Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8d
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
September 24, 2019
DATE: September 5, 2019
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: James Schone, Director, Aviation Commercial Management
Dawn Hunter, Sr. Manager, Airport Dining and Retail
SUBJECT: Airport Development Fund and Airport Dining and Retail Tenant Marketing Request
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to execute multiple contracts for:
1) Marketing and advertising; (2) In-Terminal Entertainment; (3) Music Program; (4) mobile
ordering and delivery software applications along with the associated hardware; 5) quality
assurance/customer service; all in support of the Airport Dining and Retail Program, and 6)
Concessionaire Ad Hoc Expenditures. The value for all contracts will not exceed an estimated
$10,000,000 over 5 years with the funding to come from the Airport Dining and Retail (ADR)
Tenant Marketing Fund plus the Port’s contribution of $1,142,500 to the Music Program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This authorization request is for the procurement of a variety of contracts necessary to support
the marketing efforts of the ADR tenants. These marketing efforts are primarily to promote the
ADR tenants, promote awareness of the new ADR offerings at the Airport, and enhance the
customer experience through promotion of the Pacific Northwest sense of place at the Airport.
These contracts, which are funded by the ADR tenants through a requirement in their leases,
are critical to the continued success of the ADR Program and its tenants. The success of the
ADR Program benefits the Airport through improved customer service and increased non-
aeronautical revenue. Authority to spend marketing funds is already contained both in the
approval of ADR tenants’ leases and in the annual tenant marketing operating budget, which is
reviewed and authorized annually by the ADR tenants.
Six contract procurements are included in this request:
1) Marketing and advertising management to develop an updated marketing campaign to
replace the outdated Eat, Shop, Fly advertising in alignment with the new airport brand.
The purpose is to build awareness of the ADR Program and the ADR Tenants within the
Pacific Northwest region and with the travelling public and increase non-aeronautical
revenue.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 2 of 8
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
2) In-Terminal Entertainment for ADR events to coordinate efforts with the over-arching
strategy as approved by the ADR Tenant Marketing Committee for entertainment activities
in the Airport terminal buildings. The Purpose is to entertain the travelling public to create
a more attractive ambience in the Airport terminal buildings and create a stronger sense of
place.
3) Airport Music Program to create a Pacific Northwest sense of place that is inclusive and fully
representative of the great music performed by artists who live in the region and the many
different music genres and cultures found in this region. One contract to fund the current
program which is running low on funds, and a second contract for 2020 – 2025.
4) Mobile Ordering and Delivery Software to develop and implement a system for the on-line
ordering and delivery of food, beverages and retail products from ADR tenants.
5) Quality Assurance/Customer Service for ADR tenants to provide customer service training
for ADR Tenants as well as feedback mechanisms for their delivery of excellent customer
service.
6) Concessionaire Ad Hoc Expenditures/Contracts for Photography, graphic design, voice
overs, advertising purchases, digital technology, equipment rental, media buys (print, radio,
online), television, special events, signage, and technical expertise.
Contract details are below.
JUSTIFICATION
These programs enhance the traveler experience at Sea-Tac, improve customer service, provide
non-aeronautical revenue, and provide employment and business growth opportunities.
Diversity in Contracting
ADR staff is working with staff in the Port’s Diversity and Contracting Department as well as
members of the ADR Tenant Marketing Committee to maximize Women and Minority Business
Enterprise (WMBE) participation.
Details
How the Program works.
In 2005, the Port and the ADR tenants established a joint marketing program for the purpose of
promoting the quality and variety of products and services available from the new dining and
retail tenants. Tenant marketing programs such as this have become standard practice in
airports across the country.
The tenant marketing program at the Airport is paid for by the ADR tenants, as per the terms of
their lease agreements. Each tenant contributes 0.5% of gross monthly sales per unit, but no
more than $30,000 annually into the Tenant Marketing Fund. The marketing program revenues
and expenditures are managed by the ADR staff within Aviation Commercial Management.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 3 of 8
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Allocations for the funds at the Airport are determined by regular meetings with the ADR
Tenant Marketing Committee. This committee meets quarterly with the ADR staff to determine
the annual budget, review and approve all marketing and branding expenditures as well as
planning for in-terminal promotions such as the “Taste of Sea-Tac” Event and the annual year-
end holiday celebration.
ADR Marketing and Advertising Campaign
− Contract duration: Up to 4 years (2 year with a 2-year option) to develop an updated
marketing campaign to replace the outdated Eat, Shop, Fly advertising in alignment with
the new airport brand.
− Contract value: To be determined; 100% funded by the ADR tenants; ADR staff will
administer the contract and port staff will work collaboratively with tenants to build an
integrated marketing campaign with final approval by the ADR Tenant Marketing
Committee.
− Purpose: to build awareness of the ADR Program and the ADR Tenants within the
Pacific Northwest region and with the travelling public and increase non-aeronautical
revenue.
In the years following the redevelopment of the ADR program in 2005, it was important to
market broadly to the Puget Sound region about all the new food, beverage and retail offerings
at the Airport. The program has been quite successful in building awareness of the ADR
Program with the travelling public. It has also garnered several awards: in 2012, the ADR
marketing program received two ACI awards for “Excellence in Communication” for the current
Eat, Shop and Fly marketing campaign and its associated radio advertising.
As the Airport is in the final stage of implementing the 2014 ADR Master Plan, this is an exciting
time to redevelop the tenant marketing and in-terminal programs and events. The Tenant
Marketing Committee has a desire to develop new marketing strategies and promotional
activities at the Airport, with the purpose of promoting the many new businesses and their
brands, building the Pacific Northwest sense of place and influencing impulse purchases.
The work underway to develop a distinct brand identity for SEA is a timely opportunity to better
coordinate the investments being made by the Port and by the ADR tenants to promote the
dining and retail offerings at Sea-Tac. Given the need to update the Eat, Shop and Fly campaign
and to align it with upcoming SEA branding efforts, Port staff will be working closely with ADR
tenants to create a more cohesive communications strategy that reflects the preferences of
tenants and complements the other marketing messages from across the Airport. All
contracted work paid for with tenant funds will be approved by the ADR Tenant Marketing
Committee prior to implementation.
Procurements to support these initiatives may include contracted marketing services (e.g.
advertising, graphic design, website management, in-terminal promotions, unique customer
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 4 of 8
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
experience programs, and development of new technology-related innovations to increase
sales in the terminal.
In-Terminal Entertainment
− Contract duration: Up to 5 years
− Contract value: To be determined; 100% funded by the ADR tenants. The contract will
be managed by ADR staff that will coordinate their efforts with the over-arching
strategy as approved by the ADR Tenant Marketing Committee for entertainment
activities in the Airport terminal buildings.
− Purpose: to entertain the travelling public to create a more attractive ambience in the
Airport terminal buildings and create a stronger sense of place.
Entertainment during the year-end holidays in support of the ADR Program started in 2005.
Designed around peak traffic hours, the program entertains passengers and guests alike,
reducing the impact of the busy travel periods on passengers and their “meeters and greeters.”
The holiday and seasonal entertainment programs receive great reviews from passengers and
staff. There is a need to procure vendors to support these programs and to align this work with
the growing and broader array of customer-focused activities and events in the terminal that
take place throughout the year. All contracted work and activities paid for with tenant funds
will be approved by the ADR Tenant Marketing Committee and outlined in the yearly budget.
Music Program
− Contract duration: Up to 5 years (small business opportunity).
− Contract value:
o $425,000 per year; 50% funded by ADR tenants ($212,500 per year) and 50% by
the Port ($212,500 per year); and
o A one-time expenditure of $80,000 from both the Port and the ADR Tenant
Marketing Fund to cover increased use of the Music Program during the 2019-
2020 program year.
− Purpose: To create a Pacific Northwest sense of place that is inclusive and fully
representative of all the great music performed by artists who live in the region and the
many different music genres and cultures found in this region.
The Music Program is managed by a third-party firm which selects the musicians and handles all
their scheduling in the Airport terminal buildings. The current vendor employees five (5) full-
time workers and over ninety (90) Northwest entertainers and musicians, both pre- and post-
security, with compensation above the minimum wage requirement specified by the City of
SeaTac’s Proposition 1.
In June 2016, the Commission authorized expenditures from the Airport Development Fund in
conjunction with funds from the Tenant Marketing Fund for the Airport’s Music Program. This
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 5 of 8
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
program is responsible for the selection and scheduling of local musicians in the Airport
terminal buildings. The program has been well-received by the travelling public as well as
Airport tenants and has garnered national and international recognition. Airport staff and the
ADR tenants would like to continue this program with funding coming 50% from the Port and
50% from the ADR Tenant Marketing Fund.
When Commission initially authorized $375,000 ($125,000 per year for 3 years) to co-sponsor
the Music Program, the program was new and had relatively few locations in the Airport. In the
years since the original authorization, the Music Program has grown significantly. Musicians
from throughout the Puget Sound region perform on every concourse. The program also is
used to provide musicians to support special events and celebrations.
The Music Program has been successful in creating a more attractive sense of place within the
terminal buildings as well as increasing passenger dwell time in areas where the music is
playing. ADR tenants have commented that placing musicians outside of their locations has had
a positive impact on bringing customers into their stores and restaurants. Since the inception
of the Music Program, it has garnered industry awards from Future Travel Experience for “Best
Arrivals Experience” and in 2014 received an Airports Council International (ACI) Marketing &
Communications award for “Customer Service Initiatives.”
ADR is requesting $212,500 per year for five years to continue the co-sponsorship of the music
program. The increase from $125,000 per year to $212,500 is to support the growth of the
program. Staff is also requesting an additional $80,000 one-time expenditure to cover the
remaining contract term (set to expire in February 2020) with the vendor selected in 2016 to
manage this program. These additional funds are needed to cover the increased use of the
Music Program for Port and cultural events held during the 2019-2020 program year. The ADR
Tenant Marketing Fund will provide matching funds for this additional expenditure.
Mobile Ordering Application
− Contract duration: Up to 5 years.
− Contract value: To be determined; 100% funded by the ADR tenants.
− Purpose: to develop and implement a system for the on-line ordering and delivery of
food, beverages and retail products from ADR tenants to passengers and those who
work for companies at the Airport. This will be managed by ADR staff that will
coordinate their efforts with the ADR Tenants.
The consistent growth in passengers has led to long wait times at many ADR units, and many
passengers deciding not to purchase anything due to the long lines. To address this issue and
to attract the technology-savvy passenger, staff and tenants are proposing an innovative
solution. A number of airports across the country have partnered with companies that provide
mobile ordering options. Some of these programs also offer delivery service throughout the
airport.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 6 of 8
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
The ADR Tenant Marketing Committee has agreed to pay for all expenses (software
development and deployment, associated hardware, system testing, data management,
training, web portal development and support, provision of equipment necessary to
supplement the integration of these systems with the ADR tenants proprietary point-of-sale
systems and other services/equipment/systems as deemed appropriate) relative to the launch
and utilization of a mobile ordering and delivery system.
Quality Assurance
− Contract duration: Up to 5 years.
− Contract value: To be determined; 100% funded by the ADR tenants. This contract will
be managed by ADR staff that will coordinate their efforts with the comprehensive
quality assurance/customer service program at SEA as approved by the ADR Tenant
Marketing Committee.
− Purpose: To provide customer service training for ADR Tenants as well as feedback
mechanisms for their delivery of excellent customer service.
The ADR Quality Assurance program, in conjunction with Aviation Customer Service, is intended
to help the ADR tenants with customer service training and to receive constructive feedback
regarding their customer service for the traveling public.
Specific objectives of this program are:
• To improve the overall customer experience at SEA.
• To maximize non-aeronautical revenue by increasing awareness of quality service.
• To promote quality jobs by recognizing the amazing employees of ADR tenants.
• To provide ADR tenants with feedback to make their businesses better.
Concessionaire Ad Hoc Expenditures/Contracts
The high volume, ever-changing nature of the ADR business requires the ability to undertake
short-term projects to respond to tenants’ needs. These projects are typically designed to
address specific ADR program objectives/needs such as photography, equipment rental for
special events or maintenance of the digital directories. The ADR tenants are requesting the
ability to contract, and purchase goods and services for these ad-hoc needs.
Proposed Tenant Marketing Fund Uses In
2020 Programs to be Funded
Amount Funded by
the Airport
Development Fund
ADR Marketing Campaign
NA
Music Program
$212,500
In-Terminal Entertainment
NA
Mobile Ordering Application
NA
Quality Assurance
NA
Ad Hoc Expenditures
NA
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 7 of 8
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Do not approve this action.
Cost Implications: The cost implications are unknown at this time. The events and music
program would need to be absorbed within the budget of the Aviation Division or eliminated.
Pros:
(1) The Port would not spend funds to co-sponsor its share of the Airport Music Program.
Cons:
(1) Instead of a well-coordinated marketing program, the ADR tenants would pursue
marketing initiatives individually.
(2) This option would limit the visibility of smaller businesses that do not have the
collective buying power for marketing compared to the larger businesses.
(3) This option does not provide the Port with assurance that each tenant will comply
with Port marketing requirements and policies.
(4) There will be a reduction of public awareness for the ADR merchant locations and
product/service offerings.
(5) ADR tenants, who express high regard for the marketing program, will likely be
dissatisfied with the change.
(6) An opportunity for small business participation in Port programs would be lost.
(7) An opportunity to further the Pacific Northwest sense of place would be lost.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Move forward with the recommended action.
Cost Implications: $1,142,500 from the Airport Development Fund to co-sponsor the Music
Program.
Pros:
(1) A valuable tool is retained for promoting the ADR program.
(2) Signature components of the ADR Program’s uniqueness are continued.
(3) This helps grow non-aeronautical revenue for the Port.
(4) This supports and fosters the Pacific Northwest sense of place
(5) This retains opportunities for small business participation.
(6) The ADR tenants’ desire to have a quality assurance program to gauge and elevate
customer service would be met.
Cons:
(1) The Port will spend money from the Airport Development Fund for the co-sponsorship
of the Music Program.
This is the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 8 of 8
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Tenant Marketing and Music Program Presentation slides
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
June 28, 2016 – The Commission authorized the Chief Executive Officer to procure and
execute four consulting contracts to promote doing business with Airport Dining and
Retail tenants in amount not to exceed $375,000 for the Music Program.