If you have an idea for an event with a conservation theme, the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism board wants to hear from you.

The board is accepting proposals for the contract position through Dec. 14. Board members say they want to have someone chosen by January. The event will take place in October 2013.

During a meeting earlier this month, board members set aside $50,000 for the job. They also set aside $50,000 in seed money for the yet-to-be-determined event. Whoever is picked for the job will be expected to coordinate the event and oversee day-to-day tasks.

Board members want to build the event over the next three years. They plan to set aside money so the event can continue even if voters don’t renew the lodging tax when it comes up for reapproval.

Board members said the event could require as much as $150,000 in 2014.

The decision to contract with someone marks the first tangible step forward for the October event, which board members have been discussing for more than a year.

They hired a consultant to study whether it would be feasible to host an event in October.

A rough outline of the project delivered to board members last month says the event should focus on conservation, including “the culture, politics and science surrounding it.”

The event could promote eco- and geotourism as well as adventure travel, the report suggests.

Board members want to focus on attracting more tourists during October because it’s the “one true remaining opportunity in terms of reasonable weather to extend Jackson Hole’s tourism season,” the report says.

The intent is to create an event that draws the participation of valley organizations and uses existing infrastructure to create an event that will eventually be self-sustaining.