Description

Request for Proposals (RFP) 
Strategic Planning Services 
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association 

1. Introduction 
The Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association (MBAHA) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants 
or firms to facilitate the development of a comprehensive, forward-looking strategic plan. 
MBAHA represents and supports the hospitality industry across the Grand Strand, advocating for 
workforce development, industry growth, and member success. As the industry continues to evolve, 
MBAHA is committed to ensuring its strategic direction aligns with emerging trends, economic 
conditions, and member needs. 

2. Purpose of the RFP 
The purpose of this RFP is to identify a consultant to guide MBAHA through a strategic planning 
process that will: 
Define a clear vision and direction for the next 3–5 years  
Strengthen member value and engagement  
Identify opportunities for growth, advocacy, and workforce development  
Align organizational resources with strategic priorities  

3. Scope of Work 
The selected consultant will be expected to: 
Discovery & Assessment 
Conduct stakeholder interviews (board members, staff, key partners, and members)  
Review existing organizational documents, programs, and data  
Assess current market conditions and industry trends impacting hospitality in the region  
Facilitation 
Design and facilitate strategic planning sessions (in-person preferred) with the strategic 
planning task force, the board and key stakeholders  
Guide discussions to identify mission, vision, and core values (as needed)  
Facilitate consensus-building around priorities  
Strategic Plan Development 
Develop a 3–5 year strategic plan including:  
o Strategic goals and objectives  
o Measurable outcomes and KPIs  
o Recommended initiatives and timelines  
Provide an implementation roadmap  
Deliverables 
Written strategic plan document  
Executive summary for stakeholder communication  
Presentation of final plan to the Board of Directors  

4. Project Timeline 
The Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association anticipates the following timeline for the strategic 
planning process. The selected consultant may recommend minor adjustments to ensure an effective 
process while maintaining the overall timeframe. 
Phase 1: Consultant Selection 
May – June 2026 
RFP Issued: May 15, 2026  
Proposal Submission Deadline: June 12, 2026  
Finalists Interviewed: June 22–26, 2026  
Consultant Selected: June 30, 2026  
Phase 2: Project Kickoff & Discovery 
July – August 2026 
Project kickoff meeting with MBAHA leadership and consultant  
Review of organizational documents, programs, and financial data  
Stakeholder interviews with:  
o Board members  
o Staff leadership  
o Key hospitality industry stakeholders  
o Selected association members  
Optional online member survey to gather broader input  
Environmental scan of trends affecting the hospitality industry and regional tourism economy  
Phase 3: Strategy Development 
September 2026 
Preparation for the strategic planning task force retreat including: 
Summary report of stakeholder feedback  
Identification of emerging themes and strategic challenges  
Draft strategic priority areas for discussion  
Phase 4: Strategic Planning Retreat 
Late September 2026 
The consultant will facilitate a 1.5-day strategic planning retreat for the Strategic Planning Task Force in 
Lake City, SC. 
Retreat objectives include: 
Reviewing stakeholder input and industry trends  
Confirming or refining mission, vision, and values  
Identifying strategic priorities for the next 3–5 years  
Defining high-level goals and success metrics  
Building board alignment around organizational direction  
Phase 5: Strategic Plan Drafting 
October – November 2026 
Consultant develops draft strategic plan  
Staff leadership review and feedback  
Revision and refinement of goals, strategies, and KPIs  
Development of an implementation roadmap and performance metrics  
Phase 6: Final Plan Approval 
Early December 2026 
Consultant presents the finalized strategic plan to the Board of Directors at a scheduled board 
meeting  
Discussion, refinement if necessary, and formal adoption of the plan  
Final Deliverables 
The consultant will provide: 
Final written strategic plan document  
Executive summary suitable for member communication  
Presentation materials for board adoption  
Recommended implementation framework and performance dashboard concepts 

5. Proposal Requirements 
Proposals should include: 
Firm/consultant overview and qualifications  
Relevant experience with associations, nonprofits, or hospitality organizations  
Description of proposed methodology and approach  
Project timeline and milestones  
Fee structure and total project cost  
At least three written references from similar engagements  

6. Evaluation Criteria 
Proposals will be evaluated based on: 
Demonstrated experience with strategic planning for associations or similar organizations  
Understanding of the hospitality industry and regional economic factors  
Facilitation approach and methodology  
Cost and overall value  
References and past performance  

7. Budget 
MBAHA has allocated a budget range of $15,000-20,000 for this project. Proposals should clearly 
outline all costs. 

8. Submission Instructions 
Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to: 
Victoria Tobin at victoria@mbaha.org 
Subject Line: Strategic Planning RFP Submission – MBAHA 
Deadline: June 12, 2026 

9. Questions 
All questions regarding this RFP should be submitted via email by June 10, 2026. Responses will be 
shared with all interested parties. 

10. Additional Information 
MBAHA reserves the right to: 
Accept or reject any or all proposals  
Request additional information or interviews  
Modify the scope of work as needed