HTA Releases Request for Proposal for Management of the Hawai‘i Convention Center

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide management of the Hawai‘i Convention Center (HCC) in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The HTA welcomes submittals from qualified organizations that have proven experience in convention, exhibition or other major public assembly management, including collaboration in sales and marketing for the meetings, convention and incentive (MCI) business.

Drawing from U.S. and international markets, Hawai‘i’s MCI business is unique, impacted by geographic location, multi-island make up and the destination’s resort-orientation. Within this environment, the HTA seeks to maximize the HCC’s economic impact, provide first-class service and cultural protocol understanding to its customer base, and continually plan for and improve the MCI destination experience.

The HTA will select the offer determined most advantageous to Hawai‘i’s tourism economy, taking into consideration multiple factors including applicant qualifications, experience, sales and marketing approach and price, in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP. The selected organization will support the HTA’s “Meet Hawai‘i” MCI efforts.

The new contract under this RFP will replace the current contract that ends on December 31, 2013. The HTA plans to award the new contract in July 2013, which will run for five years from Jan. 1, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2018.

Written proposals are due no later than May 21, 2013 at 4:30 p.m., HAST (Hawai‘i-Aleutian Standard Time) and in the manner described in the RFP.

The RFP will be available beginning Thursday, April 4, 2013 at the HTA office (Hawai‘i Convention Center, first level at 1801 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96815), during normal business hours (7:45 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.) or may be downloaded online at www.hawaiitourismauthority.org. The HTA will not accept any mail requests for the RFP.

Inquiries regarding this RFP should be directed to the HTA procurement officer, Mr. Doug Murdock, either in person at HTA’s office, by telephone at [phone], or via e-mail at [e-mail].

Established in 1998, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the state’s tourism agency, is responsible for strategically managing tourism to optimize benefits for Hawai‘i that integrates the interest of visitors, the community and visitor industry. Tourism is our state’s leading economic driver and largest employer and the HTA continually works to ensure its sustainability well into the future. For more information on the HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (@HawaiiHTA).