How Can Lodgings Tax Funds be used?

All proceeds from the lodgings tax are to be used for tourism marketing projects in Pettis County. Applications are accepted for Destination Marketing Campaigns and Administration of the Designated Marketing Organization (DMO).

Destination Marketing Campaigns – Marketing funds are available for the creation, production, distribution, broadcasting, fullfillment, and tracking of products designed to market tourism in the Sedalia area. Any product for which application is made for lodgings tax funds should be included in the applicants marketing plan. A marketing plan establishes goals, identifies needs, and develops strategies to meet those needs. It is in the strategies of the marketing plan that the types of marketing projects suitable to achieve the desired results are developed.

Destination Marketing Funding Categories

MISSOURI STATE FAIRGROUNDS OFF SEASON MARKETING

Target markets to include camping rallies, livestock association shows/sales, multi-day events, trade shows, etc. Eligible expenses include: media advertising, production and fulfillment (newspapers, trade publications, magazines, radio, television, internet); billboard rental and design; travel/trade show registration, specialty advertising materials distributed at trade shows, travel costs, shipping costs and booth acquisition; brochure design and printing; web page design, setup and maintenance;, video production; direct mail costs; customer retention activities, enticement for use of facilities; and any costs associated with research to determine the outcome of the project. Expenses which are not eligible for funding include: salaries, costs associated with “sponsorship” of trophies, banners, blankets, entertainment, etc. for events or activities held on Fairgrounds, equipment purchases or rentals, the value of “in kind” services, in-house costs, any items for resale, alcoholic beverages, or any costs associated with the annual Missouri State Fair event.

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU SEDALIA DESTINATION MARKETING

Target markets to include leisure travel, group tour, conference/meeting, and multi day events, festival, or competitions. Eligible expenses include: media advertising, production and fulfillment (newspapers, trade publications, magazines, radio, television, internet); billboard rental and design; travel/trade show registration, specialty advertising materials distributed at trade shows, travel costs, shipping costs and booth acquisition; brochure design, printing and distribution; web page design, setup and maintenance; video production; direct mail costs and toll-free telephone line to be used by CVB; customer retention activities, and any costs associated with research to determine the outcome of the project. Expenses which are not eligible for funding include: the value of “in kind” services or any items for resale.  The CVB request for funding will also include year round visitor attraction campaigns of eligible nonprofit entities.

MULTI DAY EVENTS

Target markets to include leisure travel, group tour, conference/meeting, multi day events, festivals, or competitions. Eligible expenses include: media advertising, production and fulfillment (newspapers, trade publications, magazines, radio, television, internet), billboard rental and design; travel/trade show registration, travel costs, shipping costs and booth acquisition; brochure design, printing and distribution; web page design, setup and maintenance; video production; direct mail costs; specialty advertising materials, and any costs associated with research to determine the outcome of the project. Expenses which are not eligible for funding include: salaries, retail merchandise, costs associated with “sponsorship” of trophies, banners, blankets, entertainment, etc. for events or activities held in the Sedalia area, equipment purchases or rentals, the value of “in kind” services, in-house costs, any items for resale, or alcoholic beverages.

TOURISM PARTNER COLLABORATIONS

Projects that represent a collaborative partnership between Sedalia’s events and attractions are encouraged.

Tourism partners may unite to submit an application designed to hit target audiences of mutual interest promoting a concept of ‘come for this particular event or attraction – and stay longer for this particular event or attraction.’ Such campaigns would be considered extended stay destination campaigns and would compliment the CVB Sedalia Destination Marketing Campaign.

Administration - Administration funds are available to offset direct expenses associated with operation of the Sedalia Area Tourism Commission and the Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau as the designated marketing organization. Eligible expenses include: management, office space, postage, telephone, printing, photocopying, bank charges, CPA/accounting fees, audit/collection fees, legal counsel, insurance, office equipment and supplies, etc.