PORT OF SEATTLE
MEMORANDUM
COMMISSION AGENDA
Item No.
7b
BRIEFING Date of Meeting
Date of Meeting
August 9, 2011
DATE: August 1, 2011
TO: Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
FROM: Melinda Miller, Director, Portfolio Management
Patricia Spangler, Real Estate Manager
SUBJECT: Briefing on a Proposed New Comprehensive Conference and Event Centers Management
Agreement
SYNOPSIS:
The briefing will cover the planning and approach that staff proposes to take for a new management
agreement covering the Port’s Conference and Event Centers. The proposed new contract will include
all of the Seattle waterfront facilities presently being used for meetings and events. These are the Bell
Harbor International Conference Center (BHICC), Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal, World Trade Center
Seattle (WTCS), Smith Cove Event Center (part of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal) and the Maritime
Event Center (MEC). Collectively, these facilities are referred to as the “Conference and Event
Centers.” The agreements currently covering these premises all expire May 31, 2012. Port staff will
return in a few weeks to seek Commission authorization for the Chief Executive Officer to execute the
management agreement provided it complies with the term parameters outlined in this memo.
Bell Harbor International Conference Center was an integral piece of the Central Waterfront
Development Project. In the 1990s, the Port desired to maximize utilization of its central waterfront
assets that were no longer needed for the core mission of cargo movement and to leverage its unique role
by using patient capital to catalyze private development. This effort was driven by the Port’s primary
mission of using public resources to advance international trade and commerce, stimulate economic
development and to create public access to the waterfront.
The Port’s Conference and Event Centers generate substantial economic benefit for the Port, King
County and the region and are important to nearby Port tenants and neighboring businesses. Generating
$48,449,204 in gross revenues to the Port over the past five years, the facilities have contributed
between $1 million and $2.2 million, depending on the year, to the Real Estate Division’s Net
Operating Income. According to the 2009 Economic Impact report prepared by Martin Associates, 3,521
direct, indirect and induced jobs are associated with the Port’s properties along the waterfront, and these
businesses paid over $15.6 million in local and state taxes. While not all of this impact is directly
associated with the Conference and Event Centers, a significant part of the jobs and revenues are.
The Conference and Event Centers are valuable assets to the Port and their continued use for
conferences, meetings, and special events is the most effective use of the facilities to generate revenue
and provide permanent and part-time jobs year round. In addition, the events generate revenue to other
Port tenants and customers, such as the Bell Street Pier Garage, Starbucks, Anthonys, the Bell Street
COMMISSION AGENDA
T. Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2011
Page 2 of 7
Deli and other waterfront businesses including the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. They also provide
business opportunities and jobs for companies, both large and small, which are vendors for the events
and conferences held in our facilities.
FACILITIES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Bell Harbor International Conference Center (BHICC)
BHICC helped revitalize Seattle’s central waterfront after it opened in 1995 and continues to be a major
catalyst for bringing visitors to the waterfront today. After a nationwide competitive process the
Commission approved a management agreement with Columbia Hospitality, Inc (CHI) to manage the
day-to-day operations.
It aligns with the Port’s mission to promote international trade and business. Over the past ten years,
BHICC has hosted nearly one million attendees at its events. Luminaries such as President Obama,
former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen have
attended events. In addition, non-profit organizations such as Fare Start, Central District Forum for Art
and Ideas, and PATH continue to use the facility. BHICC has been recognized around the world and in
the local and regional markets as a premier conference facility.
Cruise Terminal Extension Premises
The contract approved by Commission in September 1995 included portions of the Bell Street Cruise
Terminal, including the International Promenade, Elliott Hall, VIP room, and the Pier 66 apron, as
“Extension Premises” that could be used from time-to-time so long as the use did not interfere with
cruise operations. These Extension Premises are integral to maximizing use of the space during periods
of non-cruise operations, providing additional area for conferences and events, and generating additional
revenue to the Port.
World Trade Center Seattle (WTC Seattle)
The World Trade Center Seattle is located within the World Trade Center West Building, a multi-use
facility consisting of office, retail, and a parking garage. In operation since 1998, it serves as a dynamic
venue for international trade and business development opportunities and provides office, meeting,
dining room, and event space.
COMMISSION AGENDA
T. Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2011
Page 3 of 7
Maritime Event Center (MEC)
The Maritime Event Center, formerly occupied by the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center, is used as
an exclusive space under the current management agreement.
Smith Cove Event Center
The Smith Cove Event Center is the newest Port facility for holding events and has been marketed for
events during non-cruise season since February 2010. As the venue becomes known, it is growing in
popularity. It has been the location for the Cascade Bicycle Club’s Seattle Bicycle Expo featuring 320
booths with exhibits for bikes, gear, travel and fitness for the past two years and will be used by them
again in 2012. Nordstrom’s Designer Preview used the facility in 2010 and 2011.
PROPOSED SELECTION PROCESS:
The Port currently contracts with CHI to manage BHICC, World Trade Center Seattle and the various
Extension Premises under three separate management agreements. Port staff proposes to consolidate the
three management agreements under one comprehensive management agreement collectively known as
the Conference and Event Centers Management Agreement (CECMA). This agreement is to be
negotiated with the successful proposer selected through a national, two-step Request for
Qualifications/Request for Proposals process coordinated by the Port’s Central Procurement Office. The
RFQ/RFP approach was chosen to maximize competition among proposers and allow for the broadest
opportunity for response by potential operators without a major investment of time and energy in the
first phase (RFQ). After review of qualifications, a targeted cohort of operators will be invited to submit
more extensive proposals. Those proposals will include marketing and staffing plans, management fee
structure, and how best to utilize the Port’s investments within the facilities.
Staff retained an outside consultant, the Conference Center Consulting Group, to assist in developing the
RFQ/RFP. Staff expects to ask for authorization to proceed with negotiation and execution of the new
Conference and Event Center Management Agreement later this summer. The consultant will also assist
with RFP response evaluation, due diligence and agreement negotiation to make sure the agreement
reflects current industry standards and best protects and promote the interest of the Port.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:
Bell Harbor International Conference Center
BHICC is located on Pier 66 within a multi-use facility for office, retail, and a cruise terminal and was
part of the revitalization of the Central Waterfront Project after it opened for business in October 1995.
COMMISSION AGENDA
T. Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2011
Page 4 of 7
BHICC was developed as a premier conference and event center promoting the Port’s economic,
international trade and commerce, and tourism goals and has been recognized around the world and in
the local and regional markets as a premier conference facility. It is also a popular venue for weddings
and other private events. Its facilities are comprised of several meeting rooms, a 200-seat auditorium
and a dining room. Since opening, BHICC has consistently returned positive net operating revenue to
the Port and maintains its competitive marketing niche through excellent conference planning,
aggressive marketing, and superior facilities with its unparalleled views of Elliott Bay and Mount
Rainier.
Known for the high quality of its service, skillful management of conferences and events and
technologically advanced communication and audio visual equipment, BHICC has partnered with
several major hotels in Seattle and along the waterfront to promote the Seattle waterfront as its own
visitor destination. By drawing groups to the waterfront, BHICC helps sustain many small and medium
businesses in the area, such as Anthony’s, and the Bell Street Deli. Several small businesses also are
vendors at the BHICC.
BHICC has received many awards, including the International Association of Conference Center Code
of Sustainability Award in 2009 for its environmental practices and for supporting the Port’s green
initiatives. BHICC has been a five-time recipient of the Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award which is
considered the most prestigious symbol of excellence among conference centers in the country. Again
in 2011, the Bell Harbor International Conference Center received the Pinnacle Award for a sixth time
and was also named the best conference venue in Washington State by the readers of Northwest
Magazine.
World Trade Center Seattle
On November 22, 1994, the Commission approved the purchase of the World Trade Center Seattle
license. The Port sought the license to assist the development of the Central Waterfront Development
Project. The World Trade Center West Building was completed in 1998 and incorporated the World
Trade Center Seattle. The WTCS serves as a dynamic venue for international trade and business
development events in our region and currently has eighty sponsors that include large and small
businesses with approximately 420 members. The manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations
and marketing the facility for conferences, meetings and private events as well as being responsible for
the sponsorship and membership sales.
Smith Cove Event Center
The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (Smith Cove Event Center) started operations in April 2009.
In February 2010, the Commission approved CHI as the exclusive contractor to market and cater events
at this two-story 145,000 square foot facility. There is no kitchen within the building so food
preparation is primarily performed offsite and transported to the facility. The Smith Cove Cruise
Terminal was incorporated into the BHICC management agreement as extension premises. This facility
is under lease to Cruise Terminals of America (CTA). BHICC does not manage the day-to-day
operations and is only responsible for marketing and selling space for conferences and events during the
COMMISSION AGENDA
T. Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2011
Page 5 of 7
non-cruise season. The open layout of the floor plan creates a great venue for large trade shows, such as
the Cascade Bicycle Club, as well as creating smaller more intimate settings for private events. This
facility offers some of the most spectacular views of the city, Mount Rainer, the Cascades, and Elliott
Bay.
Maritime Event Center
The Maritime Event Center at Pier 66 is located in the former premises of the Odyssey Maritime
Discovery Center, which ceased operations on June 3, 2008. It consists of approximately 28,000 square
feet of conference and exhibit space. After issuing an RFP to lease the space in 2008 and only receiving
one proposal, the Port entered into a short-term lease agreement with CHI to manage the day-to-day
operations. Working with maritime industry companies, CHI has implemented a sponsorship program
for use of the MEC for non-profit events, and it is occasionally open to the public. This program is not
supported with Port funds.
TERM PARAMETERS:
The proposed terms of the management agreement for the conference and event centers include:
Term: Ten years with one ten-year renewal option with mutual acceptance and fee renegotiation.
Management Fee: Total management fee to be negotiated between 4% to 7% of gross revenue.
The management fees will be structured to align the interests of the manager with the Port.
Facilities: Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Bell Street Cruise Terminal, World
Trade Center Seattle, the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Building, and the Maritime Event Center.
Option to Add Temporary Space: With Port approval, manager may propose temporary use of
additional space for conferences, meetings, and special events for periods not to exceed sixty
days.
Option to Reduce Space: At the Port’s discretion, space may be eliminated from the contracted
facilities if needed for other Port business purposes.
Port Investment for Improvements: Not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand dollars ($500,000).
A majority of the funds will be spent in the Maritime Event Center to install new carpet, new
paint and install new hardware supporting exhibits. The allowance, however, is not limited to
this work. Staff will negotiate other improvements as proposed by the selected manager.
Manager’s Employees: All personnel working at the Conference and Event Centers will be hired
by the selected Manager and will be manager’s employees.
Expenses: The Port is responsible for all the expenses (e.g. staffing, insurance, janitorial,
repairs/maintenance, and the purchase of equipment, furniture, fixtures, etc.) incurred in the
operation of the Conference and Event Centers.
Rebates/Discounts: All rebates and discounts will accrue to the Port.
Related Party Transactions: Related party transactions require Port approval.
COMMISSION AGENDA
T. Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2011
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Termination: Port may terminate the manager for non-performance.
Port events: Port reserves the right to use the Extension Premises for up to 25 Port sponsored
events (twenty at P66, five at SCCT) with reasonable notice to the manager.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The financial return generated from the Conference and Event Centers is highly dependent upon event
activity, efficient management of operating expenses, and the structure of the management agreement.
Event activity, and the revenue associated with such activity, is primarily a function of market
conditions and the ability of the manager to acquire and retain new clients.
The efficient management of operating expenses is dependent upon the ability of the manager to
minimize the costs associated with events and the costs associated with maintaining the facilities
to a high standard.
Elements of the management agreement, such as the management fee and reimbursement of
expenses, will have a significant impact on the financial performance of the facilities.
The chart below indicates the past performance of the facilities over the previous five years of operation.
While this information can be used to formulate a general range of expected performance it should be
noted that past performance is not indicative of future results. It should also be noted that the Smith
Cove Event Center was not available prior to 2010 and therefore not reflected in the numbers below
prior to that date although bookings at the temporary facility at Terminal 30 were included.
Bell Harbor International Conference Center & World Trade Center - Seattle
Historical Performance ($000's) 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Average
Revenue $10,295 $10,558 $11,683 $7,554 $8,359 $9,690
Operating Expenses (Excluding Mgmt Fee) ($7,710) ($7,463) ($8,351) ($6,031) ($6,506) ($7,212)
Management Fees ($968) ($1,020) ($1,105) ($507) ($533) ($827)
Net Operating Income $1,617 $2,075 $2,226 $1,016 $1,321 $1,651
Staff is projecting that the initial capital costs associated with a new management agreement will be
limited to improvements to the facilities to refresh or rebrand as necessary. As noted above,
improvements are anticipated not to exceed $500,000, based on the current condition and assumed use
of the facilities. The specific list of improvements and their costs will be determined during negotiation
of the management agreement.
COMMISSION AGENDA
T. Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2011
Page 7 of 7
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY:
The selected manager of the Conference and Event Centers will work with Port staff and outside
vendors as appropriate to create and implement programs that support the Port’s green initiative and
continue the current high standard of environmental responsibility. In January 2010, BHICC
implemented a program to calculate its carbon footprint in an effort to become a more eco-friendly
meeting and event destination. BHICC has reduced the carbon footprint of events and lessened its
impact on the environment with such practices as composting food waste, recycling paper, plastic,
aluminum, and glass, using compostable to-go containers, offering water stations rather than bottled
water, using environmentally safe cleaning products, encouraging carpooling among event and meeting
attendees, offering reusable nametags, as well as electronic, online documents instead of printed
marketing materials.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
The proposed Conference and Event Centers Management Agreement supports the Port’s strategies to
ensure economic vitality by maximizing asset utilization of Port facilities and by achieving the
maximum financial performance by hiring one manager to operate and provide marketing and sales for
the facilities currently being used for conferences, meetings and special events.
Additionally, the activities associated with the World Trade Center Seattle support building relationships
and partnerships to develop new business opportunities for the Port and local businesses to compete in
the global economy. As part of the World Trade Center Association, The World Trade Center Seattle
members are able to access the resources of the international educational and business services network
of over 350 World Trade Centers in 93 countries.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will request Commission authorization to execute the Conference and Event Centers Management
Agreement with terms within the parameters listed above in a subsequent Commission meeting.
OTHER DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS REQUEST:
PowerPoint presentation.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS AND BRIEFINGS:
There are no prior Commission actions or briefings related to the proposed new comprehensive
Conference and Event Centers Management Agreement.
