2024 Tourist Attraction Sponsorship Program
Overview
Destination Hilliard’s priority is to encourage economic vibrancy throughout the City of Hilliard through the development and promotion of special events, attractions, culture, history, recreation, parks, dining, retail, meeting and event space use, and overnight accommodations.
Destination Hilliard is committed to providing financial support to develop new initiatives that will bring visitors into our community to infuse money into our local economy, to promote overnight stays in hotels within Hilliard City limits, to expand awareness of this community as a visitor destination, and to encourage Hilliard residents to take advantage of the tourism-industry amenities this community has to offer.
Destination Hilliard will dedicate up to a total of $50,000 in hotel/motel bed tax funding to sponsor new community events, attractions, and initiatives and to elevate returning events in 2024. The board will meet up to four times in 2024 (as detailed below) OR until all funding has been distributed.
Eligible Events must:
- Take place in Hilliard AND/ OR
- Secure Hilliard hotel accomodations (sporting events outside city limits must use Hilliard hotels for athlete accommodations).
- Applicants do not need to be Hilliard-based businesses, but the event/ attraction must take place inside City limits with potential to make a significant economic impact/ attract a large number of visitors.
Attractions:
- Must be located in the City of Hilliard.
- May include public art, unique structures, etc.
Criteria for selection:
- Evidence to suggest the event/project will attract visitors to Hilliard.
- Funding will support an event new to Hilliard OR to elevate a returning event with the intention of attracting new visitors. Returning events without new event elements are unlikely to be considered.
- Benefits of sponsorship must be clearly stated.
- Events taking place on City of Hilliard property must have an event permit through the City.
Deadlines for Sponsorship Applications:
- February 9, 2024 (will receive response by March 1, 2024).
- March 29, 2024 (will receive response by April 26, 2024).
- June 29, 2024 (will receive response by July 26, 2024).
- September 27, 2024 (will receive response by October 25, 2024).
