Okaloosa County BOCC — November 17, 2015 — Vancouver Travel - ESPA Conference — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: November 17, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Ed Schroeder SUBJECT: Vancouver Travel - ESPA Conference DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: 2,4,5 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval for the ECCC Events Supervisor to attend the Event Service Professionals Association conference and Professional Convention Management Association event in Vancouver, Canada on January 8-12, 2016. BACKGROUND: The Event Service Professionals Association annual conference and Professional Convention Management Association event takes place in January 2016 in Vancouver, Canada. This conference is one of the best in the industry as it provides a great opportunity to learn and network with others in similar facilities. Each year, new ideas are implemented to improve services provided at the ECCC as a result of attending. Continuing education credits are also earned toward renewing the Certified Meeting Planner designation. Attendance at these educational conferences is budgeted. The estimated cost of travel is $2,306 in accordance with the Florida Statute guidelines for foreign travel, which also require Board approval for foreign travel. Registration, flight, and hotel were booked upon receipt of County Administrator approval. However, refunds may be possible if the Board does not approve the travel. OPTIONS: Approve or Deny. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the ECCC Events Supervisor to attend the Event Service Professionals Association conference and Professional Convention Management Association event in Vancouver, Canada on January 8-12, 2016. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator