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Eagan tourism bureau to launch AI‑enabled site, boost ad and promotions budgets and pursue large 2026 soccer tournament
Summary
Visit Eagan presenters told the council the organization will launch a new website on 2026‑01‑01 with an AI‑driven search assistant, increase advertising by about 7% and promotions by about 15% in 2026, and are preparing to host a large international soccer tournament around the Fourth of July weekend that could generate substantial hotel demand.
At the start of the meeting the council heard from the Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) on its 2026 plans, marketing strategy and budget priorities.
Brent Corey and Shana Kiana Ina of the CVB described a new website scheduled to go live on 2026‑01‑01 that will include an AI‑driven search component targeted to tourism and local destination information. "We are actually going to be, debuting a very econ focused version of ChatGPT, so an AI version of that on our website," Ina said, describing a searchable library of venues, hotels and events intended to give visitors and residents quick, tailored answers.
On money and events: presenters said the CVB is proposing a roughly 7% increase in advertising and a 15% increase in promotions for 2026; presenters characterized the combined advertising and promotions funding as matching the CVB's advertising operating budget from 2016. They cited a prior 'Ice Maze' promotion that produced substantial earned-media value and reported the NFL training camp generated roughly a $5 million economic impact for Eagan in a recent year.
The CVB also briefed the council on a large international soccer tournament expected around the Fourth of July weekend in 2026, which CVB staff said could generate strong hotel and restaurant demand. Presenters said organizers estimated a ceiling of about 5,000 room nights but cautioned that some initial estimates may be on the high side; further details and ticketing information will appear on the new website.
Budget detail and funding source: in response to a council question about why 'miscellaneous income' rose, CVB presenters said the board decided to invest leftover pandemic‑era funds into the 2026 campaign to boost advertising reach. Presenters reported more than 10,000 leads from recent marketing contests and said they are expanding group‑tour outreach, including a planned FAM tour and partnerships with regional attractions.
Next steps: CVB staff said the budget item will be brought forward on a future consent agenda for formal consideration; staff and council members discussed continuing outreach and how the new web tools will share event and ticketing details with residents.
