CITY OF MOBILE RFP 2016-007 Request for Partner Proposals for RIVERSIDE ICE 2016-2017 Season The City ( City ) of Mobile is seeking financial and in-kind proposals to be sponsor Partners for the City s Riverside Ice experience to be held in Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, Alabama, from November 19, 2016 through January 8, 2017. POC: Ms. Michon Trent, (251) 208-7816 Question and Answer Deadline: 2:30 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2016 Submit Questions to: purchasing@cityofmobile.org Partner Proposals Due: 2:30 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2016 Submit Proposals to: Mailing address City of Mobile Procurement Department PO Box 1827 Mobile, AL 36633 Delivery: City of Mobile Procurement Department 205 Government Street 4 th Floor South Tower Mobile, AL 36644 Partner Notifications: NLT Wednesday, September 22, 2016 Partner Financial Contributions Due: NLT Friday, September 30, 2016 Overview The City of Mobile will set up and operate a public ice skating rink in Cooper Riverside Park on the Mobile River from November 19, 2016 through January 8, 2017. The skating venue, called Riverside Ice, debuted last winter to rave review. The City is inviting public proposals to become Partners of Riverside Ice through financial or in-kind sponsorship in exchange for Partner recognition and participation benefits. This Partnership program will allow for positive public association for Mobile businesses and patrons with an exciting City downtown venue, promote a high-quality experience for Riverside Ice visitors, and reflect effective stewardship of public resources. The City will use the funds generated by sponsorships to promote the Riverside Ice experience, to offset the costs of providing a world-class waterfront winter venue, and to improve the City s capacity to provide exceptional park experiences and facilities for its citizens and visitors.
City of Mobile Request for Partner Proposals 2016-007 About Riverside Ice Riverside Ice will be the premier location for outdoor ice skating among the vibrant lights and popular shopping destinations in downtown Mobile. Riverside Ice will kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 19, 2016 with a lineup of jubilant and festive activities for all ages. The ice rink will remain open through Monday, January 8, 2017. Last year s skating season drew nearly 14,000 ice-skaters and thousands more spectators, to the park. This year s season is anticipated to attract even more skaters and spectators. The venue facilities will be upgraded to greatly improve the skating experience in all weather conditions. Favorable reviews from last year s inaugural season will place the experience on the seasonal attraction stage for the southeast United States. The beginning of Carnival cruise line service at the nearby Mobile Cruise Terminal in early November will further draw attention and visitors to the venue. Partners will benefit from exceptional positive exposure by being affiliated with Riverside Ice this season. In addition, a multi-faceted marketing program running November through early January will provide even more valuable exposure for sponsors. Sponsors will enjoy a wide array of additional benefits such as on-sight announcements / acknowledgements, signage, private party opportunities, complimentary tickets, and more. The rink will be open 7 days a week for approximately 8 weeks. The hours may fluctuate to accommodate weather, holidays, and school schedules. Admission for skating is $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under, which includes the cost of skate rental. Skaters will receive a wristband, good for all day. Groups of ten or more skate for reduced rates. There is no charge to visit the park or view the skating. Food vending will be offered in the park near the skating area. The City is soliciting proposals for vending operations on-site, or for partners to carry City of Mobile and Riverside Ice-themed gifts and apparel for sale. Please contact the City for proposal information. Scope of Sponsorship Opportunities The City of Mobile will accept sponsorship proposals from individuals and entities to participate as a Partner in Riverside Ice ( Event ). The City has set Partner benefit levels associated with specific Partner sponsor amounts in Exhibit A. The City will award Partnerships to respondents that submit proposals that, in the City s sole discretion, best benefit Riverside Ice and the City of Mobile. Primary consideration will be given to highest revenue to the City and any other factors that add value to the community through this partnership. Note that only one Title Partner will be awarded. Page 2 of 6 2015 Riverside Ice Logo
City of Mobile Request for Partner Proposals 2016-007 One of the primary benefits for Partners will be visibility of a Partner name, logo, brand, or message. All Partner messages must complement the family-friendly and seasonal theme of the venue. They must be in good taste, appropriate for family viewing, and attractively packaged. Sponsor themes, products, messages, or images that conflict with the venue theme will not be approved. Appropriateness of proposer materials will be the sole discretion of the City of Mobile. Proposal Submission Process Proposers must complete the attached Exhibit B and submit to the City at the above address by the time and date specified. Partners will be notified of their selection by September 22, 2016. Payments must be received by the City not later than September 30, 2016 for Partners to receive Benefits described in Exhibit A. Offers for in-kind goods or services will be evaluated for value to the City. Timing for delivery of in-kind goods or services will be negotiated separately. Additional Information Notwithstanding any other statements herein, the City makes no warranty of venue size, duration, or quality of sponsor Benefits. All Partner contributions received by the City are non-refundable; provided, however, that in the event that Riverside Ice is completely canceled, all Partner contributions will be returned NLT January 1, 2017. Partner benefits are as stated in Exhibit A. The City will make best efforts to honor benefits as described. Questions regarding benefits must be addressed prior to Proposal Question and Answer deadline. Once donation is received by the City, the Partner agrees delivery of the Benefits is at the sole discretion of the City. Page 3 of 6
Exhibit A: Riverside Ice Partner Fees and Packages Partner Opportunities One Title Partner $25,000 Gold $10,000 Silver $5,000 Bronze $3,000 Snowflake $1,000 Media Partners Event Positioning Company recognized in all marketing, ads, promotion, & PR for event. Opening Day Free Skate Private Party No rink rental charge for 2 hour party. Admission Discount Half price for employees. Large Banner Large banner prominently displayed at rink. Print Promotions Inclusion in all print ads. Dasher Board Banner Company banner in rink. Online media inclusion Logo on social media/website Complimentary Tickets 150 75 40 30 20 Negotiable Benefit Descriptions Event positioning: The City will be actively promoting Riverside Ice in news releases, social media, web marketing, interviews, and during special events. Title Partners will be prominently mentioned, and representatives from Title Partners will share in event visibility with City leadership.
City of Mobile Request for Partner Proposals 2016-007 Opening Day Free Skate: Opening day generates the most excitement for the rink, and we will host only a limited number of skaters. Title Partners will be able to have employees and guests enjoy the excitement of opening day and skate for free. Private Party: Exclusive use of the rink. Partners have scheduling priority over other groups seeking to rent the rink. What a great way for your team to celebrate the season! Admission Discount: Your employees will enjoy this opportunity to be a part of this unique seasonal event at a discounted rate. Large Banner: In addition to dasher board banners on the inside or outside of the rink, the City will work with you to design and stage a standalone banner at the rink site. Print Promotions: The City will buy advertising in the Press Register, Lagniappe, and The Call News Dasher Board Banner: See your ad right where everyone is looking. Your 30 x 80 will line the rink. Sample below from 2015. Dasher Boards from 2015-2016 Riverside Ice Web Page showing sponsors Online Media Inclusion: The Riverside Ice website is a great place to learn about the rink. Scrolling banners on the page highlight our Partners! Complimentary Tickets: The best way to reward your employees, families, customers and friends! A unique gift that s sure to be remembered, and shows your support for our great city! Page 5 of 6
Exhibit B City of Mobile Partnership Proposal Form RFP 2016-007: I, identified below as the Partner Entity, have read and agree to the requirements, terms, and conditions of this City of Mobile Partnership Proposal solicitation. Partner Entity/Company Address: Partner Opportunity Requested: $: I have the following additional contributions:(i.e. printing services, equipment, or supplies, etc.): Logo Submittal: Please attach a digital copy, in PDF or JPEG format, of the logo/message you wish to be displayed at the event, if applicable. Payment: Sponsoring entity agrees to submit a check written to the City of Mobile no later than September 30 st, 2016. The representative(s) identified below have the authority to act for the Sponsoring Entity, and as such, have the authority to bind the Sponsoring Entity, identified above, and will be the direct contact(s) for implementing this partnership. Hand-written name of Representative Title Signature of Representative Date