Event Grant Program

For events in the county that: attract visitors April-December; encourage increased visitor spending in the destination; reinforce a positive image of the Sebring area; amplify the experience economy; leverage and promote the Sebring brand, and provide added value to the visitor experience.

Requirements:

• Attendees: 10,000+ verified attendees or 1,000 verified room nights
• At least a two-day event with an overnight (either night or early morning) component
• Max funding: $20,000 (years 1-3); 75% (years 4-6); 50% (years 7-10); 25% (years 11+)
• Application period: Quarterly at TDC meetings; must be 6 months before the event

For brand new events held in the Sebring area, which have not been held previously in the county, that plan to grow and evolve into High Impact Signature Events (per above).

Requirements:

• A 3-5 year business plan outlining how the event will evolve into a High Impact Signature Event (per details above)
• A minimum two-day event with overnight (either night or early morning) component
• Max funding for year #1 only: $20,000 based on scoring for no room night verifications; opportunity for an additional $20/room night reimbursement based on verified rooms.
• Application period: Quarterly at TDC meetings; must be 6 months before the event
• Funding: Can be via grant or TDC can pay directly for marketing (at least 50% of total request), entertainment, facility rental, A/V equipment rental, promotional items, etc.

For events in county that provide community-based recreation April-December for locals and visitors alike in the Sebring area; encourage increased local and visitor spending; reinforce a positive image of the Sebring area; amplify the experience economy; leverage and promote the Sebring brand, and provide added value to the Sebring area visitors during their stay.

Requirements:

• Attendees: 500+ verified attendees
• Maximum funding: $2,500 (years 1-3); $1,250 (years 4-6)
• Application period: Once per year; based on scoring; must be 120 days before the event
• Funding: Grant funds can only be used for reimbursable marketing outside Highlands County; 75% must be digital online advertising

For special events or conferences staged in the Sebring area April-December that attract overnight visitors.

Requirements:

• Verified room night minimum: At least 50
• Exceptions can be made for January events with room nights verified on weekdays
• Max funding: $10,000 (years 1-3) based on sliding scale with room nights worth $20/each; 75% (years 4-6); 50% (years 7-10)
• Application period: Quarterly at TDC meetings; must be 6 months before the event
• Funding: Grant funds can assist with marketing, entertainment (for events open to the public), facility rental, A/V equipment rental, in-county group transportation/tours, etc.

For sporting events staged in the Sebring area April-December that attract overnight visitors.

Requirements:

• Room night minimum: At least 100 verified room nights; based on a sliding scale
• Max funding: $20,000 (years 1-3); 75% (years 4-6); 50% (years 7-10); 25% (years 11+)
  • Discounted percentage applies to out-of-county marketing/advertising, shirts, and promotional items only; does not apply to bid/hosting fees or facility rental
• Application period: Quarterly at TDC meetings; must be 6 months before the event (exceptions can be made for tournaments with late notice by host organization)
• Funding: Grant funds can assist with out-of-county advertising and marketing, bid or hosting fees, facility rental, TDC staff approved event shirts* or promotional items* (*must have written approval from TDC staff in order to be eligible for reimbursement)

Some events attract large numbers of day visitors with little to no overnight room night stays. These events have a positive effect in contributing to the vitality of the Sebring area and attractiveness to potential tourists. Therefore, the TDC may support these events, at discretion of TDC staff, that are open to the public through non‐grant/non-monetary avenues, such as:

• Collateral fulfillment of area tourism information;
• Visit Sebring promotional branded material fulfillment;
• Request for Proposal (RFP) distribution;
• Public relations support;
• Photo/video support;
• Social media/calendar/website listing;
• Referrals to County/City departments;
• Research data collection; and,
• Consultation to grow events to attract overnight visitors.