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“I’m going to do this here whether you help me or not.”
That might not be the best statement to make when you’re asking for $200,000 for a new event you’re planning, but that’s what Jon McGowan said Thursday about “Gun Con,” scheduled July 27-31 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
McGowan described the convention as “like a huge Gander Mountain,” referring to the retail network of outdoor specialty stores for apparel, boating, camping, fishing, hunting and shooting sports.
He was asking the Duval County Tourist Development Council for $200,000 to pay for national advertising, all of which would be placed in markets at least 250 miles from Jacksonville.
He said the outdoor enthusiast market represents a new tourism resource and “it’s a demographic we’re not touching.”
McGowan predicted as many as 23,000 room nights would be booked in local hotels for the five-day convention. He estimated at least 50 percent, and possibly as many as 75 percent of attendees, would be from out of town and stay in hotels.
The convention center has been reserved for the dates and about 4,000 rooms have been reserved, he said.
McGowan said the idea goes beyond a five-day convention. He sees it as a way to expand Jacksonville’s year-round tourism market.
“I want to bring them to the convention and make them want to come back,” he said.
The tourism council administers the 6 percent local option tourist development tax, referred to as the “bed tax.” Four percent is devoted to sports facilities’ maintenance and debt service and the remaining 2 percent is used to fund Visit Jacksonville, the convention and visitors bureau for Jacksonville and the Beaches, and to provide incentive grants to attract conventions, meetings and other events.
It wasn’t the first time the tourism council heard McGowan’s idea.
He presented it Aug. 19 and asked for $350,000 for advertising and marketing. Board members felt he didn’t provide enough information about an inaugural event. They declined to consider the proposal but invited him to return with a more thorough presentation.
The reception Thursday was much more enthusiastic.
McGowan arrived asking for $200,000 for marketing and was granted $150,000: a $100,000 grant for advertising outside the local market and a contribution of up to $50,000 based on convention attendees booking 10,000 verified room nights at $5 per room night.
The proposal was approved unanimously.
Board member M.G. Orender supported the funding with the caveat that McGowan provide documentation of the advertising placement to ensure it all is placed more than 250 miles from Jacksonville.
City Council Vice President and tourism board Vice Chair Lori Boyer also spoke in favor of the grant and contribution.
She said TDC often provides funds for local events that, while “they are great events,” they have little impact on a national scale to make Jacksonville a destination.
“It’s important to support things that aren’t already here,” Boyer added.
mmarbut@jaxdailyrecord.com
(904) 356-2466
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