Request for Proposal to Host. ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016

Request for Proposal to Host ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016 Proposed Event Dates: March 21-27, 2016 CONTACT: Bob Dunlop, Senior Events Director U.S. Figure Skating 20 First Street - Colorado Springs, CO 80906 T: (719) 635-5200 - F: (719) 635-9548 E-mail: Bdunlop@usfigureskating.org

OVERVIEW: U.S. Figure Skating is seeking proposals from interested host organizations to serve as a local partner to host the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016. Originated in 1896, the ISU World Figure Skating Championships feature approximately 150 athletes from over 50 member nations competing for world titles in the Ladies, Men s, Pairs and Ice Dancing categories. The ISU World Figure Skating Championships are the property of the International Skating Union (ISU) and are awarded to an ISU member nation annually. As such, U.S. Figure Skating is seeking a U.S. candidate city to partner with in hosting the championships while implementing the ISU s event requirements and policies. The event will be conducted over a total of 9 days including two days of event load-in. U.S. Figure Skating last hosted the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles., Calif. The event attracted over 160,000 spectators for the week and drew immense media coverage both domestically and on the international stage. In 2009, over 250 members of the print media were credentialed in addition to the international television rights-holders which included NBC (USA), CBC (Canada), Fuji TV (Japan), France 3 (France) and the European Broadcasting Union. The ISU World Figure Skating Championships have previously been hosted in the United States in the following years and locations: 2009 Los Angeles, Calif. 2003 Washington D.C. 1998 Minneapolis, Minn. 1992 Oakland, Calif. 1987 Cincinnati, Ohio 1981 Hartford, Conn. 1975 Colorado Springs, Colo. 1969 Colorado Springs, Colo. 1965 Colorado Springs, Colo. 1959 Colorado Springs, Colo. 1957 Colorado Springs, Colo. 1930 New York, N.Y.

TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE (subject to change/approval by the ISU): MAIN ARENA Saturday, March 19, 2016 Thursday, March 24, 2016 - Event load-in - Short Dance Sunday, March 20, 2016 - Ladies Short Program - Event load-in Friday, March 25, 2016 Monday, March 21, 2016 - Pairs Free Skate & Awards - Men s Free Skate & Awards - Team Leaders Meeting Saturday, March 26, 2016 Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - Free Dance & Awards - Ladies Free Skate & Awards - Welcome Reception (Hotel) Sunday, March 27, 2016 - ISU & Judges Dinner (offsite location) - Exhibition of Champions Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - Pairs Short Program - Opening Ceremonies & Men s Short Program PRACTICE ARENA Sunday, March 20, 2016 - Event load-in Monday, March 21, 2016 Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Thursday, March 24, 2016 Friday, March 25, 2016 BID INSTRUCTIONS Incorporating the requirements listed within and the attached ISU Memorandum for Guidance and Hosting U.S. Figure Skating is requesting proposals with the following understanding: The ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016 are the sole property of the International Skating Union (ISU) and are awarded annually to an ISU Member nation in a competitive bid process that is open to all ISU members worldwide. U.S. Figure Skating is responsible for review and selection of a U.S. candidate city to submit for ISU consideration no later than April 15, 2013. If selected, U.S. Figure Skating, as the responsible ISU member, will serve as management entity to ensure implementation of the ISU requirements in hosting. The proposed host organization will work directly with U.S. Figure Skating to implement the management of the event on local level and recruit local sponsors, volunteers, etc The proposed host organization may be defined as a Facility Management Group, Independent Promoter, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sports Commission, U.S. Figure Skating member club or any combination of these organizations. The U.S. Figure Skating Events Advisory Board will oversee the RFP process and will provide detailed background information and experienced assistance in all aspects throughout the bid process.

Following selection of a U.S. candidate city and subsequent awarding of the event by the ISU, a management team led by U.S. Figure Skating s Events Department and ISU event staff will work directly with the lead representative(s) of the proposed host organization to implement the required elements of hosting the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016. RFP TIMELINE November, 2012 RFP distributed Feb. 15, 2013 - Proposals due to U.S. Figure Skating Feb. 18-April 5, 2013 Review of proposals April 8, 2013 U.S. Figure Skating confirms U.S. candidate city April 15, 2013 U.S. Figure Skating formally submits to the ISU the proposal to host the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in selected candidate city. Completed proposals should include the following: a. Community support letters indicating financial support (if applicable) b. Completed application form c. Acknowledgement to work with U.S. Figure Skating to host event while implementing ISU requirements as outlined in attached Memorandum. d. Local organizational chart e. Preliminary budget including proposed ticketing plan (all-event, weekend & single session prices) f. Marketing plan and timeline g. Letter from competition venue and practice arena confirming dates h. Signed Arena Rider Competition Venue i. Signed Arena Rider Practice Venue j. Diagrams of Venues (seating and events level) k. Confirmation of hotel room block from all proposed hotels l. Signed hotel rider for all proposed hotels m. Proposed shuttle transportation plan n. Area maps showing venue locations as they relate to hotels and airport

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TO HOST: To be considered as a potential host city/organization for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016, the following requirements are required: 1. The proposed candidate city/host organization must have previously hosted a U.S. Figure Skating Championships, international figure skating competition and or successful multi day/session international sporting event. 2. The proposed candidate city/host organization must have the ability to stage major national and or international sporting events in a highly successful manner with a focus on excellence in the areas of ticket sales, marketing, community support, event operations and understanding of international federation ownership in event. 3. The proposed candidate city/host organization must have a sufficient population base from which to draw from and to locally market the event. 4. The proposed candidate city must be serviced by an international airport. 5. The proposed host organization must acknowledge and agree that the International Skating Union (ISU) maintains ownership of the event and as such all media and sponsorship rights associated with the event unless otherwise granted by the ISU. 6. The proposed host organization must acknowledge and agree that any/all potential local suppliers/sponsors will not be contacted and or considered approved without prior U.S. Figure Skating and ISU review and approval. The proposed host organization agrees to provide a list of proposed supplier/sponsors to U.S. Figure Skating/ISU which will be reviewed and agreed upon. 7. The proposed host organization must acknowledge and agree that they will cooperate and comply with all U.S. Figure Skating/ISU branding and merchandising directives as required whether prior to or after any award or authorization from U.S. Figure Skating/ISU or other entity, without cost to U.S. Figure Skating/ISU. 8. The proposed host organization must comply with all ISU/U.S. Figure Skating sponsorship requirements. 9. The proposed host organization must utilize the official title ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016 and ISU approved event logo in all marketing efforts.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO HOST: To be considered as a potential host city/organization for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016, the following requirements must be acknowledged and agreed to in final proposal to host: 1. Under the management of U.S. Figure Skating and the ISU, implement the required event needs as outlined in the ISU Memorandum for Guidance and Hosting and the associated ISU event appendixes as included in the RFP. 2. The proposed host organization is responsible for providing a ground transportation shuttle system for all accredited participants and officials between the official hotels and official venues (practice and competition). 3. The proposed host organization is responsible for the creation and management Volunteer Program to support all aspects of the competition (registration, transportation, venue, security, field of play, hospitality, etc ). 4. The proposed host organization is required to sign an official Host Agreement with U.S. Figure Skating outlining all responsibilities and details. 5. The proposed host organization is required to submit a detailed marketing plan outlining local marketing expertise to promote this event within the host community and region. U.S. Figure Skating is seeking a dynamic LOC to partner with that presents a team with the ability to professionally market and logistically conduct the ISU World Championships 2016. 6. The proposed host organization is required to submit an outline of how net proceeds from the operation of the event after revenue share with U.S. Figure Skating will remain with the Local Organizing Committee, including the provision of a Legacy Plan within the local figure skating community. 7. If selected as the U.S. candidate city, the proposed host organization must meet the following contingencies within 90 days from that date for the official bid to be awarded. - Executed contract between U.S. Figure Skating and the main event arena, specifying any and all contractual obligations and expenses. - Executed contract between U.S. Figure Skating and the official hotel(s). - Executed contracts between U.S. Figure Skating with competition venue and practice venue. - Executed contract between U.S. Figure Skating and the LOC.

In addition to the Requirements to Host, all bid submissions should address the following: BUSINESS PLAN The proposal to host must include a comprehensive business plan, which will serve as a primary guide for the proposed host organization and the financing of the event. The business plan should include the following information: 1. Demonstrate plans to extend the excitement of hosting the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2016 as broadly as possible throughout the host community and surrounding areas. The bid should include plans for government support (City and State financial support and services), community involvement, together with any special events or social activities, which would add a festival-like atmosphere to the hosting arrangements. 2. A detailed local marketing plan outlining the local advertising and promotional strategy, ticket sales and distribution, local sponsorship sales plan, detailing draft sponsor packages that will be proposed to local corporations. 3. The proposed host organization must acknowledge that potential local sponsors will not be contacted without prior U.S. Figure Skating consent and ISU approval. 4. The LOC must acknowledge that any national level companies based in the local area are to be considered potential U.S. Figure Skating national sponsors. 5. The plan must acknowledge that U.S. Figure Skating receives all national sponsorship and television rights fees associated with the event. 6. Organizing Committee mandate, objectives and measurable success indicators; 7. Financial forecasting reflecting, in general terms, all potential revenues and expenditures associated with the staging of the event; 8. Proposed organizational chart of the Organizing Committee with detailed role and responsibilities; 9. The proposed host organization must acknowledge and agree that they will cooperate and comply with all U.S. Figure Skating/ISU branding/merchandising directives as they might occur, whether prior to or after any award or authorization from U.S. Figure Skating/ISU or other entity, without cost to U.S. Figure Skating/ISU. 10. A detailed local media plan and community/public relations plan. The plan should describe anticipated contributions from local/regional media leading up to the event, as well as the overall budget for promotional and advertising activities.

COMMUNITY OVERVEIW The bid submission should contain an overview of the host community and region, as well as any other unique characteristics, which may enhance the bid: 1. Previous event management experience of proposed host organization with an emphasis on multi-day national level events. 2. Rationale supporting the bid by the potential host community and region; 3. Overview of the characteristics of the community and surrounding region; 4. Map of the host community indicating locations of the key facilities (i.e. arenas, hotels and ancillary facilities) with distances; 5. Introduction to the key personnel, which will potentially serve on the proposed host organization. 6. Host site should have a strong volunteer base within the business and figure skating community from which to draw on for leadership. The bid should include a plan for recruitment and training of volunteers. 7. Demonstrate the degree to which the staging of this event will impact economically on the region, both on a short- and long-term basis. MAIN VENUE SPECIFICATIONS: 1. Ice surface: 85' x 200' (NHL) or 100 x 200 (Olympic) 2. Seating: 10,000 minimum 3. Access to the main events arena must be available no later than Saturday, March 19, 2016 for loadin, ice preparation and lighting installation. 4. Main arena must satisfy ISU event room requirements as outlined in ISU Appendix 8. 5. Main arena must be able to accommodate technical judge s stand build out as outlined in ISU Appendix 11. 6. One (1) complimentary arena suite, for U.S. Figure Skating for the duration of the Championships. 7. One (1) complimentary arena suite, for ISU for the duration of the Championships. 8. Arena TV hook-up fee and power (TV truck power) must be waived. 9. All arena signage and advertising (including rinkboards) must be able to be covered without cost to U.S. Figure Skating or the LOC. 10. Minimum of 50 parking spaces available for U.S. Figure Skating use. 11. Use of arena video display board must be available to U.S. Figure Skating at no cost. 12. Lighting requirements met (see attached application forms for lighting specs). 13. U.S. Figure Skating and LOC must have access to suite and club seating inventory for sale of championships. Exceptions to this rule may be granted depending on other financial considerations extended to the LOC by the main events arena.

PRACTICE ARENA SPECIFICATIONS: 1. Permanent or temporary Ice surface: 85' x 200' (NHL) or 100 x 200 (Olympic) 2. Seating: 1,000 minimum (temporary bleachers are allowed) 3. Function Areas: arena must be able to satisfy requirements as outlined in ISU Appendix 9. 4. Access to the practice arena must be available no later than Saturday, March 19, 2016 to allow for event load-in, ice preparation and supplemental lighting (if applicable). 5. Arena must be clean of all existing building sponsors and signage. 6. Arena rinkboards must be able to be covered without cost. 7. Complimentary parking spaces for event needs as determined by U.S. Figure Skating/ISU at event Protocol Meeting. 8. Public parking access on site. HOTEL SPECIFICATIONS: 1. Hotel must be able to satisfy the requirements as outlines in ISU Appendix 10. 2. Sleeping Rooms: Estimated at a maximum of 8,000 total room nights over the 9 nights of the Championships (850-1,000 on peak nights) preferably at one hotel cluster to accommodate transportation needs. 3. Meeting Rooms: Complimentary access to all meeting rooms at the designated host hotel for the event in order to schedule all functions surrounding the competition. 4. Two (2) complimentary suites, one of presidential size for the U.S. Figure Skating President and one for U.S. Figure Skating Hospitality. 5. Minimum of 20 complimentary parking spaces with in/out privileges for U.S. Figure Skating officials. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: 1. The proposed host organization must include a letter of commitment to provide U.S. Figure Skating with a minimum bid fee guarantee of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) with a further goal of U.S. Figure Skating realizing two million dollars ($2,000,000) through the minimum bid fee guarantee and or split of net profits. 2. The proposed host organization must acknowledge and agree that the agreed upon event budget shall pay all event expenses involved with organizing and conducting the Championships as outlined by the ISU Memorandum and all associated ISU appendixes. Additionally the event budget shall be responsible for any additional expenses as determined by the ISU at the Protocol Meetings 3. The proposed host organization must acknowledge and agree that the agreed upon event budget shall include the requirement to cover all costs associated with the production and staffing of an International Television Host Broadcast signal which shall be provided free to all ISU rights holders as outlined in ISU Appendix 1 and subsequently approved at the ISU TV Protocol Meeting (actual date TBD). U.S. Figure Skating will oversee selection of host broadcaster. 4. The submitted proposal must present a realistic financial forecast which demonstrates to what level net proceeds can be achieved. 5. U.S. Figure Skating and the selected candidate city will develop and manage the final expense and revenue budget for the championships.