Downtown Dover
Partnership
The Downtown Dover Partnership is committed to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors through collective collaboration, economic development, and the promotion of Dover’s unique historic charm.
Client Mission
Generate excitement and drive engagement among visitors, community members, and media by showcasing the cultural and physical revitalization of Downtown Dover. The event spotlighted the city’s commitment to transformation through art, local businesses, community involvement, and a comprehensive master redevelopment plan.
The Challenge
Downtown Dover, as Delaware's capital, has faced significant challenges due to decades of inadequate planning and investment. This has led to aging infrastructure, insufficient housing density, and a business vacancy rate of approximately 50%. The resulting lack of foot traffic has made it difficult to attract, grow, and retain businesses in the area.
Public safety concerns have further complicated revitalization efforts. Residents have expressed apprehension about crime rates. Additionally, regulatory hurdles have impeded business development. Entrepreneurs face challenges with zoning and code requirements, making it difficult to establish and sustain new ventures.
Testimonial
“Bravo! The Fire and Ice Festival was a success! It was nice to see Downtown Dover alive with families, couples, and especially new visitors! Our shop was busy both days. This needs to be an annual event!”
The Solution
To revitalize Downtown Dover and drive engagement for the Dover Fire & Ice Festival, B-Side Events developed a strategic event approach focused on placemaking, community engagement, and visitor attraction. By understanding the unique challenges of Downtown Dover including high business vacancy rates, lack of foot traffic, and public perception issues B-Side Events designed an experience that would showcase the district’s potential while supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community pride.
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After initial discussions, B-Side Events delivered a comprehensive event plan with clear timelines and transparent pricing, including the following services:​
Event Strategy and Activation
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Curated festival programming to drive foot traffic and business engagement.
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Designed activations that highlighted local businesses and artisans, increasing visibility and sales.
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Developed partnerships with city officials, business owners, and community groups to align goals and ensure festival success.
Public Engagement and Outreach
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Develop a comprehensive sponsorship package and strategy.​
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Engage local businesses, community members and the general public.
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​Collaborate with the marketing team on the brand launch and marketing strategy.
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​Encourage participation through interactive experiences, contests and community storytelling.
Event Operations and Logistics
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Conducted thorough site assessments to optimize festival layout, ensuring smooth crowd flow and maximizing business visibility.
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Managed permitting and compliance requirements in coordination with city officials.
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Provided infrastructure support, including staging, lighting, signage, and vendor setup.
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Curated a diverse mix of food, beverage, and artisan vendors to enhance the festival experience and align with community interests.
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Developed special promotions and partnerships with downtown businesses to increase foot traffic and encourage local spending.
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Organized vendor logistics, including load-in/load-out schedules, power needs, and booth placements.
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Coordinated live entertainment, including ice sculptors, fire performances, and local musicians, to create a dynamic and immersive experience.
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Scheduled timed activations to maintain audience engagement throughout the event.
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Designed interactive elements, such as ice carving demonstrations and community participation activities, to encourage attendee involvement.
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Implemented a detailed safety plan, including security staffing, first aid stations, and emergency response protocols.
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Coordinated with local law enforcement and emergency services to ensure a safe environment.
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Developed contingency plans for inclement weather and other potential disruptions.​
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By leveraging a dynamic blend of placemaking, storytelling, and marketing, B-Side Events successfully transformed the Fire & Ice Festival into a high-impact event that not only entertained attendees but also reinforced the vision for Downtown Dover’s revitalization.
