2023-2024 Annual Report

PARTNER EVENTS

Partnership Report

LUNCH-N-LEARN Held four Lunch-n-Learn programs this year. One was held at 73 & Main Restaurant and focused on Harassment in the Workplace. Worked with the restaurant so they could showcase their event space and the program was one our partners requested we put together for them. VisitNC brought several of their staff members for a mini tradeshow showcasing the services they offer to the hospitality community. VisitNC takes this event to various cities throughout North Carolina, and they indicated their trip to Cabarrus County and the mini tradeshow was the most productive for them. Additionally, we were given the opportunity to take the VisitNC folks on a site visit of Cabarrus County. Jim Spellos is an expert in AI (artificial intelligence) and presents nationally. We brought him in to discuss the future of AI in the hospitality industry and it was well received by our partners. This event was held at the Great Wolf Lodge. Additionally, a Lunch-n-Learn was held on Human Trafficking in Cabarrus County with 52 partners in attendance. This was one of the most talked about topics and folks were asking if we could hold it annually. The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Department and Present Age Ministries who work with the children after they have been rescued. MYSTERY TOURS In an effort to continue showcasing our partners and keep it interesting, we held two Mystery Tours. Folks signed up for an event and lunch without knowing where they were going until the bus starts rolling. The first one was a trip to the NASCAR HOF and the other was held at Stars & Strikes with a team building exercise, lunch and free play. HOSPITALITY COLLABORATION This was an event held in a small venue in Downtown Concord which has several main streets under construction. This event accomplished a couple of things: to get folks downtown to show that even under construction, you could get around and shop, eat, attend a performance among other things. Also, the venue owner brought in several new downtown businesses to set up a small display to show attendees what they offered. CELEBRATE CABARRUS GOLDEN HELMET AWARDS GALA The 11th Annual awards gala was held again to honor the exceptional within the Cabarrus County hospitality community. HOSPITALITY NIGHT WITH THE CANNON BALLERS This is an annual event to say thank you to our partners who have helped to make Cabarrus County a wonderful destination. Attendees who able to bring their families and enjoy the game. The other objective is to keep Downtown Kannapolis shops, attractions, and restaurants front of mind so they can share with their guests and visitors.

NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK Celebrated NTTW with a Food Truck Rally in the parking lot of Explore Cabarrus as well as one in the parking lot at the Great Wolf Lodge. We celebrated the hospitality community by serving over 500 lunches. PARTNER NIGHT AT THE RACES (MAY & OCTOBER) Invited partners to both the spring and fall races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for networking and an opportunity to experience one of our largest attractions.

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