Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau

Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, April 16, 2025 424 W. Main St., Commerce building Attendance (P) Cameron Brewer, The Standard, Chair (P) Scott Kovalick, Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Past Chair (P) Kyle Allison, Allison Fun Inc., Vice Chair (P) Amanda Prince, Norman Optimist, Treasurer (P) Gary Armstrong, University of Oklahoma Facilities (A) James Howard, Baked Bear (A) Trey Bates, HeyDay Entertainment Center (P) Caitlin Fournier, OU Athletics Community Relations (P) Steve Gillis, Norman Youth Soccer Association (A) Paul Ziert, Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy (P) Mandy Haws, Sooner Bowling Center (A) Brady T. Sexton, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails (P) Dennis Brigham, Norman Arts Council designee (A) T.D. O’Hara, Norman Public Schools (P) Jason Olsen, City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department (A) Stacey Reynolds, University of Oklahoma designee (P) Dr. Vytas Ringus, Norman physician (P) Jeff Stewart, O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grille (A) Amish Zaver, Comfort Inn & Country Suites (A) Josh Hinkel, City Council designee, ex-officio (P) Brenda Hall, City of Norman, ex-officio (A) Scott Martin, Chamber of Commerce, ex-officio (P) Erica Millar, Norman Economic Development Coalition, ex-officio The meeting was called to order at 11:40 AM. The meeting began with a brief introduction by Schemm and McCarthy of Dylan Shah, Visit Norman’s new Creative Producer for the Marketing and Communications team. Minutes Brewer entertained the motion to approve the March minutes. Armstrong motioned to approve; Kovalick seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously. Financials Prince presented the financials for March, noting revenue increased by 1.78% compared to the previous year, with special events generating $21,960 and interest revenue adding $150,000. Total expenditures were $16,861 over budget, with research and personnel expenses over budget by $108,000 and $6,328, respectively. Brewer entertained the motion to approve the March financials. Stewart motioned to approve; Armstrong seconded. The financials were approved unanimously. NMF + May Fair Presentations Schemm introduced two guest speakers, Shari Jackson and Carrie Hendrix. Jackson shared information about the upcoming. Jackson touched on the history of NMF, starting in 2008, and its growth to three days with multiple stages and acts, generating $3.5 million in economic activity. Carrie Hendricks provided a presentation about the 2025 May Fair Art Show, noting the partnership with the Firehouse Art Center. President’s Report Schemm provided the President’s Report. He discussed the upcoming tourism luncheon, confirming the topic would be the 2028 Olympic games happening in OKC. With positive economic impacts expected to be felt across the region, the board discussed potential partnerships with Oklahoma City for the 2028 Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Schemm also touched on the downtown hotel project, equestrian center feasibility study, and the new website redesign. Staff Reports The meeting wrapped with staff updates. McCarthy provided the MarCom report, once again welcoming Brady to the team. Ringer gave the Sports Commission report, mentioning the 2025 Women’s Summit in Tampa and the Maverick Criterium. Stevens covered the Sales report, focusing on his pursuit of Motorcoach tourism and his two-year appointment as treasurer for the Oklahoma chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. The meeting adjourned at 1:03 PM.