Leaport CVB says Great Lakes Grand Prix marketing, sponsorships and VIP sales on track ahead of race

Leaport County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff told the board on June 23 that preparations for the Great Lakes Grand Prix are on track, with a mix of earned media, influencer partnerships and paid sponsorships supporting ticketing and hospitality.

Robbie (marketing lead) said the CVB finalized an agreement with Timeless Aerial Photography to push race content across influencer channels and is producing driver-spotlight videos: "each of these driver spotlight videos, they're about anywhere from one and a half to two and a half minutes long," Robbie said. Staff plan to make shorter social-media cutdowns for wider distribution.

Sponsorships and vendor operations: Jack and staff said several larger sponsorships for the block party and drone show are in place though final announcements are pending; Chelsea said VIP ticket sales stood at 256 (roughly $31,000) and Brewfest ticketing had sold 59 admissions with a typical late sales uptick expected.

Drivers at the meeting described the race experience and praised local support. JJ Turk, a Pro-class driver, said the town "really goes all out for us" and described the street party as a highlight; Nick Buis, a throttleman for boat No. 11, said the event brings a strong hospitality atmosphere from the community.

Why it matters: the event is a major local tourism driver that staff said is already lifting hotel occupancy and sponsorship revenue, and marketing activity is intended to sustain visitor interest and direct bookings. Chelsea said the team increased vendor slots by at least 20 compared with the prior year and is finalizing certificates of insurance required by the city for vendor participation.

Next steps: staff will continue to finalize vendor insurance, complete video production and push targeted e-blasts and partnerships (including a state-level syndicated feature tied to the Indiana Destination Development Corporation). The next CVB board meeting is scheduled for July 28, in the middle of event preparations.