Mitchell staff reports Play Easy metrics, urges hotels to sign up for event microsites
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Summary
Aaron, a Mitchell Sports and Events Authority staff member, presented Play Easy platform results — including hundreds of leads and thousands of page views — and said staff will send hotel-specific outreach so lodging properties can add event promotions and hotel specials to event microsites.
Aaron, a staff member for the Mitchell Sports and Events Authority, told the board the authority’s Play Easy subscription has generated hundreds of leads and thousands of page views and event interactions since launch. "We're going on year 2...there's been 284 leads," he said, and noted the destination profile has recorded 1,141 unique visitors and 4,496 views while local business profiles drew 2,336 unique visitors and 3,542 views.
Aaron described Play Easy as a two-part service — lead generation through RFPs and a destination/event marketing platform that creates event microsites and local-business microsites. He said the authority has passed on many of the leads and that bids under consideration include a potential three‑year AJGA golf partnership and recent bids from U.S. archery organizers; one organizer’s listing included a stated $50,000 fee and projected room-night estimates.
Board members and motel owners asked whether the platform is reaching lodging operators. A committee member said the authority’s "primary objective is put heads in beds," but added that many events also produce broader community benefits. Chair noted the board is building reserves and said the authority has funds available for events.
Aaron explained that each SEA‑funded event receives an event microsite with a QR code and that local businesses registered on the platform can create general or event‑specific promotions that display on the destination profile and event microsite. He said hotels are currently listed on Play Easy and that some events can add hotel specials if the event administrator allows it. "Once they're awarded sports and events authority funding, I'm able to go in and create a specific event microsite," Aaron said.
Next steps: Aaron said he will prepare hotel‑specific email outreach, distribute QR‑code cards, and follow up with hotel managers to get lodging properties registered and trained to use the microsites. He also said he will put an indoor facility update on the July agenda. The board agreed to revisit progress at the July meeting.
