Venue & Event Management Software

The purpose of this RFP is to receive proposals from qualified contractors for services for venue and event management software for the Okaloosa County Tourism Department. The County owns and operates several venues of varying sizes and operational complexity:

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center provides 32,000 square feet of multi-use indoor space, including a 21,200-square-foot grand ballroom plus additional meeting rooms ranging from 425 to 1575 square feet. There is also 30,000 square feet of functional outdoor space along with several terraces. Food and beverage services are provided via an exclusive catering contractor.

The Rigdon Center offers nearly 50,000 square feet of flexible event space across indoor and outdoor venues, making it a go-to location for a wide variety of gatherings from large-scale festivals and consumer expos to sporting tournaments, trade shows, and, of course, the annual fair.

Baker Recreation & Equestrian Center spans 50 acres with two arenas, 150+ horse stalls, RV hookups, and concession area, perfect for rodeos, barrel races, and dog shows.

The Northend encompasses 40 acres of open green fields, woods, and a beautiful lake view, showcasing an enclosed barn that can accommodate up to 200 guests, an open-pole barn, and two cabins to host weddings, reunions, celebrations, and community events with ease.

Two additional properties are coming online soon: Shoal River Preserve and Highway 98 Venue

The County is looking to improve operations through the use of a venue management system that will significantly lower the total cost of operation, and provide management with a clear and precise enterprise-grade software system. The contractor shall be qualified and experienced in the industry and propose best practices currently used. The goal of this project is to provide a solution that will create an efficient and configurable workflow and allow management to manage operations and create meaningful and accurate reports. Ten (10) years of event data will be migrated to the new system.

Proposals are being requested for services as described and specified within this document. Any omissions from these specifications and supplemental specifications of any details or descriptions concerning any point, product, or service shall be regarded as meaning that only the best commercial practices are to prevail, and only services of the highest standards are required. Interpretations of these specifications shall be made upon the basis of the preceding statement during award consideration.

The County is dedicated to incorporating the best available, most effective, and efficient practices necessary to achieve the optimum use of resources. Notwithstanding the requirements and expectations for the systems and services included in this RFP, the County is interested in reviewing progressive ideas. Therefore, respondents are encouraged to suggest alternatives, which will be given full consideration by the County. The respondent must fully document all costs and thoroughly explain the anticipated benefits of the suggested alternatives to the County in their RFP response. The County shall consider hosted solutions that are owned and operated by a service provider but will not consider proposals for outsourcing.