Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau

VISITNORMAN/NORMAN SPORTS BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEETING Commerce Building, 424 W. Main Street., Norman, OK 73069 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 11:30 AM MINUTES The VisitNorman/Norman Sports Board of Directors in the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, met in Regular Session in the Commerce Building at 424 W. Main Street on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 11:41 a.m., and notice of the agenda of the meeting was posted at the Commerce Building, the Norman Municipal Building, and on the City website at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Dan Schemm, President and CEO, VisitNorman/Norman Sports called the meeting to order at 11:41 a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT Kyle Allison, Allison Fun Inc., Chair Cameron Brewer, The Standard, Past Chair Scott Kovalick, Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center Amanda Prince, Young Family Athletic Center Gary Armstrong, University of Oklahoma Facilities James Howard, Baked Bear Trey Bates, HeyDay Entertainment Center Steve Gillis, Norman Youth Soccer Association Paul Ziert, Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy Leslie Nottingham, Norman Arts Council designee Dr. Vytas Ringus, Norman physician Jeff Stewart, O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grille Justin Yahola, Riverwind Casino Shelley Cox, Cayman’s Josh Hinkel, City Council designee, ex-officio Jamie Meyer, City of Norman, ex-officio Kenny Adams, Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition, ex-officio Jason Olsen, City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department, ex-officio Scott Dixon, Guest, Councilor for Ward 8 Robert Bruce, Guest, Councilor for Ward 3 ABSENT Brady T. Sexton, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, Treasurer Caitlin Fournier, OU Athletics Community Relations Stacey Reynolds, University of Oklahoma designee Justin George, NOUN Hotel Scott Martin, Chamber of Commerce, ex-officio WELCOME STATEMENT VISITNORMAN/NORMAN SPORTS - Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Page |1 Introductions were made for all members and guests present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL, ACCEPTANCE, REJECTION, AMENDMENT, AND/OR POSTPONEMENT OF THE VISITNORMAN/NORMAN SPORTS BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEETING MINUTES OF: February 18, 2026. Motion made by Chairman Allison, Seconded by Member Brewer The Minutes were Approved. ***** DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND PRESENATION OF THE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026 AND THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027. Presenter: Mr. Dan Schemm, President and CEO, VisitNorman/Norman Sports Mr. Schemm provided an overview of the monthly financial statement. Mr. Schemm presented the current financials, noting the addition of a new asset line item for the 317 W. Gray building, which is used to store VisitNorman and Norman Sports equipment and collateral. He also highlighted updates to the email marketing line item as the organization transitions to Mailchimp. A motion to approve the financials was made by Mr. Brewer and seconded by Mr. Gillis. The motion passed. ***** 3. DISCUSSION ON THE PROPOSED FY27 BUDGET. Presenter: Mr. Dan Schemm, President and CEO, VisitNorman/Norman Sports Mr. Schemm then presented the proposed FY27 budget, which reflects a five percent increase over the previous fiscal year. He outlined key strategic shifts, including increased investment in paid media, the addition of a coordinator role to support destination and sports sales, and a reduction in the data and analytics line item following an audit of platform effectiveness. Additional funding has been allocated for the inaugural Norman Sports Hall of Fame event, with plans to engage an external partner for execution. VISITNORMAN/NORMAN SPORTS - Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Page |2  The floor was opened for discussion. Mr. Schemm clarified that no vote was required at this meeting and that the budget will be brought back for approval prior to the next meeting. In response to a question regarding the amendment process should the guest tax increase pass in April, Mr. Schemm explained that an amended budget would be developed, followed by board approval and a final vote in June. Discussion also included Visitor Guide distribution, noting that approximately 75,000 copies are printed annually with flexibility to adjust print runs as needed. Certified Folder continues to support regional distribution. The coordinator role was further discussed as a way to free up leadership capacity for higher-value work. ***** 4. DISCUSSION ON STORMIN’ NORMAN RUN AND MAVERICK CRITERIUM Presenter: Mr. Phil O’Neill, Event Coordinator, Norman Sports Mr. O’Neill provided an update on the Stormin’ Norman Run and Maverick Criterium. The Stormin’ Norman Run will start and finish at McCasland Field House. Registration has already surpassed last year’s numbers, with participants currently registered from 12 states. The event is projected to reach between 600 and 750 runners, with notable growth in the half marathon. Feedback from the previous year has been addressed, including improvements to course logistics and unification of the start and finish lines. While some route overlap remains, races are structured to avoid conflicts. Increased outreach to prior participants has been implemented to communicate improvements and encourage return participation. The event has also seen an increase in elite runner participation, with incentives shifting from hotel stays to meal vouchers and complimentary registration. Volunteer needs remain high, particularly for course support and traffic direction. The event will include a Kids Zone and additional elements to enhance the spectator experience. Mr. O’Neill noted that long-term goals include growing participation into the thousands through continued positive runner experience and national outreach. ***** REPORTS 6. THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT. Presenter: Mr. Dan Schemm, President and CEO, VisitNorman/Norman Sports VISITNORMAN/NORMAN SPORTS - Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Page |3  Mr. Schemm provided an overview of the President’s Report. Schemm provided an update on the proposed guest tax increase, noting a potential allocation of 50 percent to VisitNorman, 25 percent to the Norman Arts Council, and 25 percent to Parks and Recreation. If approved, an amended budget will be developed accordingly. Mr. Schemm also shared that the Gray Street building has additional space available for lease, with a goal of securing a tenant by June. Updates were provided on the Thunderbird trails project, with a projected opening in late February and plans for a soft promotional rollout. Mr. Schemm reviewed Zartico and CoStar data, noting that NCED continues to function as an outlier that impacts occupancy and ADR metrics. The discussion reinforced the need for additional higher-end lodging and expanded visitor-facing amenities. ***** 7. THE SALES REPORT. Presenter: Mr. Dan Schemm, President and CEO, VisitNorman/Norman Sports Mr. Schemm provided a brief update on destination sales efforts. ***** 8. THE SPORTS COMMISSION REPORT. Presenter: Mr. Dan Schemm, President and CEO, VisitNorman/Norman Sports Mr. Schemm provided a brief update on Norman Sports sales efforts. ***** 9. THE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS REPORT. Presenter: Ms. Madison McCarthy, Director of Marketing and Communications, VisitNorman/Norman Sports Ms. McCarthy provided a marketing update, noting that VisitNorman was represented at Visit the SEC in Starkville, where there was strong interest from peer destinations in replicating Norman’s Game Day Guide. She also confirmed that the Annual Tourism Luncheon is scheduled for May 7 and will feature Amy Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, as keynote speaker. ***** VISITNORMAN/NORMAN SPORTS - Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Page |4 NEXT MEETING DATE March 25, 2026 FINAL REMARKS AND NEXT STEPS The next board convening as pushed to the fourth week in March due to spring break. UPCOMING EVENTS • February 19 - 2nd Annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser • February 20 - OU WGYM vs. LSU • February 20 - Dylan Gossett @ Riverwind Casino • February 22 - OU WBB vs. Ten • February 27 - OU WGYM vs. Aug • February 28 - Christopher Cross @ Riverwind Casino • February 28 - OSC Celtic Cup • February 28 - OU MGYM vs. Nebraska • March 6-9 - Water Circus Metropolis @ Sooner Mall • March 07 - OU MGYM vs. California • March 08 - OU WGYM vs. TWU • March 13 - 2nd Friday Art Walk • March 13 - Chicago @ Riverwind Casino • March 14 - OU SB vs Auburn • March 13 - Shamrock 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run *The full events calendar is available at VisitNorman.com/Events or on the free VisitNorman app. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Allison and seconded by Mr. Armstrong. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 1:03 p.m. VISITNORMAN/NORMAN SPORTS - Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Page |5