Vehicles For Hire In the Convention Center District

Vehicles For Hire In the Convention Center District November 3, 2009

Presentation Outline • Introduction • Overview • Options to Consider • Recommendations • Comments 2

Presentation Outline • Introduction • Overview • Options to Consider • Recommendations • Comments 3

What is the “Client Advisory Board”? The CAB is a group of internationally recognized meeting planners and tradeshow owners/organizers who have volunteered to provide advice to the Convention Center regarding marketing, facilities, services and operations. 4

Client Advisory Board Goals For the OCCC: - To obtain direct, unfiltered client input - To collaborate on “best practices” - To support our clients, and the clients of our clients… THE EXHIBITING COMPANIES AND ATTENDEES OF MAJOR MEETINGS AND TRADESHOWS. 5

Client Advisory Board Goals For the clients: - To ensure the future viability of a major asset in a desirable destination - To collaborate with the destination’s suppliers on best practices - To collaborate with other event organizers on best practices 6

Attractions Coordinator Golf Courses Lodging Transportation to Site Event Management Community Transportation A Building Entertainment Food Functions Audio Visual Tee Shirts Decorator Printing Flowers 7

Attractions Coordinator Golf Courses Lodging Transportation to Site Event Management Community Transportation A Building Entertainment Food Functions Audio Visual Tee Shirts Decorator Printing Flowers 8

Meeting Planners Select Sites Based on a Variety of Factors Availability of Hotels & Facilities Destination Affordability Transporting Attendees Transportation Costs Distance Traveled by Attendees Climate Entertainment Percentage Considered “Very Important” Source: M&C Magazine’s Meetings Market Survey 9

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • American Heart Association • American Sportsfishing Association • Christian Booksellers Association

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • American Academy of Family Physicians • Aether. Quest Solutions • American Academy of Pediatrics 11

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • American Foundry Society • American Occupational Therapy Association • American Wind Energy Association

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • COLLABORATE • Craft & Hobby Association • Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association 13

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society • Info. Comm International • International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • National Training and Simulation Association • Premiere Shows, Inc. • Risk & Insurance Management Society 15

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • AARP • International Association of Chiefs of Police • International Sign Association 16

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • National Automobile Dealers Association • The Florida Restaurant Show • Golf Course Superintendants Association of America 17

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • Reed Exhibitions / PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions • Mc. Donald’s Corporation • American Osteopathic Association 18

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • SAPPHIRE • Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal & AC Contractors Association • National Society of Black Engineers 19

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • National Trade Productions/Coverings • Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses • Nielsen Business Media/VNU Expositions/Imprinted Sportswear 20

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • Orgill Dealers Market • Photo Marketing Association • Performance Racing Industry • American Association for Cancer Research 21

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • National Business Aviation Association • Pet Industry Distributors Association • North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers 22

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • American Rental Association • ASI Show, Inc. • Cygnus Business Media/Aviation Industry Week 23

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • Surf Expo/DMG World Media • National School Supply & Equipment Association • National School Boards Association

Client Advisory Board Member Organizations • Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (PITTCON) • International Baking Industry Exposition • The True Value Company 25

Client Advisory Board Events Attendance • Combined attendance for events produced by CAB Members: 690, 000 26

Client Advisory Board Economic Impact • Combined economic impact for events produced by CAB Members: $1. 3 BILLION 27

Client Advisory Board Today’s Issues… - Short-haul Transportation Service - Unregulated Taxi Environment 28

Presentation Outline • Introduction • Overview • Options to Consider • Recommendations • Comments 29

Taxi Overview • Inconsistent rates/rate gouging • Uninsured, unregistered and unregulated cabs operating in the unincorporated Convention Center area • Public safety • Negative impact to Central Florida tourist/convention business 30

Taxi Complaints Received • Convention Center clients and OCCVB – Cab fares to and from the Convention Center – Cab fares to and from hotels/restaurants • Taxicab owners – Alleging there is too much regulation in the City, the Airport, theme parks, and hotels – Alleging improprieties of other drivers • Lack of statistical and anecdotal data in unincorporated Orange County 31

Historical Perspective Task Force Established in 1995 • • Chaired by Commissioner Mary I. Johnson Taxi industry representatives Florida Limousine (Livery) Association I-Drive hoteliers City of Orlando-Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau Central Florida Hotel/Motel Association County staff: Code Enforcement, Administration, Convention Center • GOAA • LYNX • Orange County Sheriff 32

Presentation Outline • Introduction • Overview • Options to Consider • Recommendations • Comments 33

Taxi Options 1. Countywide Ordinance 2. Convention Area Ordinance 3. Privatization at Convention Center via RFP 4. Status Quo 34

Taxi Options 1. Countywide Ordinance 2. Convention Area Ordinance 3. Privatization at Convention Center via RFP 4. Status Quo 35

Option 1 – Countywide Ordinance • County ordinance would apply to unincorporated Orange County • Ordinance would exclude municipalities who already have an ordinance such as City of Orlando • Issues to address: – – – – – Market entry - limitation to the total number of cabs Open stands - affecting private property Rate setting - per mile Fees – registration, ongoing renewal, and inspection Safety inspections Types of vehicles regulated in addition to taxis Types of regulation Enforcement agency Cost and funding source(s) 36

Option 1 – Countywide Ordinance Current City of Orlando Ordinance Model • Taxis regulated by in-house staff • Limits the number of taxis (market entry): 1 cab per 1, 000 residents • 548 taxis regulated (pick-up only) • Application Fee: $300/vehicle • Permit Fee: $200 with $200 renewal annually • Inspection Fee: $50 (contracted out) • A $220 fine is assessed to non-permitted taxis, additional fines are $420 each incident 37

Option 1 – Countywide Ordinance Advantages • Provides for a regulated, controlled operation Countywide • Improved quality of drivers and vehicles • Regulated rates for service Disadvantages • Lengthy process, difficult to implement • Costly to regulate: General Fund • Increased liability issues • May increase cost to cabs wishing to operate in both the City of Orlando and Orange County • No direct, focused oversight and regulation for the Convention Center 38

Option 1 – Countywide Ordinance Concerns of Industry Representatives Industry Segment Concerns Large taxi firms & limo services Oppose regulation of private property and luxury vans/limos Medium taxi firms Cost to operate in City and County Small taxi firms Cost to operate in City and County Independent taxis Want open stands on all private property, the City of Orlando, and Orange County Livery and luxury van operators Oppose regulation of private property and luxury vans/limos Theme parks, malls, and other private property owners Oppose regulation of private property and luxury vans/limos 39

Taxi Options 1. Countywide Ordinance 2. Convention Area Ordinance 3. Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP 4. Status Quo 40

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Option 2 - Convention Area Ordinance • Advantages – Provides for a regulated, controlled operation in the geographical area of major concern – Improved quality of drivers and vehicles – Regulated rates for service • Disadvantages – Cost to regulate – Increased liability issues – Cost to taxi owners – Conflict w/existing contracts at hotels – No focused oversight and regulation for the Convention Center – Lengthy process and difficult to implement 42

Option 2 – Convention Area Ordinance Concerns of Industry Representatives Industry Segment Concerns Large taxi firms & limo services Oppose regulation of private property and luxury vans/limos Medium taxi firms Cost to operate in City and Convention area Small taxi firms Cost to operate in City and Convention area Independent taxis Want open stands on all private property, the City, OCCC, and tourist areas Livery and luxury van operators Oppose regulation of private property and luxury vans/limos Theme parks, malls, and other private property owners Oppose regulation of private property and luxury vans/limos 43

Taxi Options 1. Countywide Ordinance 2. Convention Area Ordinance 3. Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP 4. Status Quo – Take No Action 44

Option 3 – Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP • Privatize taxi service on Convention Center property via RFP • Consortium of three (3) or more companies – Taxicab consortium with services agreement – Lead firm handles dispatch, queues, access – Goal: minimum 24% M/WBE participation – 5 year contract, plus renewals • Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) model 45

Option 3 – Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP Current GOAA Model • GOAA has a consortium of six (6) taxi providers • One firm provides the dispatch personnel • 1 cab per 60 deplanements • Only consortium members have pick-up privileges • Must have City of Orlando permit 46

Option 3 – Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP Current GOAA Model • Designate locations for services to be provided • Marshaling location(s) for all vehicles to stage • Starter booths (provided by contractor) • Dispatchers (provided by contractor) • Controlled access to property (managed by contractor) 47

Option 3 – Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP Current GOAA Model • Initial application fee – $50 per company – $10 per vehicle • Assessment fees – Privilege Fee: ~$3/vehicle per trip for GOAA – Starter/Dispatch Fee: ~$1/member per trip to cover costs of the dispatch operation 48

Option 3 – Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP Advantages Disadvantages • Provides a regulated, controlled operation to meet immediate needs of OCCC • Improved quality of drivers and vehicles • Services privatized • Potential revenue source • Limited liability issues • Tracking of drivers and vehicles RE complaints and lost & found • More control over the needs for vehicles for after hours and special events • Faster implementation than ordinance • The total number of Independent taxis and small companies becomes reduced • Does not provide for a regulated, controlled operation outside of the Convention Center property • Need to address additional number of cabs needed for large shows 49

Option 3 – Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP Concerns of Industry Representatives Industry Segment Concerns Small size taxi firms Reduction in the number of small taxi firms. Costs may increase to operate in City and at Convention Center Medium size taxi firms Costs may increase to operate in City and at Convention Center Independent taxis Reduction in the number of independent taxi firms. Want open stands at OCCC OOCCVB RFP would not result in regulating outside of Convention Center property. Need to assure sufficient taxis are available for large shows @ OCCC 50

Taxi Options 1. Countywide Ordinance 1 2. Tourist Area Ordinance 3. Privatization at Convention Center via RFP 4. Status Quo – Take No Action 51

Option 4 – Status Quo Approx. Taxi Fares from OCCC • • • Zone 1: Epcot/Disney Zone 2: Lake Buena Vista Area Zone 3: World Gateway Area Zone 4: Sea World/S. Intl. Drive Zone 5: Sand Lake Rd. /Rest. Row Zone 6: N. Intl. Dr. /Wet ‘n Wild/Outlets Zone 7: Universal Studios Resort Zone 8: Orlando Intl. Airport Zone 9: Downtown Orlando/ Church St. $37 $23 $30 $9 $10 $13 $16 $35 $32 52

Option 4 – Status Quo Current Convention Center Taxi Standards • • • Vehicle permit - $150 Safety standards/ vehicle inspection Driver background check Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) Display company name Dress code Radio Taxi stand queue Insurance (liability and property) Posting of rates, but OCCC has no rate restrictions Meters are NOT regulated 53

Option 4 – Status Quo Current Convention Center Taxi Standards • 230 registered taxis • OCCC oversight of taxi operation very difficult – Independent taxi association monitors and governs themselves including oversight, supervision and dispatching – Taxis monitored by in-house (OCCC) security – staff limited – Off-duty deputies’ limited authority and limited personnel – Reports of misconduct by drivers 54

Option 4 – Status Quo Advantage • Current costs to register taxis remains constant Disadvantages • Retain some unprofessional drivers and potentially substandard service • Reputation of Convention Center and regional tourism potentially compromised • Inconsistent rates charged by taxi owners and rate gouging • Potential loss of revenue due to reduced OCCC bookings • Potential public safety issues 55

Funding Sources for the 4 Options 1. Countywide Ordinance 2. Tourist Area Ordinance Possible Funding Est. 1 st Year Source(s) Cost General Fund; Permits; Fines General Fund, CRA/TDT; Permits; Fines 3. Privatization @ Revenues; Permits OCCC via RFP 4. Status Quo General Fund; Permits ~$500 K ~$300 K 0 0 56

Presentation Outline • Convention Center Client Advisory Board • Taxi Issues • Options to Consider • Recommendations • Comments 57

Taxi Recommendations 1. Select Option 3: Privatize taxi service on Convention Center property via RFP 2. Enlist cooperation of hoteliers and major property owners in the Convention area to establish standard rates to local destinations 3. Implement and review after a two-year period to determine success, and whether or not to pursue Convention area ordinance or Countywide ordinance at that time 58

Comments • Gary Sain President and CEO, O/OCCVB • Tom Ackert Executive Director, OCCC • Client Advisory Board Members 59

Karen Malone Vice President of Meeting Services Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society – Healthcare information technology and management systems – Offices across the U. S. and the world – 23, 000 members with over 380 corporate members employing millions of people – Active in all forums addressing healthcare public policy, industry practices, educational and development initiatives to ensure quality patient care – 25, 000 attendees and 900 exhibitors attend the conference 60

Stephen Pitt Vice President, Conventions & Expositions National Automobile Dealers Association – Represents more than 20, 000 new car and truck dealers – 43, 000 separate domestic and import franchises – Develops and publishes research data – Operates training and service programs – Provides counsel on legal, regulatory and governmental issues – Annual convention and exposition attracts over 25, 000 – Also conducts the NADA American Truck Dealers Division Expo 61

Tracey Wilson Show Manager – Special Events & Marketing American Pet Products Association – Pet industry's largest annual trade show – Pet ownership in the United States is estimated at 71. 4 million – Industry supporting pet owners and caregivers generated over $43. 2 billion in sales in 2008 – Global Pet Expo 2009, which took place in February here in Orlando featured 779 exhibiting companies, 2, 306 booths and hosted more than 11, 000 attendees, including more than 4, 100 buyers (up 2% from prior year) – 85% of domestic pets sleep with their owners! 62

Geoffrey Cassidy Vice President, Meetings and Convention Operations National Association of Home Builders – A federation of more than 800 state and local associations – 200, 000 members – Approximately 66, 000 are home builders and/or remodelers – Others are associates working in closely related fields – The International Builders’ Show is the world’s largest annual residential construction trade show – Orange County has hosted the IBS four times, each a record-setter – The 2005 IBS hosted more than 105, 000 for its four-day tradeshow 63

Linda Still Director of Meetings & Exhibits American Association for Cancer Research – Fosters research in cancer and related biomedical sciences – Accelerates the dissemination of new research findings – Promotes science education and training – Advances the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment – Oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on cancer research – Attracts premier researchers, fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas – Provides training opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers – Increases public understanding of cancer 64

Barbara Mc. Daniel Director of Conferences and Programs The National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA) – Inter-Service Industry Technology Simulation Education Conference – The premiere conference and tradeshow related to the use of modeling and simulation devices in the training and education industry – Provides a forum for collaboration among training, modeling and simulation industry professionals and their peers in educational environments – Involves the five branches of the U. S. military, the Department of Defense, and other national and local governmental agencies – Provides a “breeding ground” for training and technology advances in emerging areas such as in the medical profession and the entertainment industry – I/ITSEC attracts more than 15, 000 people from over 50 countries – Central Florida is home to the largest concentration of modeling and simulation companies in America 65

Barbara Stroup Vice President, Operations Nielsen Business Media – Nielsen Business Media produces print publications, web sites and trade shows – A source of industry analysis, market intelligence and data – 32 trade publications, 75 trade shows and conferences – More than 100 digital products serving the entertainment, media and marketing, retail, travel and design industries – Imprinted Sportswear Show focuses on technology and techniques for the decorated apparel industry – Covers embroidery, screen printing, sublimation & direct-to-garment printing – Educational sessions, workshops, top industry speakers 66

Howard Britt President Premiere Shows, Inc. – Premiere Shows conducts three tradeshows annually for the hair care, salon and spa industries – An estimated 259, 982 salons, spas, and barber shops operate in the U. S. , generating a total spend of approximately $7 billion – The Premiere Orlando Beauty Show is one of the “Fastest 50” growing tradeshows in the U. S. … 45, 000+ in 2009 – Expo for all products related to the industry – Basic and advanced education for the entire industry 67

Taxi Recommendations 1. Select Option 3: Privatization via RFP 2. Enlist cooperation of hoteliers in tourist area to establish standard rates from hotels to local destinations 3. Implement and review after a two-year period to determine whether or not to pursue tourist area ordinance or Countywide ordinance 68

Vehicles For Hire In the Convention Center District November 3, 2009 69

“Gypsy” Cab Defined • • Unregulated No cab name on side of vehicle No posted rates Often no meter Sign/light on top states “For Hire” or “Vacancy” No company name or phone number No/little liability or property insurance No occupational license

Market Entry includes the restriction of the number of taxicab companies able to operate in the county and the number of cabs each company can operate. Note: The City of Orlando ordinance limits market entry.

Rate Setting includes establishing a specific $ range within which taxis can charge customers. Note: The City of Orlando ordinance includes rate restrictions

Rate Setting Issues • Inconsistent (different) rates within County and City • Monitoring the rates charged, posting and meter calibration necessitates strict enforcement – Staffing – Resources • Rate-gouging cannot be prevented without rate restrictions and meter inspections

Regulation includes the following to assure adherence to the ordinance: • Mandatory initial permit inspection • Periodic inspection • Spot inspection

Regulation Enforcement • Enforcement of safety standards and other ordinance regulations requires staffing and funding • Options: – City of Orlando – Establish a County enforcement division • • Code Enforcement Convention Center Consumer Fraud Separate Division

Public Safety Issues: Unregulated Taxis • Safety of our citizens and tourist community is always a primary concern. • Getting into a car with a stranger driving presents certain hazards. • We can’t assume that every taxi driver is a danger to the community. • No compelling evidence that riders of cabs in Orange County are being placed in harm’s way. • Safety issues are generally addressed – City of Orlando via ordinance – Private property (hotels, theme parks, malls, etc. ) via contract directly with cab companies – OCCC via internal standards – Residents call cabs from phone book or by previous use