DeKalb Entertainment Commission (DEC)
Website 2.0 Proposal — Strategic Roadmap for 2026 Expansion
Executive Overview
Website 2.0 represents the next evolution of the DeKalb Entertainment Commission's digital presence — transforming it from a static informational resource into an interactive ecosystem that connects professionals, promotes local businesses, and showcases DeKalb's growing influence across Georgia's creative industries. This initiative builds upon DEC's successful foundation and positions the agency as the state's leader in film, music, and digital entertainment engagement.
The proposal outlines three strategic tiers — Low, Medium, and High Investment — providing scalable options that align with DEC's 2026 budget and long-term goals. Each tier offers measurable value, builds momentum for the next phase, and strengthens DEC's mission to drive economic development and creative collaboration. All options include maintenance and optimization support to ensure reliability as engagement expands.
Strategic Cohesion: One Roadmap, Three Phases
The Website 2.0 plan is designed as a cohesive roadmap, with each tier serving as a building block toward a fully connected creative ecosystem.
Tier 1 (Low Investment)
focuses on foundational enhancements that refresh the user experience, expand content, and set the stage for interactivity. It delivers visible improvements quickly and affordably, while deepening audience engagement.
Tier 2 (Medium Investment)
introduces advanced functionality — launching the Industry Hub App and the DEC Merchandising Initiative — which expand participation, generate new revenue, and extend DEC's reach beyond DeKalb to serve Georgia's creative professionals.
Tier 3 (High Investment)
completes the vision, integrating immersive storytelling, tourism experiences, and partner technology that position DEC as both a creative destination and a digital innovation leader.
Together, these tiers form a unified growth plan — a scalable, data-driven, and community-centered digital ecosystem designed to amplify DEC's leadership and impact.
Phase 1 Foundation Recap
DEC's current website successfully fulfills its original mission: providing accurate jurisdictional mapping, centralizing film permitting, and serving as a trusted hub for production resources. It already includes:
  • GIS-integrated mapping and location management.
  • A searchable location database managed by DEC as System of Record (SOR).
  • Modern, mobile-responsive design.
  • Established workflows that support film, music, and digital media audiences.
Website 2.0 builds on this foundation by focusing on interactivity, storytelling, and deeper community integration — the next step in making the site a living reflection of DeKalb's creative ecosystem.
Tier 1 — Low Investment: Core Enhancement & Engagement Boost
Inspire users, refresh the brand experience, and reinforce DEC's leadership through storytelling and visibility.
Tier 1 delivers quick, high-impact upgrades that improve usability, content depth, and audience engagement without a full rebuild. It creates immediate value and establishes momentum for future phases.
Key Deliverables and Value:
Enhanced Map Experience
The map will include select Points of Interest (POIs) — restaurants, accommodations, and landmarks — curated to enhance visitor experiences and highlight film-friendly businesses. This upgrade transforms the map into a visual storytelling tool that connects production activity with the local economy.
Featured / Gem Locations
Locations will be visually differentiated using new icons and micro-descriptions that spotlight DeKalb's most unique and sought-after sites. This tiering system reinforces DEC's authority as a trusted curator of local assets and simplifies user navigation.
Impact Blog & News Hub
The new blog will showcase stories from productions, partnerships, and programs that define DeKalb's creative impact. It's not just a communications tool — it becomes a storytelling engine, capturing the success and personality of the region's entertainment community.
Expanded Industry Content
The Industry Hub section will be broadened to include new music and gaming content. This expansion builds bridges across creative sectors and demonstrates DEC's commitment to the full spectrum of Georgia's entertainment economy.

Tier 1 refreshes the brand, builds visibility, and positions DEC as a modern, adaptive organization that continues to evolve with its creative community.
Estimated Investment
$20K–$30K
Timeline
2–3 months
Outcome
A revitalized, high-performing site that delivers an immediate engagement boost and sets the stage for interactive growth.
Tier 2 — Medium Investment: Growth & Interactive Expansion
(Includes Industry Hub App Launch)
Transform the website into a platform for participation and connection. Tier 2 introduces new layers of interactivity, audience engagement, and economic opportunity. The centerpiece is the launch of the Industry Hub App — DEC's most ambitious digital initiative to date — alongside new tools that empower users and expand the creative economy.
Key Deliverables and Value:
Interactive POI Map
The upgraded map will offer advanced filtering for restaurants, vendors, and creative partners, allowing users to find relevant businesses quickly. This feature drives community visibility and supports local economic development by connecting productions with nearby services.
Local Business Directory
A curated directory where local businesses can submit listings or apply for "Featured Partner" status. This becomes a live database of DeKalb's creative ecosystem, connecting production professionals directly with vetted local vendors.
User Favorites & Accounts
By introducing login functionality, users can save favorite locations and build personalized lists. This supports long-term user engagement and positions DEC for future data-driven insights.
Expanded Impact Blog & Annual Report Integration
A combined storytelling and accountability tool — the Impact Blog evolves into a platform for annual digital reporting, showcasing metrics, community milestones, and success stories that demonstrate DEC's leadership.
Event & Venue Directory
An interactive listing for local events, training sessions, and networking opportunities. This provides DEC a real-time channel for promoting engagement and supporting community growth.
Industry Hub App — Q2 2026 Launch Plan
The Industry Hub App will be DEC's flagship innovation — a statewide platform connecting Georgia's creative professionals across film, music, gaming, and digital entertainment.
What It Is:
A mobile-first hub (PWA) that enables professionals and businesses to connect, collaborate, and discover opportunities. It centralizes directories, events, and networking tools into one user-friendly interface.
What It Does:
  • Connects verified vendors and professionals statewide.
  • Hosts a live opportunities board for jobs, grants, and collaborations.
  • Promotes events and festivals relevant to the industry.
  • Provides groups and messaging for peer-to-peer networking.
Why It Matters: The Industry Hub App will redefine how Georgia's creative professionals connect. Built in DeKalb and powered by DEC, it extends the Commission's leadership and creates measurable workforce and business engagement across the state.
Timeline & Milestones:
Q1 2026 — Planning & Design (UX, architecture, data mapping)
Q2 2026 — Development & Beta Testing
Q2 2026 — Soft Launch in DeKalb (500–1,000 users)
Q3 2026 — Statewide Marketing Launch
Q4 2026 — Revenue Activation (sponsorships and listings)
Revenue & Sustainability:
  • Featured Listings: $5K–$10K/year
  • Sponsorship Packages: $10K–$25K/year
  • Event Integration: Variable revenue based on ticketing partnerships
  • Statewide Sponsorships: $25K–$50K potential through grants or brand collaborations

Launching the Industry Hub App will cement DEC as Georgia's digital and cultural leader in the creative sector — a statewide connector and catalyst for opportunity.
DEC Merchandising Initiative — Awareness, Engagement & Revenue Driver
The DEC Merch Line will transform community engagement into brand visibility. Using a fulfillment partner like Bonfire, DEC can sell branded apparel and merchandise without managing inventory or logistics.
What It Is:
An online merchandise store integrated with the DEC website and Industry Hub App.
What It Does:
Expands DEC's visibility through wearables, drives community pride, and creates a recurring revenue stream. The line can include collections like "Made in DeKalb," Film Trail gear, and collaborative artist designs.
Why It Matters:
The merchandise initiative isn't just about revenue — it's about identity. It transforms supporters into ambassadors and provides a creative way to involve local artists through design competitions and event collaborations.

Positioning: This initiative positions DEC as an inclusive, community-driven brand — one that celebrates creativity, invites participation, and generates sustainable income to fund ongoing engagement.
Estimated Investment
$40K–$60K
(includes app development, merchandising integration, and expanded web tools)
Timeline
4–6 months
Outcome
A connected, interactive, and monetizable ecosystem that serves both DeKalb and Georgia's creative professionals.
Tier 3 — High Investment: Innovation & Tourism Integration
Transform DEC's digital presence into a creative destination and tourism platform.
Tier 3 completes the vision with immersive storytelling, tourism engagement, and advanced analytics that connect creativity, culture, and commerce.
Key Deliverables and Value:
Film Trail / Tourism Experience
An interactive, gamified map layer showcasing iconic filming locations with stories, imagery, and digital badges. This connects the film industry with local tourism and creates new avenues for economic impact.
Immersive Media Integration
3D tours, AR experiences, and high-quality visuals that elevate the presentation of DeKalb's locations. These features drive external visibility and position DEC as an innovative destination marketing leader.
Progressive Web App Expansion
Enhances mobile usability and supports on-the-go access for location scouts, tourists, and industry professionals.
Partner Integrations
Incorporates referral systems, event feeds, and local booking tools that encourage cross-promotion with partner organizations.
Advanced Analytics & Engagement Tracking
A data framework that measures interaction, tourism traffic, and user behavior — allowing DEC to demonstrate tangible ROI and economic outcomes.
Positioning: Tier 3 transforms DEC from a county commission into a statewide and regional innovation brand. It connects industry, tourism, and technology, positioning DeKalb as Georgia's creative capital.
Estimated Investment
$70K–$100K
Timeline
8–12 months
Outcome
A cutting-edge, high-engagement platform that unites creativity, tourism, and technology — solidifying DEC's reputation as a pioneering force in Georgia's entertainment landscape.
Cost & Value Overview
Strategic Positioning Summary
Website 2.0 is not just an upgrade — it is the foundation of DEC's future as a statewide creative leader. The plan builds progressively: from engagement and visibility in Tier 1, to connectivity and monetization in Tier 2, and finally to innovation and tourism integration in Tier 3. Each stage delivers measurable outcomes that reinforce DEC's mission of economic growth, cultural visibility, and creative empowerment.
Through this roadmap, DEC will:
  • Strengthen its identity as Georgia's creative economy connector.
  • Empower professionals and businesses through digital access and visibility.
  • Generate new revenue and partnership opportunities.
  • Position DeKalb as the center of creative innovation and collaboration across the Southeast.
Prepared for: DeKalb Entertainment Commission
Prepared by: INMO Creative
Date: November 2025