2024-25 Annual Report

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES FUELING REAL IMPACT

Message from the CEO

I’ve had the honor of leading the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau for 16 years. In that time, our organization has consistently emphasized the importance of excellent service. Whether greeting guests, assisting clients or working with partners, our focus is ensuring each interaction reflects the personalized hospitality visitors can expect to find in Cabarrus. The fiscal year was bookended by a shining example of this as the Cabarrus County Visitor Information Center earned Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards in 2024 and 2025. Determined by real traveler reviews, this distinction underscores the level of service we aim to provide every day. While our marketing tactics place an emphasis on digital, our destination delivers authenticity and prioritizes connection. Capturing the essence of that experience and communicating the heart of our five-star municipalities through a screen is a feat made possible with engaging imagery and interesting stories from our local partners. For more than a decade, we’ve recognized their contributions to Cabarrus County’s tourism industry during the annual Celebrate Cabarrus & Golden Helmet Awards. In 2024, the event’s kaleidoscope theme fittingly conveyed the destination’s awe-inspiring nature, shaped by its unique but unified offerings. Our continued commitment to growing sports tourism in Cabarrus also made strides this year with enhancements to the Jay M. Robinson MONDO Track & Field Facility. The venue was nominated for Best New or Renovated Sports Venue in the 2024 SportsTravel Awards, and the 2025 season kicked off in April when teams from as far as New York and Florida traveled to Concord. With each event, visiting athletes and their families, spectators, and support staff add to the millions of dollars in economic impact the facility generates for our community.

To continually grow and sustain a dynamic travel industry to become the number one economic force of Cabarrus County. MISSION Drive visitation to Cabarrus County to generate the maximum impact through hotel stays and visitor spending. VISION

From unexpected, delightful moments to the most memorable adventures, every experience matters because collectively, they drive the growth of tourism. We appreciate all who played a role in the achievements details in this report and look forward to another year of helping travelers make unforgettable memories in Cabarrus County.

Yours in hospitality,

Donna Carpenter President & CEO Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau

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