Tourism Presentation & Report

City of DeFuniak Springs Tourism Table Talk

Date: August 21st, 2025

Time: 5:30pm- 7:00pm

Location: Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood

Opening Speaker: Koby Townsend

Topic: TBD

Time: 15 minutes

2nd Speaker: Kelli Carter, Walton County Tourism

Topic: TDT & Tourism Benefits

Time: 15 minutes

3rd Speaker: Kendra Parsons, Main Street Association

Topic: Commerce & Community

Time: 10-15 minutes

-(Denise or Koby) will then explain the table top poster sheets, give instructions and invite attendees to interact with each table.

-Run the Slideshow during the interactive session.

-(6:45- 7pm) Koby will give the final announcements, thank everyone who attended and participated, and thank our marketing partners & local businesses. Remind everyone who participated to also visit the front entrance table to participate in our Tourism survey.

Setup Plan

Number of Tables: (6) 24"x36" poster sheets, markers/pens, and stickers

Table 1: Events & Experiences

Prompt: What types of events or experiences would make you invite friends or family to visit DeFuniak Springs? E: Include photos of past and future event concepts (e.g., Marvel of Flight, Chautauqua Winery Festivals, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Main Street Events)

Table 2: Historical & Cultural Tourism

Prompt: What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? E: Magnolia Cemetery, DFS Library, CHOB.

Table 3: Outdoor Recreation & Trails

Prompt: What outdoor activities would you love to see expanded or introduced in the city? E: Trail concept renderings, Kayaking, Biking, Florida Trails.

Table 4: Slogans

Prompt: What makes DeFuniak Springs feel like home? Write words or slogans that represent our community. E: Display Slogan Options

Table 5: Creative Economy & Filmmaking

Prompt: What creative industries should we support here? (e.g., arts, music, film) E: Showcase "Film in DeFuniak" initiative, local artists, cultural arts, murals)

Table 6: Infrastructure Ideas

Prompt: What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? E: Skatepark upgrades, armory repurposing, city signage.

Slide Show Presentation (Looping in Background)

The slide deck will play continuously on a monitor or projection wall during the interactive part of the event.

Slide Titles & Content:

1. Welcome to our Table Talk "City of DeFuniak Springs – Tourism Engagement Night"

2. Strategic Objectives Visual icons for: History, Eco-Tourism, Creative Economy, Infrastructure, Partnerships, Branding

3. Events in Focus Photos and names of events like Chautauqua Winery Festivals, Songwriter Sundays, Marvel of Flight, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, 4th of July, Merry Main Street, Farmer’s Market, Food Truck Fridays.

4. Interactive Table Posters – Have Your Say! Reminder to visit each table and leave feedback

5. Feedback Station Scan the QR code to take the online survey or fill out the paper survey.

6. Thank You Slide “Your ideas matter. Thank you for helping shape the future of tourism in DeFuniak Springs!” Include Contact Details and Marketing Partners.

Survey & QR Code Integration

· Print a QR tabletop stand and survey forms to be displayed at the entry/feedback table. 30-Day live QR. Also, have iPads available for online form fill.

Supplies Needed

· Posters

· Markers and pens

· Dot stickers (for voting)

· Laptop & Mics

· Printed Survey Sheets

· Printed QR code table display

· iPads for digital survey feedback

Key Stakeholders

· DFS Main Street

· City of DeFuniak Springs

· Walton County Tourism Team

· Hwy. 331

· Visit Florida

· Florida Trails

· DFS Residents & Businesses

Post-Workshop Follow-Up

· Photograph and digitally transcribe poster content

· Summarize ideas into themes

· Compile online survey results

· Publish feedback summary in newsletter or website

· Use public input to finalize Tourism Marketing Plan draft

· Schedule Workshop or presentation to stakeholders