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For Approval June 18, 2025 <br /> ■ Strong desire within community but lacking assurances about safety and law <br /> enforcement support. <br /> o Safety and Law Enforcement <br /> ■ Law enforcement and public safety teams (including UNC Public Safety and local <br /> police) are aware and involved. <br /> • Concerns about guaranteeing safety have been raised by community members and <br /> parishioners; no absolute guarantees possible. <br /> ■ POTUS statement on 2026 World Cup emphasized safety and no deportations, but <br /> skepticism remains locally. <br /> o Operational Challenges <br /> ■ Coordination with UNC for parking and tailgating rules is complex. <br /> ■ Tailgating is only permitted after 5 p.m., but MLS advertised 4 p.m., causing confusion. <br /> ■ Issues with alcohol service due to local ABC regulations: <br /> • Major sponsor Grand Centenario Tequila unable to serve freely due to <br /> regulations. <br /> • Ongoing discussions with MLS and legal advisors to find possible solutions for <br /> private boxes or seated areas. <br /> o Invitation and Community Involvement <br /> ■ Board members invited to attend the game on June 10. <br /> ■ Pregame events from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with tailgating and family-friendly activities. <br /> ■ Additional community outreach through Latino media and PR campaigns ongoing. <br /> o Discussion and Questions <br /> ■ Concerns about American athletes' safety addressed; no reported issues so far. <br /> ■ Suggestions made to explore alternative venues or watch parties (e.g.,pop-up shops, <br /> alumni spaces)to involve community in smaller, safer settings. <br /> ■ Acknowledged regulatory challenges related to alcohol and event size for such <br /> alternative gatherings. <br /> 3. Group Meetings Market Advertising & Outreach Report: Annual Investment $500k <br /> o Discussion on Manish Atma and Visitors Bureau role in hotel sales. <br /> ■ A prominent hotelier(Mr. Atma),who owns approximately 50% of Chapel Hill's hotel <br /> inventory, has voiced concerns about the Visitors Bureau's effectiveness and alignment <br /> with hotel interests. <br /> ■ Mr. Atma has expressed dissatisfaction publicly, including at a Chamber board meeting, <br /> and in conversations with a County Commissioner. <br /> ■ He perceives the Bureau's programs—especially those related to group sales and <br /> meeting services—as not directly beneficial to his properties. <br /> ■ He views the Visitors Bureau as an entity that should serve as a more hotel-focused <br /> sales arm. <br /> o Visitors Bureau Response <br /> ■ Mr. Atma was previously on the Visitors Bureau board but was unable to participate <br /> regularly due to travel. <br /> ■ A request has been made to meet with Mr. Atma. <br /> ■ The Bureau clarified that its statutory mission is to promote the entire county—not just <br /> hotels—and its efforts are guided by state legislation and county/town directives. <br /> ■ As meeting space has grown in recent years, so has the Visitors Bureau's expenditures <br /> in marketing convention hotels (see slide deck). <br /> 2Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting May 21 , 2025 <br />