Visit Broken Arrow
Meeting of: 03-10-2026
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion, and possible approval and authorization to submit a Request for Proposal to obtain marketing services as set forth in the Visit Broken Arrow Strategic Plan
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Background:
Over the past several years, Visit Broken Arrow has evolved from a primarily grant- and sports-focused organization into a mature destination marketing entity with integrated digital, creative, media, and partnership-driven programming.
In November 2025, Visit Broken Arrow adopted a five-year Tourism Strategic Plan (2025-2030), which includes several recommendations for expanding and strengthening our marketing program.
VBA operates with a lean staff and relies on professional agency support to execute strategic marketing initiatives. While Visit Broken Arrow has been pleased with the work and partnership provided by our current third-party marketing firm over the past three years, the recently adopted strategic plan recommends re-evaluating our marketing services as the organization continues to grow. Opening these services to a competitive bid process will allow us to assess firms with specialized destination marketing expertise and ensure we are utilizing the most effective partner moving forward.
This RFP is focused on implementing the immediate (year one) marketing recommendations outlined in the strategic plan, while maintaining flexibility to adapt as new opportunities emerge.
Once published, proposals will be accepted through April 30. Bids will be reviewed and narrowed down by the review committee. Staff will return to the Visit Broken Arrow Board and to City Council for final approval of the selected firm.
The contract will run July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
Highlights of the scope and deliverables include:
• Strategic Marketing & Planning
• Destination & Experience Marketing
• Target Market Marketing Support
• Digital, Media & Content Services
• Stakeholder & Partner Support
• Performance Measurement & Reporting
• Strategic Flexibility and Emerging Opportunities
Cost: Not to Exceed $175,000, subject to FY27 appropriations
Funding Source: Visit Broken Arrow
Requested By: Makala Barton, Tourism Manager
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: DRAFT 2026 Marketing RFP
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve and authorization for VBA staff to submit a Request for Proposal for marketing services with a cost not to exceed $175,000
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