Tourism Events Program FAQ

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Eligibility

What types of events are not eligible to apply?

Events may not be primarily commercial or academic in nature (e.g., consumer shows, symposia, conventions, meetings and conferences, seminars and clinics, educational competitions etc.); however, ancillary events/festivals created to coincide with these examples may be eligible.

Community events or attractions that mainly target residents are unlikely to have sufficient tourism value to be strong applicants to the program. Tourism value is demonstrated by way of raising awareness nationally and internationally of B.C.’s tourism brands, and/or drawing visitors to our province.

Events celebrating holidays are typically considered to be local celebrations that target residents rather than attract visitors. As these events occur across the province and have high brand competition, they are not generally considered for TEP funding. Applicants would have to demonstrate that their “holiday event” would draw significant visitation and international profile to be considered.

What are eligible TEP costs?

Funding provided through TEP must be used to broaden the reach and impact of the event through broadcasts, promotional materials, marketing, and advertisements. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

Billboards/digital advertising display
Broadcasting and associated costs
Contracted marketing staff
Marketing strategy/plan development
Event posters
Google AdWords and Search Engine Optimization
Media buys
Program guides for distribution before the event
Promotional signage
Radio, print, television and online advertising
Social media marketing
Streaming
Webcasting

Please contact program staff at TourismEventsProgram@gov.bc.ca with any questions regarding eligible/ineligible costs.

What are ineligible TEP costs?

Examples of ineligible costs include, but are not limited to, the following:

Administrative or operating costs/compensating full-time staff
Alcohol
Capital or infrastructure costs related to hosting the event
Catering
Costs associated with application or bid development
Expenses incurred before the funding notification
Give-aways
Honorariums/appreciation gifts/ t-shirts for volunteers
Prizes, awards, medals
Signage unrelated to promotion of the event
Security at an event
Talent acquisition or performer/speaker fees
Travel or accommodation costs

Please contact program staff at TourismEventsProgram@gov.bc.ca with any questions regarding eligible/ineligible costs.

Application and Assessment

How do I get an application form?

Application forms are available for download on the TEP webpage when an application intake is open. The form will not be available, and should not be completed, outside of the application intake as it may change between intakes. Only applications using the most current form will be considered.

Who should submit the application?

The application must be submitted by the legal entity that will receive, spend, and report on the TEP funds. Should the application be successful, TEP funds will be distributed directly to the applicant through a contract.

I am an event organizer; can I apply for multiple events?

Yes, you may apply for multiple discrete or unrelated events. Each event must meet program criteria and requires a separate application form. In cases where related multi-events are hosted under a single umbrella, brand or competition, one application form should be submitted that combines the budgets for all the events. For example, a golf competition that take place in multiple communities should apply as a single event.

Can I apply to the TEP if I am already receiving a grant from the Province for my event?

Yes, you may apply to the TEP if you are receiving other provincial funding. You are expected to identify all confirmed or pending provincial funding. You will also be asked to identify federal awards and corporate sponsorship in your application and event budget (including confirmed funding and funding you are applying for).

My event scope has changed since I submitted my application; do I need to inform program staff?

Yes, please inform program staff immediately if any changes to your event occur after your application has been submitted. Funding may be adjusted if the event scope/size changes or if information submitted in the application is found to be untrue or incorrect.

General

Does a community have to collect MRDT to apply to the TEP?

No, applications to the TEP are open to any community in British Columbia.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

For all inquiries, please contact TourismEventsProgram@gov.bc.ca.

Can I send all my attachments in a zip file?

Government firewalls prevent zip files from being received. Please send all attachments as PDFs.

How do I know if my application has been received?

You will receive a confirmation email upon receipt of your application.

If you have suggested questions to add to the FAQ, please send them to TourismEventsProgram@gov.bc.ca and we will consider adding them if there is broad appeal.

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