Minutes - 10/14/2021 - Hotel Convention and Visitors Committee MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 14, 2021 MEETING
OF THE OAK BROOK HOTEL, CONVENTION AND
VILLAGE OF VISITORS COMMITTEE OF THE VILLAGE OF
OAK B RpK OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON APRIL
�� 28,2022
CALL TO ORDER
The October 14, 2021 meeting of the Hotel, Convention and Visitors Committee was called to
order in the Upper Level Conference Room of the Butler Government Center at 10:05am by
Committee Chairperson Lee Hoener.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Iftikharu Abbasy; Melanie Bradshaw, Residence Inn; Robert Brand, Hyatt Lodge
(via phone); Lee Hoener, The Drake; Dick Turner, LeMeridien and Tarique Junejo
ABSENT: Kathy Dwyer, Marriott; Tim Geiges, Oakbrook Center; Nicole Patterson, Hyatt
House; Brian Gilmore, Doubletree; David Carlin, OB Chamber
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Connie Reid, Executive Assistant; Jason Paprocki, Finance
Director; Michael Manzo, Village Trustee; Rob Grusin, Point B; Stephanie Fallara, Point B and
John Novak, Point B
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 9, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the September 9, 2021 minutes made by Mike Manzo seconded by Melanie
Bradshaw. All in favor, no one opposed. Minutes approved.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ratification of Release of Funds to the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau 2021 Third
Quarter 25% of 1% of Hotel Tax Receipts - $19,558.48
Motion to approve the ratification of release of third 2021 funds to the DCVB made by Iftikharu
Abbasy, seconded by Lee Hoener. All in favor, no one opposed. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
2022 Meeting Schedule
There is a general consensus that the 2022 meeting dates as provided are fine.
2022 Recommendation/Presentation to Village Board
Rob Grusin of Point B starts by saying that they have put together a program based on a
$225,000 budget number. Stephanie Fallara shares that staycations are still trending and that
Point B is basing their platform on the recommendations made by the committee at the last
meeting. She goes on to say that group business and corporate travel are not rebounding in the
near future. Mr. Grusin explains that if any of these areas were to begin a comeback they would
easily be able to take dollars from other marketing areas to make sure that Oak Brook has a
presence. Stephanie Fallara goes on to say that weddings are booming, and not just the wedding
ceremony and reception, but events surrounding the wedding like bachelorette parties, showers, j
rehearsal dinners and other gatherings for family and friends. Lee Hoener asks what the results of j
the survey, regarding allocation of funds,from the last meeting were. Stephanie shares that 70%
leisure, 20% wedding and 10% commercial and group. Rob goes on to say that all of the money
is being put into media that is easily changed. John Novak shares information regarding
"banners" and pop ups and the increased click through rates on the new banner designs. He
continues by speaking about the videos that have been running on Facebook and Instagram, and
the success rate of those, and that they run without a premium. He goes on to share that the
television ads were run last summer in the Aurora and Naperville areas, and they did well, they
will continue that in 2022. The current video content being run is getting old and dated but there
isn't enough money in the budget this year to update that. Rob Grusin asks the hotels to provide
video and pictures that they can edit and use in advertising. He goes on to say that they will be
continuing their relationship with Kinship. John Novak begins a summary of their wedding
business targets and shares that they will be advertising in the city and north shore as well as the
typical suburban areas. He goes on to say that they will be running ads in Chicago Style
Weddings. Conversation ensues regarding the direction that Point B should go in and if the
properties are seeing any increase in business travel.
OTHER BUSINESS
DCVB Update
Beth Marchetti is not in attendance but did provide the STR Report to members.
Oak Brook Magazine—Jim Pehta
Jim Pehta, Scott Jonlich and Larry Atseff begin their presentation. Mr. Pehta gives an overview
of their desire to launch the new Oak Brook Magazine. Mr. Johnlich begins by passing out some
off the Hinsdale Magazines and explains that the Oak Brook Magazine will be distributed to Oak
Brook homes,businesses and hotel rooms quarterly. He touches upon the magazine content and
shares that local hotels and restaurants will receive$77,700 in advertising and editorial for a
payment of$40,000. He continues by explaining the cross over in content from the Oak Brook
Magazine to the Hinsdale and Downers Grove Magazines and shares that long time Oak Brook
journalist Chuck Fieldman will be joining their team. Trustee Manzo comments that he thinks
this is a great opportunity to not only promote the hotels and restaurants but to also promote Oak
Brook as a community. He believes that telling the story of Oak Brook would do well in print
instead of social media or digital. Mr. Johnlich then reiterates that they will print enough copies
to cover all of the single family homes, businesses and every hotel room in Oak Brook, totaling
about 6,500 per quarter. He also shares that the first edition will be in the mail in the first week
of December.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Lee Hoener seconded by Mike Manzo, no objections. Meeting
adjourned at 11:05am.
ATTEST:
Ll,rl
Connie Reid Date:
Executive Assistant
Village of Oak Brook