Commission approves reduced TDC recommendation of $66,250 for Dreamy Draw festival after discussion of calendar and metrics

The Tourism Development Commission recommended $66,250 in bed‑tax funding to Dreamy Draw Music Festival operators on Sept. 16, lowering the amount from the $100,000 originally listed on the agenda and from the $100,000 the presenter requested. RJ (founder/CEO of Oh, Wow, LLC) and a Scottsdale Arts representative described the festival as an evolving, third‑year event that has expanded from the Civic Center Plaza to include Scottsdale Stadium for 2025. RJ said the festival’s ticket sales at the time of the presentation showed roughly 51 percent of buyers from out of state and that organizers project significant hotel stays — claims they said were supported by digital‑marketing performance and previous attendance. “Our average spend is $150,” RJ said, referring to attendee per‑capita spending estimates used to calculate economic impact. Commissioners and staff raised calendar and market‑competition concerns, asking whether other large events that weekend (including Polo, Canal Convergence and other festivals) could affect sales and whether agents and routing for headliners would support the lineup. Staff noted the application worksheet showed $66,062.50 as an eligible amount under the funding criteria; the applicant’s agenda request was $100,000. After discussion a motion to recommend the application amount on the worksheet — $66,250 — was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff said the commission would transmit the recommendation to City Council for final action and that funding agreements typically include reporting requirements and post‑event verification for attendance and hotel‑night claims.