Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau

Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, September 17, 2025 424 W. Main St., Commerce building Attendance (P) Kyle Allison, Allison Fun Inc., Chair (P) Brady T. Sexton, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, Treasurer (P) Cameron Brewer, The Standard, Past Chair (A) Scott Kovalick, Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center (P) Amanda Prince, Young Family Athletic Center (P) Gary Armstrong, University of Oklahoma facilities (P) James Howard, Baked Bear (P) Trey Bates, HeyDay Entertainment Center (A) Caitlin Fournier, OU Athletics Community Relations (P) Steve Gillis, Norman Youth Soccer Association (P) Paul Ziert, Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy (P) Dennis Brigham, Norman Arts Council designee (P) Tim Hightower (filling in for T.D. O’Hara), Norman Public Schools (A) Stacey Reynolds, University of Oklahoma designee (P) Dr. Vytas Ringus, Norman physician (A) Jeff Stewart, O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grille (P) Justin George, NOUN Hotel (A) Justin Yahola, Riverwind Casino (A) Shelley Cox, Cayman’s (P) Josh Hinkel, City Council designee, ex-officio (A) Brenda Hall, City of Norman, ex-officio (P) Scott Martin, Chamber of Commerce, ex-officio (P) Kenny Adams, Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition, ex-officio (A) Jason Olsen, City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department, ex-officio The meeting was called to order at 11:39 a.m. by Kyle Allison. Introductions were made by the board and staff, as a new Norman Sports Event Coordinator, Phil O’Neill, and VisitNorman & Norman Sports Marketing Manager, Madelaine Base, were added to the team. Dan Schemm introduced Digideck, the new digital packet system for board meeting materials, strategic plans, and budgets, noting that changes will automatically update the links to said digital packets. Kyle Allison reviewed the minutes from the last August meeting, and motioned to approve. Cameron Brewed approved, and Brady T. Sexton seconded. Brady provided a financial update, noting the cash position of $1.285 million and the EIPL loan status. Brady mentioned accounts receivables of $18,000 and visitor guide ads, and highlighted a 4% increase in cash position and a 15% increase in accounts receivables. Brady explained the reduction in advertising and marketing expenses, leading to a $58,000 improvement in income. The total budget is 98% spent, with expenses at 87%, primarily due to under-spending in advertising. Kyle Allison entertained a motion to approve the financials. Amanda Prince motioned to approve, and Steve Gillis seconded. Dan Schemm provided an overview of the strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of understanding the funding sources and their impact, noting that the budget process involves city council approval, with a portion of the guest tax allocated to VisitNorman. The guest tax is divided among the city, Arts Council, and Parks and Rec, with VisitNorman receiving 50% of the initial 5% and the other half going to the Arts Council and Parks & Rec, each getting 25%. The new 3% increase in 2023 benefitted the Sports Commission, with Norman Sports receiving 75% and the Arts Council 25%. Dan Schemm then discussed the significant impact visitors have on the local economy, including spending on rentals, gas, restaurants, and attractions. The money spent by visitors supports local services and businesses, contributing to the overall quality of life. The marketing team, led by Madison, focuses on telling Norman's story and driving visibility for the destination. Madison McCarthy then highlighted the marketing team and how it manages a content ecosystem, including blogs, social media, email newsletters, and video series, to reach various audiences. McCarthy also mentioned the importance of capturing new photography for the visitors guide and maintaining up-to-date content on the website. The marketing team works with paid and earned media partners to increase visibility and reach, including recent coverage on KOCO. The team also supports growth initiatives, such as creating sales collateral and venue guides for local businesses and organizations, as well as seasonal digital advertising, with imagery and messaging tailored to specific events and times of the year. Marketing metrics showed a significant increase in website views and blog publications, with plans to improve the agenda and financial reports. Trent provided a view of the Sports Commission's mission to elevate Norman's profile through sports and cultivate health and wellness. The commission focuses on attracting and hosting sports events, including gameday sponsorships and signature events like the half marathon and Maverick Criterium race. Trent discussed the challenges with volunteer recruitment and the need for additional resources to support their efforts in these events. The commission is exploring the possibility of creating a community calendar to help event planners see available dates and reduce conflicts. Dan Schemm shared the positive impact of the Michigan game on Norman, with increased business and positive feedback from visitors. The community's welcoming nature was highlighted by visitors, with many expressing surprise at the friendliness of Norman residents. The North oval tailgate area was a success, with significant investment and setup for the Auburn game. The proposed shuttle service between downtown and Campus Corner was well-received, and plans are in place to purchase and insure golf carts for future events such OU gamedays. The sales tax report shows a 10% increase year-to-date, with a 28.64% increase in July alone. The final mountain bike trail plan was approved, with construction starting in November and completion expected by April 2026. The equestrian venue feasibility study is 60% complete, with pro forma numbers and alternative funding mechanisms being explored. New website development is on track, with a scheduled rollout on November 10. Trent mentioned the formation of a committee to finalize criteria and candidates for the Norman Sports Hall of Fame. The team is exploring opportunities to collaborate with other Oklahoma cities on promoting trails and recreational opportunities. The meeting concluded at 12:51 p.m. with a discussion on the importance of advocating for tourism and recreational opportunities in Oklahoma.