HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-16 - Agendas - FinalFayetteville Advertising and
Promotion Commission
February 16, 2026
Location: Fayetteville Town Center, 15 W. Mountain Street
Commissioners:
Staff:
Elvis Moya, Chair, Tourism & Hospitality Representative
Katherine Kinney, Tourism & Hospitality Representative
Elliot Hunt, Tourism & Hospitality Representative
Chrissy Sanderson, Tourism & Hospitality Representative
Sterling Hamilton, Commissioner at-large
Bob Stafford, City Council Representative
Mike Wiederkehr, City Council Representative
Ryan Hauck, CEO
Agenda
I. Call to order at 2:00p.m., Chair Elvis Moya
II. Administration
A. Additions or changes to the agenda may be added upon request from a
majority of the commissioners, Chair Elvis Moya
B. Review and approval of January meeting minutes, Chair Elvis Moya.
III. Reports
A. Thank you to City Council Member Sarah Bunch, Chair Elvis Moya
B. Meet the Team, CEO Ryan Hauck
• Gretchen Hunt, Director of Finance, EF
• Emma Reed, Event Services Manager, FTC
• Amy Stockton, Director of Organizational Services, EF
C. CEO Report, Ryan Hauck. An executive overview of the previous month
D. Financial Report, Ryan Hauck
IV. New Business
A. Discuss and Vote, Walker Stone POA Townhomes water mitigation project
• Presentation by Michele Halsell, President, Walker Stone Property Owners
Association
B. Discuss and Vote, Wheel the World Contract, CEO Hauck
V. Executive Session, Chair Elvis Moya
VI. Good of the Order/ Adjournment, Chair Moya and CEO Hauck
Fayetteville A&P Commission – Meeting Minutes
January 26, 2026, 2pm Virtual Only due to Weather
Present: Chair Moya, Commissioners Hamilton, Wiederkehr, Stafford, Sanderson, Hunt, Kinney
Staff: Ryan Hauck, CEO
I. Call to order at 2:00p.m., Chair Elvis Moya
II. Approval of Minutes
December 15, 2025 Minutes
Motion: Sanderson | Second: Wiederkehr | Approved unanimously via roll call
III. Vote. Appointment of a commission chairperson for 2026.
Motion to appoint Commissioner Elvis Moya for another term as Chair was made by
Commissioner Wiederkehr | Second: Commissioner Hunt (and several other Commissioners)
Approved unanimously via roll call
III. Reports
A. New commission member: Chair Moya thanked outgoing City Council Member Sarah Bunch
(unable to attend) who had served on the A&P Commission for 6 years in an appointed role.
City Council Member Bob Stafford will now serve in that appointed position and was welcomed
today at his first meeting. He shared a few words of introduction and expressed interest in the
organization’s mission.
B. Meet the Team: Three team members introduced themselves and explained their roles.
• Brannon Pack, VP of Marketing and Communications
• Jason Sample, Facilities Coordinator
• Jose Romero, Sports Sales Manager
C. TheatreSquared Update, Shannon Jones, Executive Director
• Theater Squared, founded in 2005, is Arkansas’s largest professional nonprofit theater,
producing 5–8 shows and nearly 300 performances annually, with work developed
locally reaching stages nationwide.
• The organization has received national recognition from the American Theatre Wing and
multiple architecture awards for its 2019 building.
• The partnership with the A&P Commission supports facility needs and shared tourism
goals.
• Nearly two-thirds of Theater Squared’s audience comes from outside Fayetteville.
• Executive Director Shannon Jones invited commissioners to attend an upcoming
production.
D. Downtown Master Plan Update, Britan Britin Bostick, AICP, Long Range Planning, City
of Fayetteville
• Britton Bostick shared an update on the Downtown Master Plan being created.
• Early public engagement this fall included 40+ events and over 1,100 comments
collected in person and online.
• Key themes include support for local businesses, parks and trails, walkability, tree
canopy, transit, third spaces, and strong downtown partnerships.
• The Downtown Fayetteville Coalition has been engaged to support public outreach and
planning work.
• The draft plan is scheduled for September 2026, with adoption anticipated by the end of
the year and continued opportunities for public input.
• Bostick answered questions concerning the age of the current plan
E. CEO Report, Ryan Hauck. An executive overview of the previous month
Hauck shared title and personnel changes:
• Title Changes:
o Monica Jannati, formerly Director of Events (Town Center), now Director of
Operations
o Miletus Barille-Callahan, formerly Facilities Supervisor, now Director of Facilities
o Jose Romero, formerly Sales Coordinator II, now Sports Sales Manager
o Julie Pennington, formerly Vice President of Destination Services, now Vice
President of Destination Services & Group Tours
• Staffing Updates:
o Brannon Pack, formerly Director of Cycling Initiatives (2019–2023), rehired as
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
o Jennifer Walker, Vice President of Finance (hired October 2020), departing;
Gretchen Hunt, formerly part-time Finance Team member, appointed Director of
Finance
o Jerel Stewart, Event Coordinator (Town Center), departed; position will be posted
• Marketing & Media: National exposure on Fox & Friends (2.5M viewers) for Lights of the
Ozarks, plus regional TV, livestreams, and cyclocross coverage.
• Agency Updates: Transitioned advertising agencies; onboarded VERB Interactive as
agency of record, AM Group, a local firm for Public Relations. Contracted with Anna
Claire Day for organic META posting and more.
• Planning & Staffing: FY25 review and FY26 marketing/sales plan in development; hired
Brandon Pack as VP of Marketing Communications from a pool of 80+ applicants.
• Visitor Services & Events: 941 Visitor Center guests; strong December event lineup;
ongoing destination outreach and sales activity with international and national buyers.
• Sales Wins: Secured NICA Central States Championship ($2.2M impact) and
Fayetteville Half Marathon ($204K impact).
• Fayetteville Town Center: Strong year-end performance, $831K YTD revenue, rapid
2026 bookings, and continued focus on training, safety, and guest experience.
F. Financial Report, Jennifer Walker, VP of Finance
• December financials in the packet are draft and unaudited and will be finalized after
audit adjustments.
• Year-end revenue finished 5% over target, driven by stronger HMR collections and a
strong Q4 at the Town Center; expenses came in 7% under budget.
• HMR collections totaled approximately $5.3M (1.8% over budget), and the Town Center
finished 22% over budget.
• Net income was $745K, though capital expenditures will reduce the amount added to
fund balance; current fund balance is approximately $8M, plus $1M in operating
reserves.
• Cash and investments ended the year at $4.8M, with $267K in Town Center unearned
revenue already booked for future events, reflecting a strong start to the new year.
• Walker ended her report by thanking the commission for their service and expressing
appreciation for 5 years and shared that she would be joining the city of Fayetteville as
their new Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
• Commissioners asked questions about the fund balance which Walker reminded
everyone included cash, investments and properties. Furthermore, she reminded
everyone that included in that balance is an operating reserve of approximately 3
months.
• Questions regarding type of investments we can make were answered with reminders
that we operate under GASB, and that we are a component unit of the city and they
handle our investments and if the commission wanted to make changes or increase the
amount invested, they could connect with the city on that matter.
• Walker also gave an estimate of the amount of interest the commission has earned from
investments, stating a range of $50,000 to $60,000 as an approximate yearly return.
• Walker answered another question asked related to best practices and reducing fiscal
risk by ensuring the commission review the financial policies on an annual basis and
continuing to ask questions.
• It was also mentioned that our organization worked with a financial consultant prior to
hiring Walker in 2020 who helped the CEO and the commission review practices and
made suggestions. In this time of transition and even on a regular basis, this could be a
service to consider.
• Chair Moya concluded by sharing words of appreciation which the commissioners
echoed.
IV. New Business
A. Additional Tourism & Hospitality commissioner opening
• Commissioner Sanderson announced that after 9 years, she would be stepping down to
handle increased responsibilities with Mockingbird Kitchen. Fellow commissioners
thanked her for her accomplishments.
• The vacancy will be posted by City Clerk’s office on January 30th with applications due
February 20th and this position must be an owner or manager of a hotel, motel or
restaurant.
B. Discussion and Vote. MOU with NWA Equality. CEO Ryan Hauck
• CEO Hauck discussed this proposed 5-year MOU with NWA Equality, focused on Pride
Week as a topic that’s been discussed at the retreat last fall and shared how this
partnership aligned with our Destination Master Plan and was a continuation of a long
time partnership.
• With no questions, Chair Moya asked for a motion. Commissioner Stafford recused
himself from conversation and vote as NWA Equality is a long standing and current
client of his.
• Chair Moya made a motion to give authorization to our CEO to sign the presented 5-
year agreement on behalf of the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotions
Commission at an annual cost of $30,000, which has been budgeted and is
consistent with the terms presented. Commissioner Sanderson seconded it and it
passed unanimously with Commissioner Stafford recusing himself and
Commissioner Kinney having departed the meeting due to an obligation.
C. Discussion and Vote. Commissioner applicants, Commissioner Mike Wiederkehr
• Commissioner Wiederkehr shared an overview of all three applicants for the Tourism
seat opening currently occupied by Chair Moya with a term starting April 1, 2026.
• He shared many commendable items about all three applicants and stated that the
formal recommendation of the selection committee would be to appoint Elvis Moya for a
second four year term and asked if there were any questions.
• With no questions, Commission Stafford made the motion that the A&P Commission’s
recommendation to the City Council’s nominating committee would be the re-
appointment of Elvis Moya. Commissioner Hamilton seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously. Chair Moya thanked the commissioners.
V. Good of the Order/ Adjournment, Chair Moya and CEO Hauck
• With no other items, Chair Moya asked for a motion to adjourn which Commissioner
Sanderson made, seconded by Commissioner Stafford. It was approved unanimously
and the meeting was adjourned at 3:29 p.m.
Minutes by Amy Stockton, Experience Fayetteville
CEO Update – January 2026
Marketing & Communications
January focused on strategic transition and positioning for 2026 growth.
• Agency Onboarding: Successfully onboarded VERB (AOR) and AM Group (PR).
Work is underway on a refreshed 2026 brand campaign and communications strategy to
drive measurable visitation and economic impact.
• National Exposure: The PBS Appalachia Hometowns episode featuring Fayetteville
aired January 22, delivering strong and authentic national visibility. Here is the
episode: https://www.pbs.org/video/hometowns-fayetteville-ar-tpvq7b/
• Sports PR: Supported announcement of the Club América Golden Clash 2026 at
Razorback Stadium (March 28, 2026).
• Website Performance Report: ~28,000 sessions in January (-16% YoY), expected
during paid media transition.
• Paid, Earned, and Social Media Report January – VERB
• Media Report | January – AM Group
Visitor Center
• 283 visitors in January, including guests from New Zealand, Israel, and Canada.
• Sales: $969.84 Ale Trail: 1 completed passport under the new format.
• Completed year-end inventory.
Destination Services
American Bus Association Marketplace (Reno, Jan 10–14):
• 74 appointments with group tour operators.
• Supported A&M Railroad meetings.
• Hosted 8 operators for relationship-building and future FAM tour discussions.
Experience Fayetteville Sales
America 250 – Fayetteville Committee
Formed a committee to support and amplify community-led efforts celebrating the nation’s 250th
anniversary in 2026.
Focus Areas:
• Dedicated America 250 webpage and centralized event calendar.
• Coordinated storytelling and promotion.
• Collaboration with Chamber, Downtown Coalition, Parks & Recreation, Pryor Center
partners, and State 250 representative.
Prospective Business Highlights
Meetings & Groups
• Arkansas County Agricultural Agents – EI $55K
• Toastmasters District 43 – EI $45K
• Arkansas State Speedcubing Championship – EI $212K
• National Council of Youth Sports (2027) – EI $96K
Sports
• Centennial Bank State Basketball Tournament – EI $6M (citywide)
• 6A State Bowling – Service assist
• US Senior Pickleball Regionals – Ongoing service support
January Definite Business
Meetings Hosted
• Synapse Communication Consulting – EI $15K
• UA SECSAO Annual Meeting – EI $70K
Staff also attended the Cities of the SEC meetup and joined committees to strengthen
partnerships.
LinkedIn: +153 followers with strong engagement.
Fayetteville Town Center
Bookings & Operations
• 10 bookings completed in January; 18 confirmed for February.
• Rebooked 2 weather-related cancellations.
• Monica Jannati earned her CMP certification.
Projects & Challenges
• Ongoing safety trainings, inventory, and guest experience survey rollout.
• Weather and illness required staffing flexibility; no issues requiring Commission action.
Monthly Sales Report (Town Center)
Activity: 20 incoming calls | 35 outgoing | 125 emails | 9 meetings
Events & Revenue:
• 17 events hosted; 1,511 attendees (avg. 89/event).
• January revenue: $15,266.84 | YTD: $22,580.99
• 5 additional bookings secured for 2026.
Pipeline:
• 4 contracts in negotiation; 30 tentative/hold.
• Prospective value of contracts: $750,246.81
• Two key opportunities anticipated to close next month.
Staff Achievements:
• Monica Jannati has completed work and passed examinations to become a Certified
Meeting Professional – congratulations to Monica!
Upcoming
• February 20th – deadline for commissioner applications. Click here for information.
• Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism | Feb 22–24, Little Rock.
• March 16th – Next A&P Commission Meeting
-3.15%
-4.31%
-6.09%
0.89%
2.09%
1.89%
11.86%
3.24%
24.04%
9.79%
$410,352
$444,020
$419,784
$394,928
$453,844
$476,619
$473,720
$546,090
$416,573
$401,088
2026 Monthly A&P Tax Collections**
-1.64%
% change
from 2025
2021
$263,665
2022
$353,407
2023
$381,681
2024
$382,586
2025
$405,262
$13,510
Prior Dues Collected
$398,610
Total HMR Collected
January Collections
(December Activity)
$38,024
Lodging
$347,076
Restaurant+
-10.20%34.04%8.00%0.24%5.93%
$398,610
Change over previous year
Previous YTD (Jan) HMR A&P Tax Collection Totals
**This represents half of total HMR tax collections. The other half goes to Fayetteville Department of Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs
Memo
To: Ryan Hauck, CEO, Experience Fayetteville
Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commissioners
From: Gretchen Hunt, Director of Finance, Experience Fayetteville
Date: February 12, 2026
Re: Financial Statements – January 2026
This packet contains Experience Fayetteville Financial Statements for the month ended
January 31, 2026. The following reports are included in the packet:
Summary P&L Financials for month ended January 31, 2026
Balance Sheet for month ended January 31, 2026
Target Budget January – 8%
Total Revenue YTD: $420,157 or 6.5%
Tax Receipts - $398,610 or 7.3%
Town Center - $15,095 or 1.8%
Other - $6,452
Total Operating Expenditure YTD: $444,629 or 6.8%
EF Main - $373,126
Town Center - $71,503
HMR tax – YTD January Collections (December activity) are 5.5% below the
seasonally adjusted budget.
Operating Net Income is ($90,662) year to date.
Modified Accrual Fayetteville A and P Commission
Statement of Budget, Revenue and Expense
Year-to-Date @ January 31, 2026
Actual Budget Over/(Under)
Budget % of Budget
Revenue
Hotel, Motel, Restaurant Taxes Revenue 398,610 5,466,542 (5,067,932) 7.3%
Rental Revenue 14,901 784,000 (769,099) 1.9%
Event Revenue 195 9,500 (9,305) 2.0%
Visitor Center Store Revenue 857 44,000 (43,143) 1.9%
Parking Revenue - 58,000 (58,000) 0.0%
Grant/Other Revenue - 81,800 (81,800) 0.0%
Interest and Investment Revenue 5,595 50,100 (44,505) 11.2%
Total Revenue 420,157 6,493,942 (6,073,785) 6.5%
Expenses
Operating Expenses
Rental Expenses 372 127,000 (126,628) 0.3%
Event Expenses - 46,000 (46,000) 0.0%
Visitor Center & Museum Store 1,425 40,575 (39,150) 3.5%
Personnel 121,619 2,096,260 (1,974,641) 5.8%
Sales & Marketing 128,081 1,888,636 (1,760,555) 6.8%
Office and Administrative 124,732 852,831 (728,099) 14.6%
Bond Payments 58,150 700,500 (642,350) 8.3%
Disaster Contingency 10,000 (10,000) 0.0%
COF Energy Improvement Repayment 20,000 (20,000) 0.0%
Contribution to Capital Reserves - 100,000 (100,000) 0.0%
Other Tourism Support - Community, Art Court, DFC 10,250 412,140 (401,890) 2.5%
TheatreSquared Contribution - 200,000 (200,000) 0.0%
Total Operating Expenses 444,629 6,493,942 (6,049,313) 6.8%
Net Operating Income/(Loss) (24,472) - (24,472) 0.0%
Other Income
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments (66,190) 0.0%
Other Expenses
FFE & Improvements - 240,000 (240,000) 0.0%
Depreciation Expense - 0.0%
Cost of Goods Sold - 0.0%
Net Income/(Loss) (without CX Grants)(90,662) (240,000) 215,528 37.8%
CONSOLIDATED
Year-to-Date
Modified Accrual Fayetteville A and P Commission
Statement of Budget, Revenue and Expense
Year-to-Date @ January 31, 2026
Actual Budget Over/(Under)
Budget % of Budget
Revenue
Hotel, Motel, Restaurant Taxes Revenue 398,610 5,466,542 (5,067,932) 7.3%
Visitor Center Store Revenue 857 44,000 (43,143) 1.9%
Grant & Other Revenue - 81,800 (81,800) 0.0%
Interest and Investment Revenue 5,595 50,000 (44,405) 11.2%
Total Revenue 405,062 5,642,342 (5,237,280) 7.2%
Expenses
Operating Expenses
Event Expenses - 44,000 (44,000) 0.0%
Visitor Center & Museum Store 1,425 40,575 (39,150) 3.5%
Personnel 80,851 1,240,876 (1,160,025) 6.5%
Sales & Marketing 128,081 1,866,136 (1,738,055) 6.9%
Office and Administrative 94,369 525,995 (431,626) 17.9%
Bond Payments 58,150 700,500 (642,350) 8.3%
Disaster Contingency 10,000 (10,000) 0.0%
COF Energy Improvement Repayment 20,000 (20,000) 0.0%
Contribution to Capital Reserve - 100,000 (100,000) 0.0%
Other Tourism Support - Community, Art Court, DFC 10,250 412,140 (401,890) 2.5%
Mobile VC - - - 0.0%
TheatreSquared Contribution - 200,000 (200,000) 0.0%
Total Operating Expenses 373,126 5,160,222 (4,787,096) 7.2%
Net Income/(Loss) Before Other Revenue and Expenses 31,936 482,120 (450,184) 6.6%
Other Income
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments (66,190) - (66,190) 0.0%
Total Other Income (66,190)
Other Expenses
FFE & Improvements - 70,000 (70,000) 0.0%
Depreciation Expense -
Cost of Goods Sold -
Net Income/(Loss) (34,254) 412,120 (380,184) -8.3%
Experience Fayetteville
Year-to-Date
Modified Accrual Fayetteville A and P Commission
Statement of Budget, Revenue and Expense
Year-to-Date @ January 31, 2026
Actual Budget Over/(Under)
Budget % of Budget
Revenue
Rental Revenue 14,901 784,000 (769,099) 1.9%
Event Revenue 195 9,500 (9,305) 2.0%
Parking Revenue 58,000 (58,000) 0.0%
Interest and Investment Revenue 100 (100) 0.0%
Total Revenue 15,095 851,600 (836,505) 1.8%
Expenses
Operating Expenses
Rental Expenses 372 127,000 (126,628) 0.3%
Event Expenses 2,000 (2,000) 0.0%
Personnel 40,768 855,384 (814,616) 4.8%
Sales & Marketing 22,500 (22,500) 0.0%
Office and Administrative 30,363 326,836 (296,473) 9.3%
Total Operating Expenses 71,503 1,333,720 (1,262,217) 5.4%
Net Income/(Loss) Before Other Revenue and Expenses (56,408) (482,120) 425,712 11.7%
Other Expenses
FFE & Improvements 170,000 (170,000) 100.0%
Depreciation Expense 0.0%
Total Other Expenses - 170,000 (170,000)
Bad Debt Expense -
Net Income/(Loss) (56,408) (652,120) 595,712 8.6%
Town Center
Year-to-Date
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash 3,695,089
Investments 1,244,347
Accounts Receivable 585,306
Prepaid Expenses 12,636
Deposits 40,838
Inventory Asset 21,449
Total Current Assets 5,599,665
Other Assets
Capital Assets
Furniture & Fixtures 300,660
Equipment 761,581
EF/CVB Building 940,410
EF/CVB Land 198,621
Building Additions 1,844,537
Walker-Stone House 1,179,152
Vehicles 122,860
Construction in Progress 456,456
Accumulated Depreciation (2,034,604)
Total Other Assets 3,769,673
TOTAL ASSETS 9,369,338
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable 74,021
Unearned Revenue 260,811
Total Liabilities 334,831
Long Term Liabilities
Notes Payable - City of Fayetteville Solar 366,466.50
Total Liabilities 366,466.50
Equity
Unreserved Fund Balance 7,712,033
Operating Reserve 1,000,000
Capital Reserve -
Temporarily Restricted Funds 45,558
Net Revenue
Gain/(Loss) on Investments (66,190)
Net Revenue (23,361) (89,551)
Total Equity 8,668,040
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 9,369,338
Fayetteville A&P Commission
Balance Sheet
As of January 31, 2026
Memo
To:
Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commissioners
From: Ryan Hauck, CEO
Date: February 11, 2026
Re: Walker Stone POA – Water drainage solution
Background:
Michele Halsell, President of the Walker Stone Property Owners Association, has met
with Miletus Callahan-Barile, our Director of Facilities, and Alan Pugh, engineer for the
City of Fayetteville to identify possible solutions to significant stormwater run-off. Miletus
Callahan-Barile referred Ms. Halsell to Isaac Ogle, owner of Comprehensive Botanical
Services, who has recommended a solution to divert stormwater to Locust Street with a
concrete stem wall. The Walker Stone POA Board has allocated the funds to pay for the
work at no cost to Experience Fayetteville; they are simply asking for permission to
construct an 18" stem wall the length of the parking lot to divert water away from the
townhouses. They also propose adding a few decorative boulders in front of the stem
wall so that visitors to Walker Stone House who use the parking lot will not accidentally
back into the stem wall and damage it. Please see attached proposal.
Recommendation:
We recommend that the A&P Commission allow this work to occur with the
understanding that the A&P Commission will not be responsible for the expense or the
construction project.
Motion to Pass:
Move that the A&P Commission allow for the construction of a concrete stem wall the
length of the Walker Stone House parking lot to divert the flow of storm water away
from the Walker Stone Townhomes.
P.O. Box 699 Fayetteville AR 72702 | isaac@botanicservices.com | 479-601-7615
___________________________________________________________________
Proposal
Date: 11/24/25
Proposal Number: 059925
TO: Walker-Stone POA
Fayetteville Arkansas
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Flood water mitigation AMOUNT
Construction of a concrete stem wall, approximately 85 feet long, 18 inches tall
and 6 inches thick to divert the flow of storm water from the property-parking lot
directly North of the complex. The majority of the water flow will be directed
West, towards S. Locust Ave, with some water flow directed to the East side of the
townhomes.
Remove soil and mulch from behind the townhome patios that border the stem
wall, install a curtain drain where possible, and top dress with native filter rock.
Proposal Signature and Date
Subtotal 16180.00
Sales tax INCL
Total $16180.00
Memo
To:
Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commissioners
From: Ryan Hauck, CEO
Date: February 16, 2026
Re: Wheel the World – Accessibility Verified Agreement
Background
Wheel the World is a recognized leader in accessible travel, providing verified
accessibility assessments, training, and global visibility for destinations committed to
serving travelers of all abilities.
This initiative is structured as a regional collaboration, coordinated alongside Visit
Bentonville allowing Northwest Arkansas to present a unified and consistent approach to
accessibility. By participating collectively, the region strengthens its position as a
welcoming destination while maximizing impact, efficiency, and shared visibility across
municipal boundaries.
Through the Accessibility Verified program, local hotels, attractions, and experiences will
receive professional assessments, actionable improvement insights, staff training, and
verified listings distributed through Wheel the World’s global platform. These efforts
directly support both visitor experience enhancements and long-term workforce and
community benefits.
Strategic Alignment
This agreement is a key implementation component of Experience Fayetteville’s
Destination Master Plan, specifically supporting priorities related to:
• Enhancing visitor readiness and experience quality
• Advancing accessibility and inclusive tourism practices
• Strengthening Fayetteville’s and Northwest Arkansas’s competitive positioning
• Leveraging regional partnerships for greater collective impact
Recommendation
Authorize execution of a two-year Accessibility Verified membership agreement with
Wheel the World, totaling $54,606 over the two-year term, inclusive of discounted
pricing. The agreement provides cost certainty, defined deliverables, and long-term
value through verified listings, training, marketing support, and regional collaboration.
This investment supports sustainable destination development, reinforces our regional
leadership role, and ensures Fayetteville remains aligned with best practices in inclusive
tourism.
Motion to Pass
Move that Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville, be authorized to sign the
presented two-year agreement with Wheel the World on behalf of the Fayetteville
Advertising & Promotion Commission, consistent with the terms and financial
commitments outlined.
EXPERIENCE FAYETTEVILLE - 2 YEAR MEMBERSHIP
Prepared for
Experience Fayetteville
21 South Block Ave
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
United States
Ryan Hauck
CEO
rhauck@experiencefayetteville.com
479.521.5776 ext. 300
Arturo Gaona
arturo@wheeltheworld.com
E x p i r e s
F e b r u a r y 2 7 , 2 0 2 6
Products & Services
#
Years Price
Accessibility Verified Annual Membership - Fayetteville
Two years of the Annual membership. 20 verifications per year,
40 verifications in total over the two-year period, including:
Landing Page, AI Advisor, API Access, Portal Access, Partner's
Care, Trainings & Certification.
2 $54,606.00
after 24%
discount
One-time subtotal $54,606.00
after $17,244.00 discount
Total $54,606.00
Payment Schedule
Name Due Amount
Payment 1 - Year 1 Upon receipt $20,477.25
Payment 2 - Year 1 May 8, 2026 $6,525.75
Payment 1 - Year 2 January 8, 2027 $20,750.28
Payment 2 - Year 2 April 9, 2027 $6,852.72
Comments, terms and conditions.
Including a larger discount for a 2 year membership
Scope of Work for Destination Verified.
Additional Information:
Use Company W9 to process Payments.
Quote Acceptance.
If you agree with the conditions established above, please go ahead and sign this Quote. As you
sign this Quote, the Invoice will be generated automatically for you.
Ryan Hauck
rhauck@experiencefayetteville.com [sig|req|signer1 ]
Print
Accessibility Verified – Scope of Work
1. Overview
Program Purpose & Objectives:
Accessibility Verified is a comprehensive accessibility verification and improvement program
designed to help DMOs and their partners assess, enhance, and promote their destination’s
accessibility. Through a structured evaluation process, detailed insights, and verified listings,
Wheel the World enables destinations to better serve travelers with disabilities and seniors
while positioning themselves as leaders in inclusive travel.
Key Deliverables:
● In-depth accessibility assessments of selected hotels, attractions, and services.
● Actionable insight reports with recommendations for improvement.
● Verified listings published on WheelTheWorld.com to enhance visibility.
● Training programs for DMOs and partners on accessibility best practices.
● Marketing materials and digital assets to promote accessibility initiatives.
This document outlines the roles, responsibilities, and commitments of both Wheel the World
and the DMO to ensure a successful execution of the Accessibility Verified program.
2. Scope of Work
1⃣ Destination Research & Partner Selection (Pre-Field Work)
Wheel the World will conduct research to develop an initial list of hotels (60%), attractions, and
restaurants that align with accessible travel needs. This list will be provided to the DMO for
review, approval, and modifications to ensure alignment with local priorities. Given the partner's
response rate, the list must include 50% more partners than the amount purchased.
DMO Responsibility: The DMO must finalize and approve the list within three weeks of
receiving it, ensuring that each selected location includes complete contact details such as
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
business name, primary contact person, email address, and phone number to facilitate efficient
coordination and scheduling.
● If delayed: If the DMO does not finalize the list within this timeframe, Wheel the World
may complement the list with additional locations to ensure the project remains on
schedule.
Mapping Equivalences: Have in Mind that some sites could count towards more mappings
depending on the size. Feel free to select bigger venues; we can measure them individually.
Example: Denver Convention Center: 3 Sites, Alabama Airport: 10 Sites, Legoland Amusement
Park OC: 4 Sites, Saguaro National Park: 5 Sites
2⃣ Partner Engagement & On-Field Coordination (Field Work)
Once the partner list is finalized, Wheel the World will manage outreach, site visit scheduling,
and accessibility mapping operations to collect detailed data.
● Fieldwork Criteria: Mapping will commence once at least 80% of selected partners
confirm participation.
● Responsibility: Wheel the World is responsible for all communication and logistics;
however, collaboration from the DMO is essential, particularly in providing an
introductory letter and actively supporting outreach efforts to ensure partners opt into
the program. The DMO’s involvement in securing participation strengthens engagement
and accelerates the process.
● Endorsement Letter (see annex 1: Model Endorsement letter): Wheel will use an
endorsement letter with the contracted partnership to be presented to the locations
that will be verified. This document serves solely to introduce us to the destinations,
communicate the contracted partnership, and encourage engagement from the
establishments.
3⃣ Delivery of Accessibility Insights & Verified Listings
Upon completion of fieldwork, Wheel the World will provide confidential comprehensive
Accessibility Insight Reports to the DMO and participating partners.
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
● DMO/Partners Portal: All detailed accessibility assessments and recommendations will
be available via the dedicated DMO/Partners Portal.
● Publication: Listings that meet the accessibility criteria will be published on
WheelTheWorld.com, enabling travelers with accessibility needs to find and book
accommodations and experiences confidently. In the unlikely case that a partner does
not meet a minimum level of accessibility, they won't be able to be listed at
WheelTheWorld.com until that criteria is reached. They will receive an assessment and
access to the Portal
4⃣ Training & Capacity Building
Wheel the World will provide online accessibility training (also available via the dedicated
DMO/Partners Portal) for DMO staff and participating partners through our structured
e-learning platform (WTW Academy).
● Topics include:
○ Accessibility awareness and best practices.
○ Accessible tourism and universal design principles.
○ How to optimize businesses for accessible travelers.
● 25 seats are available for DMO personnel and 15 for each participating partner.
5⃣ Long-Term Value & Marketing Support
Wheel the World will support the DMO and its partners in enhancing their accessibility branding
and outreach efforts through strategic marketing initiatives.
● Accessibility Verified Seals – Window clings for verified businesses.
● Digital Marketing Package – Social media posts and branding assets.
● Blog Features & SEO Optimization – Content highlighting accessibility improvements.
● Dedicated Landing Page – A promotional hub showcasing verified partners and
accessibility efforts.
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
3. Responsibilities & Obligations
Wheel the World’s Responsibilities
● Conduct accessibility research and provide an initial list of potential partners.
● Manage all communications, scheduling, and site visit logistics (unless otherwise
agreed).
● Deploy trained mappers to collect accessibility data and produce verified assessments.
● Deliver detailed insight reports and publish verified listings.
● Provide ongoing training and marketing support for the DMO and its partners.
DMO’s Responsibilities
● Review, approve, or modify the partner list within two weeks.
● Share the main point of contact of the businesses (Name, email, phone number and
address)
● Facilitate introductions and engagement with participating businesses by providing an
official partnership letter that informs them of their selection, endorses the initiative,
and encourages their participation in the program.
● Ensure local partners understand the program and commit to participation.
● Ensure timely payments for project execution.
● Fill out the Typeform to provide the necessary information for building your customized
landing page.
4. Project Timeline & Financial Commitment
Project Timeline
● Week 1-2: DMO reviews and finalizes the partner list.
● Upon 80% partner confirmation: Fieldwork begins.
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
● Up to 6 months from initial payment: Full completion of the accessibility assessment
and delivery of reports.
● The landing page creation will begin once 50% of the listings have been published.
Payment Terms
● Depend on Quote Agreement.
5. Mutual Commitments & Execution Framework
Both parties acknowledge that successful execution of the Accessibility Verified program
requires:
✅ Active collaboration to ensure smooth operations and partner engagement.
✅ Commitment to agreed deadlines to prevent unnecessary delays.
✅ Regular coordination meetings to monitor progress and address challenges.
Failure to meet key deadlines (e.g., partner list approval, payment schedules) may impact the
project timeline and require adjustments.
6. Services, Listings & Data Management
If a destination is no longer under an active Accessibility Verified program and its membership
has expired, it will lose access to all Accessibility Verified assets, including the Accessibility
Verified Status — including landing page, the partner portal with improvement tracking and
analytics, WTW Academy training, API integration, AI Agent, and the annual Accessibility
Roadmap. Only active Accessibility Verified partners continue to receive full visibility, ongoing
optimization, and promotional benefits within our ecosystem, such as enhanced website
positioning. Previously verified listings will remain live on WheeltheWorld.com, but the
Accessibility Verified Seal will be removed after a 6-month grace period. The destination’s
landing page will remain accessible but will no longer receive updates, SEO enhancements, or
newly released features and content sections.
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
7. Primary Contact for Execution
● Name: Sofia Bravo
● Title: Head of Customer Success
● Email: sofia@wheeltheworld.com
This Scope of Work (SOW) serves as the official guideline for the roles, responsibilities,
deliverables, and expectations of both Wheel the World and the DMO. By aligning on this
framework, we ensure a successful, measurable, and impactful accessibility initiative.
Annex 1: Model Endorsement letter
{DMO Logo}
Greetings {Accessibility Verified location} Members and Partners,
To make {Accessibility Verified location} a more accessible and inclusive destination, {DMO office} has
partnered with Wheel the World, a travel solution for people with disabilities that allows its users to
research businesses and other locations within our destination that match their accessibility needs.
Find out more information at www.wheeltheworld.com and check this short explanatory video: Wheel the
World - Accessibility Information
This collaboration aims to assess, train, and promote local lodging, businesses, and attractions to better
market to travelers with disabilities.
Assessment: Wheel the World will provide assessments that include an analysis of how each business
might be experienced by those with disabilities, focusing on a variety of accessibility needs including
mobility, visual, deaf, hard of hearing, and sensory-friendliness. These assessments will include context
with various accommodations that might be offered and provide recommendations that could help to
make your business or location more accessible.
Training: Wheel the World also provides online education (Wheel the World Academy e-learning
platform), which will cover an introduction to accessible tourism, best practices, and meeting individual
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
needs. The online training tools are included at no charge for you and your team to use.
Promote: Your business will be promoted and listed on www.wheeltheworld.com, which can help
generate new clients for you and meet the demand of travelers with disabilities worldwide. Further,
{Accessibility Verified location} will be highlighting your relevant accessibility information in its
listings, and creating a feature page listing all participants in the program to assist travelers in finding
relevant resources and information.
We would love to have your business as part of this initiative to deliver helpful information to guests and
create a welcoming invitation for more people with disabilities to come to {Accessibility Verified
location}. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Many thanks,
{DMO DIGITAL SIGN and NAME}
Annex 2: Landings
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
Wheel the World Inc, 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105