are booked due to their events or that guests at hotels attend the arts event. Eligible forms of art include instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, motion picture, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of these major art forms. Amount requested under this category: _____________________________________ Historical restoration and preservation projects or activities or advertising and conducting solicitation and promotional programs to encourage tourists and convention delegates to visit preserved historic sites or museums that are likely to attract tourists and hotel guests. Amount requested under this category: _____________________________________ Funding certain expenses, including promotional expenses, directly related to a sporting event within counties with a population of under 1million. Amount requested under this category: _____________________________________ Funding transportation systems for transporting tourists from hotels to and near the city to any of the following destinations: 1) the commercial center of the city; 2) a convention center in the city; 3) other hotels in or near the city; and 4) tourist attractions in or near the city. Amount requested under this category: _____________________________________ Signage directing tourists to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the municipality. Amount requested under this category: _____________________________________ Page 21 of3 31  EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST FOR TOURISM GRANT 2026 EVENT APPLICATION Page 22 of431  TOURISM GRANT | EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST 2026 6/12/2026 Date of Application: ________________________ Diana Theall Name of Applicant: ________________________________________ 39th Fall Festival Event Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, October 3, 2026 Event Date(s) & Day(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: EVENT APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 60 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT DATE Main Street 200-800 Blocks plus side streets Event Location(s):___________________________________________________________________________________________ 9am-4pm Times Open To The Public: _________________________________________________________________________________ To bring shoppers and visitors to Downtown Denison Reason For Event: __________________________________________________________________________________________ denisontexas.us/fallfestival Event Website: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Denison Area Chamber of Commerce Name of Event Organization:_______________________________________________________________________________ 313 W. Woodard Street Address of Event Organization:_____________________________________________________________________________ ✔ Non-Profit Organization: _________Yes__________No Promote and serve as an advocate for our businesses and community Mission of Organization: __________________________________________________________________________________ Promote and serve as an advocate for our businesses and community _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Tax ID #: _ _________________ 1912 Organization Creation Date:______________________________ Chelsey Cook Event Coordinator Contact Name & Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 313 w. woodard Street 9034651551 Phone: ___________________________________ ccook@denisontexas.us Email:______________________________________________________ ✔ Will your event be within Denison City limits? _________________Yes _______________No If not, why? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ✔ Will any City of Denison Resources be required? _________________Yes ________________No (i.e., road closures, staffing...etc) If yes, have you completed the Special Event Permit Application? ______________Yes ✔ _____________No If yes, date completed: ___________________________ EVENT APPLICATION Page 23 of531  TOURISM GRANT | EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST 2026 5,000 Amount of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds requested: _________________________________ 50 Number of local hotel rooms anticipated for this event: ___________________________________ It is required that you will include a link to Discover Denison on your promotional handouts and in your website for booking hotel nights during this event. Please initial to acknowledge:______________ Yes Hotel rooms must be secured in Denison in order to receive HOT funding. Room blocks made outside of Denison will jeopardize funding. Please contact Jordan Starr at jstarr@denisontx.gov for assistance with booking. Event coordinator is responsible for checking conflicting dates and hotel availability prior to submitting application. Detailed description of event: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Now in it's 39th year the Fall Festival is largest event in Denison each _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ year draw crowds from all over North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ With record numbers of attendees up to 40K, this event is one of the _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ most impactful for our downtown businesses and our sales tax. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe specifically how the funds will be used: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Advertising on radio, tv and online to get vendors and visitors to _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ attend. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ✔ If this request for funding is denied, will the event/program continue? ______________ Yes _____________ No Detailed plan of how room nights will be tracked: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact hotels after the event. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EVENT APPLICATION Page 24 of631  TOURISM GRANT | EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST 2026 Has the Organization previously received HOT Funding from the City of Denison? ✔ ______________ Yes _______________ No If Yes, what year(s) and for what purpose? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2024 and 2025 for Fall Fest _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Has this event been held previously? ________________ ✔ Yes _________________ No If Yes, please complete the following: Date(s) Location # of Participants, How # of Hotel How Held Spectators, Verified? Rooms Verified? Visitors Booked EVENT APPLICATION Page 25 of7 31  TOURISM GRANT | EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST 2026 Will this be a ticketed event? ____________________Yes ✔ ___________________No Price of ticket / admission / entry fee (Differ between adults, children, seniors, military, etc.): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Description of participants / teams (geographic or qualifying information, by invitation only, etc.): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please describe how this event/program will increase tourism or have an economic impact on the City of Denison? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Being the largest event in Denison, it attracts crowds over 35K up to 40K _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ These visitors shop in our stores, eat at our establishments and many stay for the entire weekend to enjoy all Denison has to offer. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This increases our sales tax and gives businesses a huge boost to their profits. How will this event/program generate overnight stays in Denison lodging? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Many of our vendors come in the night before as setup starts at 6 am. Since the event ends at 4 PM, many visitors stay overnight _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Many of our vendors come in the night before as setup starts at 6 am. Since the event ends at 4 PM, many visitors stay overnight _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Many of our vendors come in the night before as setup starts at 6 am. Since the event ends at 4 PM, m How much Hotel Occupancy Tax is projected to be generated in Denison by this event/program? # of Rooms: ______________ X # of Nights: _______________ X room rate $__________________ X tax $0.07 = $_____________________ How many day visitors (not requiring lodging) do you expect? 30K+ _________________________________ What is the estimated number of attendees? 40K _________________________________ Geographical reach of attendees (check one) Primarily local attendees ______________ Primarily out-of-town attendees ____________ Balanced ✔ _______________ ✔ Do you have other sponsors? _______________Yes _______________No If yes, please list their names: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st United, Sparklight, Vexus, Blue Peak, Simmons, 1st State Bank and many others. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EVENT APPLICATION Page 26 of831  TOURISM GRANT | EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST 2026 What is your plan to market and promote the event or project and attract visitors to Denison, outside of the use of the HOT funds? (i.e., social media, other advertising) We utilize FB and Instagram _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Being this is our 39th year the event is highlly anticipated every year _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ some tell us they have been coming since they were very young. We _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ promote heavily on our FB, with 11K followers, on IG and in our _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ digital newsletter that goes out every week. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What marketing initiatives will you utilize to promote hotel and convention activity for this event? Radio, TV and Print _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What geographic areas does your advertising and promotion reach? Southern Oklahoma and North Texas into the DFW metro, west to Denton _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ It is required that you will include the approved Discover Denison logo on your promotional handouts and on your website as a sponsor for this event. Please submit samples of your promotional handouts in your Post- Event Report. Please initial to acknowledge:_______________________ yes Failure to do so will jeopardize funding EVENT APPLICATION Page 27 of931  TOURISM GRANT | EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST 2026 Venue: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Meeting Space (check one or both): ________________ Held in Hotel _______________ Outside of a Hotel Overnight Visitors #____________________________ Day Visitors Only #_____________________________ Room Block Room Rate ($) ____________________________ Room Block (qty) _______________________ Overnight Airline Travelers # ______________________________ Will you be needing any of the following? (check all that apply) Area Maps & Visitor Guides_____________ Quantity______________ Coupons to local businesses_____________ Quantity_____________ Swag Bags_____________ Quantity______________ For events that will have live music Residence of Artists Local performers/artists _____________% Out-of-town performers/artists_____________% EVENT APPLICATION 1031 Page 28 of  TOURISM GRANT | EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST 2026 BUDGET FOR PROPOSED EVENT/PROGRAM EXPENSES Space Rental: _______________________ Notes: Food & Beverage: _______________________ Audio/Visual: _______________________ Internet: _______________________ Security: _______________________ Staff Costs: _______________________ Entertainment: _______________________ Lodging: _______________________ Other: _______________________ _________________________ _________________________ ADVERTISING Newspaper: 500 _______________________ Radio: 1500 _______________________ TV: 3000 _______________________ Other Paid Advertising: _______________________ Social Media Costs: _______________________ Direct Mailings: _______________________ Press Releases/Media Alerts: _______________________ Total Advertising Costs: 5000 __________________________ OTHER EXPENSES NOT LISTED ABOVE: Staff time, printing posters, banners for downtown, generators if needed, golf carts for setup, ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ shade tents, tables and chair for heritage park ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Total Anticipated Expenses: 10,000 _________________________ EVENT APPLICATION 1131 Page 29 of  REVENUES Cash Incentives: ______________________ Donations: ______________________ In-Kind Services: ______________________ Discover Denison Funding: ______________________ Sponsorships: ______________________ Ticket Sales: ______________________ Other: ______________________ ________________________ ________________________ Total Anticipated Revenues: _________________________ A Post-Event/Program Report is required to be submitted within 60 days of completion of the event/program. The completed form may be emailed to jstarr@denisontx.gov or delivered to the Discover Denison Visitor Center, at 321 W. Main Street, Denison, TX 75020. Failure to submit a Post-Event/Program report could affect future funding recommendations for HOT funds. It is required that you will include financial statements, receipts of expenditures, and receipts of revenues with your Post-Event Report. Please initial to acknowledge:_______________________ Failure to do so will jeopardize funding. I understand the Texas State limitations placed on use of Hotel Occupancy Tax funds, and certify that the requested funds will be used only for purposes described in this application or as approved by the City. I understand the use of HOT funds is subject to audit. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature HOT Fund Recipient ______________________________________________ 07/07/2026 ______________________________________________ Printed Name of HOT Fund Recipient Date EVENT APPLICATION 1231 Page 30 of  LETTER OF AGREEMENT A fund has been established to bring new events to Denison that specifically attracts out of town visitors, generating additional economic impact into the city. The application must be submitted to the Tourism Manager for Discover Denison by the seasonal deadline in order to be considered for the HOT funds. The CVB Advisory Board will have final approval. Events, Tournaments and Conventions will be evaluated based on projected hotel room night revenue Unless otherwise negotiated, sponsorship amount is calculated by Room Nights x Room Rate x 3.5% = Total Eligible Sponsorship Every effort must be made to show preference to Denison Hotels and only Denison hotel room pickups will be used to calculate final sponsorship amount Group will select Host Hotel. Once host hotel is full, overflow hotels may be added to event website Participating hotels will work with Group to provide hotel booking numbers prior and following the event Applicant is responsible for balance of amounts due Discover Denison must be listed as a sponsor For consideration, please submit the following that apply: Completed RFP Completed HOT Funding Application Current W-9 for payment Invoices and/or quotes that match the expenses and amounts requested for funding. Required documents Any additional information which allow for better understanding of the scope of the event Signed Grant Letter of Agreement Copy of IRS determination letter as to 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status List of current Board of Directors and Officers IRS Form 990 07/07/2026 Applicant Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ________________ To submit an application or inquire about event funding, please contact: TOURISM MANAGER | JORDAN STARR 321 W. MAIN STREET | DENISON, TX 75020 (903) 647-7976 | JSTARR@DENISONTX.GOV Are you comfortable presenting your application to the CVB Board? _______ Yes ✔ _________No EVENT APPLICATION 1331 Page 31 of