TDC approves staff recommendations for elite‑event funding; $3 million pool yields $2.685 million in recommendations

Craig Campbell, director of community and brand engagement for Visit St. Pete Clearwater, presented the fiscal year 2026 elite‑event funding recommendations, described revised category criteria and measurement methods, and explained that staff used the Destinations International event calculator to standardize estimated room nights and economic impact.

Visit St. Pete Clearwater increased the elite‑event budget from $2 million to $3 million and adjusted funding categories and maximums. Under the new model staff described, Category 1 requires meeting three thresholds (attendance, room nights and broadcast) and carries recommended awards of $150,000–$250,000. Category 2 requires meeting two of three thresholds (recommended $75,000–$150,000), Category 3 one of three ($50,000–$75,000), Category 4 one of two ($25,000–$50,000) and…