2024-25 Annual Report

PARTNER EVENTS

EDUCATIONAL EVENT Leaned into our PR agency Lou Hammond Group to lead a webinar on working with Explore Cabarrus from a public relations standpoint CELEBRATE CABARRUS GOLDEN HELMET AWARDS GALA The 12th Annual Golden Helmet Awards Gala was held to recognize the outstanding individuals whose dedication and excellence continue to strengthen Cabarrus County’s reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination. The evening brought together leaders and professionals from across the hospitality industry to celebrate those who consistently go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for visitors. Honorees included both visionary figures shaping the future of local tourism and behind the-scenes professionals whose commitment allows others to shine. The event reflected the pride, professionalism, and passion that define Cabarrus County’s thriving hospitality community. HOSPITALITY NIGHT WITH THE CANNON BALLERS Hospitality Night with the Cannon Ballers is an annual appreciation event dedicated to recognizing and thanking our valued partners for their contributions in making Cabarrus County a premier destination. This special evening offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy an exciting Cannon Ballers baseball game while also experiencing the charm of Downtown Kannapolis. Guests are encouraged to explore the newly revitalized downtown area, providing a chance to discover its unique attractions and share these experiences with their own visitors and guests. ADVOCACY Local advocacy plays a vital role in tourism by highlighting local culture, supporting visitor facing businesses, and enhancing the visitor experience. Through active involvement with local businesses, organizations, and boards, we work to raise awareness of Explore Cabarrus while fostering collaboration within the hospitality community. These efforts strengthen partnerships and create lasting benefits through tourism that drive economic growth and enrich quality of life for residents. They include, but not limited to, the following: • Concord Downtown Development Corporation – at large board member

PARTNERSHIP REPORT

NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK Celebrated NTTW with a Food Truck Rally in the parking lot of Explore Cabarrus as well as a satellite location in Great Wolf Lodge’s parking lot. We celebrated the hospitality community by serving over 450 lunches. PARTNER OUTINGS AT THE RACES (NHRA IN APRIL & SEPTEMBER, NASCAR IN MAY & OCTOBER) Invited partners to both the spring and fall races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMax Dragway for networking and an opportunity to experience two of our largest attractions. PARTNER NETWORKING EVENTS Networking and collaboration events looked a bit different this year with a focus on micro events. A large majority of our partners are small businesses whose schedules are not traditional and with that in mind, we focused on offering networking and collaboration opportunities at different times during the day. • Coffee C.H.A.T (Cabarrus Hospitality and Tourism) held 8am-9am • Maddie Ruths Coffee House, Coffee & Creme • Collaboration Events held 4-6pm: Stars & Strikes, Southern Strain & Nothing New, West Loop Local • Destination Training – six events held to give partners the opportunity to visit local

• Downtown Kannapolis Inc. – attend meetings • Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce – attend events • Cabarrus Historical Association events • Police Foundation Annual Gala

This year, we actively championed awareness and collaboration by delivering presentations to a local business networking group, a church organization, and Downtown Kannapolis, Inc. Beyond outreach, we extended an open invitation to local businesses to utilize our meeting space—creating a strategic opportunity to introduce new audiences to the Visitor Center. Many participants discovered the center for the first time, reinforcing its role as a vital resource for our community and visitors alike. Exhibit during local events like the International Festival, Earnhardt Outdoors Festival, Touch-a-Truck Day, Sr. Expo, Cabarrus County Schools Career Day Job Fair.

Our mascot RevPar is visible at local events like Downtown Concord Street Scape Opening, Lugnut’s Birthday Party during Summer Shoot Out, Special Olympics as well as group mascot events in the community.

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explore cabarrus.com

explore cabarrus.com