Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau

Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, June 18, 2025 424 W. Main St., Commerce Building A"endance (A) Cameron Brewer, The Standard, Chair (P) Sco7 Kovalick, Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Past Chair (P) Kyle Allison, Allison Fun Inc., Vice Chair (P) Amanda Prince, Norman OpKmist, Treasurer (P) Gary Armstrong, University of Oklahoma FaciliKes (A) James Howard, Baked Bear (A) Trey Bates, HeyDay Entertainment Center (A) Caitlin Fournier, OU AthleKcs Community RelaKons (P) Steve Gillis, Norman Youth Soccer AssociaKon (A) Paul Ziert, Bart Conner GymnasKcs Academy (A) Mandy Haws, Sooner Bowling Center (A) Brady T. Sexton, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails (A) Dennis Brigham, Norman Arts Council designee (A) T.D. O’Hara, Norman Public Schools (P) Jason Olsen, City of Norman Parks and RecreaKon Department (P) 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 (P) Josh Hinkle, City Council designee, ex-officio (P) Brenda Hall, City of Norman, ex-officio (P) Sco7 MarKn, Chamber of Commerce, ex-officio (P) Kenny Adams, Cleveland County Economic Development CoaliKon The meeting was called to order at 11:42 AM. The meeKng began with a brief introducKon by Schemm of Avery Ravech, Visit Norman’s intern. Schemm also introduced Kenny Adams with the Cleveland County Economic Development CoaliKon. Minutes Allison entertained the moKon to approve the May minutes. Hinkle moKoned to approve with a small change to his name, which was misspelled in last month’s minutes; MarKn seconded. The last name was amended, and minutes were approved unanimously. Financials Prince presented the financials for May, noting that income is 105% of the total budget. Expenses are 97% of total budget. Prince states the largest reason for differences is higher- than-budgeted income, especially in interest revenue and special events. Should have a complete financial report for the Maverick Criterium event in August. Allison entertained the motion to approve May financials. Martin motioned to approve. Stewart seconded. The financials were approved unanimously. Fiscal Year 2026 Board of Directors Schemm went over the slate of officers and potenKal new board members. Allison explained the makeup of new board members for FY26, including their industries and backgrounds. Allison also flagged those who would be leaving the board in FY26. A sheet with all board member contact informaKon will be made available shortly afer the board meeKng ends. Allison entertained the moKon to approve. Ringus moKoned to approve. Gillis seconded. The FY26 Board of Directors slate was approved. Resonance Series Presentation Schemm introduced June’s guest speaker, Eric Walschap with the University of Oklahoma who is leading the operaKons and programming for the Resonance Series. Walschap recaps the series for the board, and flags important October dates for the city and University with the PBS American Songwriter Documentary Concert on October 22. Discussions about a mayoral proclamaKon during the week of the event has been discussed. Hinkle said he would support the effort. McCarthy menKoned some adverKsing efforts on VisitNorman’s part to help get the word out about all fall Resonance Series events. Maverick Criterium Recap Schemm presented a recap of the Maverick Criterium bike race event from May, flagging that there were 420 race registraKons and hundreds of volunteers. Schemm menKoned that the race itself was a tremendous success, reaching racers from all over the country. In the next year, Schemm menKons there will be a large focus on spectators and sponsorships to conKnue to grow the event into a larger, community-backed effort. President’s Report Schemm provided the President’s Report. Visitor’s Guide ads are in the final few weeks of being available before producKon of the guides, and Schemm reminded board members to please reach out to the markeKng team if they wish to place something. Schemm then previewed parts of VisitNorman’s new website redesign with the board. McCarthy provided addiKonal informaKon on efforts being made by the team to make the experience be7er for visitors. The intended launch date is early November. Schemm recapped a partnership with the Sam Noble Museum for their Aquilops Day, something the markeKng team is helping out with. Schemm reminds the board that the team will be represenKng the city of Norman at the 2025 SEC Media Days in July, alongside the CiKes of the SEC partnership of other desKnaKon markeKng organizaKons. Schemm also previews work being made on Schooner on Parade – now the Schooner Showcase – and shares that more informaKon will be revealed as details and pricing are finalized with the athleKc department at the University of Oklahoma. Schemm shares a small update on the Lake Thunderbird trail system and the work slated to be completed by Rock Solid Trail ContracKng company. Schemm also shares small updates on the Crimson Friday Concert Series, starKng in the fall with football season, and the Arena and Entertainment District, which is awaiKng review from the Supreme Court. Staff Reports The meeKng wrapped with staff updates. Schemm gave the sports commission report, including updates on room nights and another brief overview of the Maverick Criterium event success. Stevens provided the Sales report, menKoning that the focus is on a7ending many conferences in the coming weeks and months to meet with meeKng planners from a variety of industries. McCarthy provided the MarCom report and menKoned efforts from the markeKng team to revive the “Out and About” video series that was once a standard feature from VisitNorman. East Downtown Norman was the first locaKon selected to kick this off. The meeKng adjourned at 12:57 PM.