Marketing Representation-Mid Atlantic Region

Pinellas County Convention and Visitors Bureau (VisitSPC) is soliciting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #25-0754-RFQ) for professional in-market marketing representation targeting the Mid-Atlantic Region, specifically covering the Greater Washington D.C. area, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina. The primary objective is to increase meetings and conference tourism in Pinellas County through comprehensive marketing and sales activities. The selected contractor will be responsible for direct sales initiatives, including generating convention and hotel bookings, developing bid presentations, prospecting new business opportunities, and organizing promotional events. Key deliverables include maintaining a high degree of face-to-face interaction with industry planners and decision-makers, handling accounts of all sizes, and working closely with VisitSPC to pursue and close business opportunities. The contract will have an initial term of 36 months with a potential 24-month extension. Critical procurement dates include a question submission deadline of August 1, 2025, and a proposal submission deadline of August 7, 2025, at 3:00 pm, with all submissions required to be made electronically via the OpenGov procurement website.

The procurement includes several mandatory compliance requirements, including completing affidavits related to foreign countries of concern, human trafficking, and common carrier attestations. Contractors are explicitly prohibited from having competing destination accounts targeting travel trade, consumer, or media markets. The contract will provide monthly installment compensation and reimburse the contractor for printing/mailing costs, client entertainment, promotional expenses, travel, lodging, and mileage. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, vendors must comply with strict legal requirements, including Section 287.138 of Florida Statutes regarding foreign country connections and Section 787.06(13) concerning anti-human trafficking regulations. Contractors must demonstrate the ability to maintain a robust professional network and effectively communicate performance metrics. Though a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the marketing representation suggests a substantial investment in promoting Pinellas County's tourism and conference potential in the Mid-Atlantic region.