ENGAGE FOSTERING FURTHER RESEARCH AND CONSIDERATION OF TRAVEL TO OKC THROUGH A VARIETY OF RESOURCES
Once Oklahoma City is on someone’s radar, the next step is helping them understand what is possible here. Visit OKC builds that consideration by connecting the right audiences with the people, tools, stories and experiences that help them take the next step. In FY26, that work spanned sales, sports, tourism and community partnerships, with a focus on giving meeting planners, event owners, travel professionals and local ambassadors stronger resources to share Oklahoma City’s story. Visit OKC launched a community branding initiative designed to help Oklahoma City tell a clear, consistent story. The convention sales team expanded direct engagement with meeting professionals and industry decision-makers, conducting 127 group site visits plus two familiarization trips to Oklahoma City and nine sales missions to key target markets. The team also attended 26 trade shows and industry events , using creative messaging and activations to showcase Oklahoma City’s offerings. Visit OKC reestablished its Customer Advisory Board, bringing together 14 industry leaders to help shape future growth and branding initiatives. The team also enhanced tools that help move planners from interest to action, elevating advertising efforts, social media campaigns and digital engagement. As a result, FY26 marked the highest lead volume in Visit OKC history for the convention sales team, with 695 leads representing 728,387 potential room nights for the city.
Route 66 centennial programming gave Visit OKC a globally recognized story, especially in building multi-city, multi-day itineraries for international tourists. Kicks 66 added a new landmark with a 35-foot illuminated boot sculpture outside the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Kickin’ It On Route 66: OKC Centennial Celebration, presented by Visit OKC, brought the Mother Road to life through a free community event at Scissortail Park. OKC Insider Destination Training equipped local ambassadors to share Oklahoma City's story with visitors. The complimentary, on-demand course served 121 unique individuals , expanding the network of local ambassadors sharing destination recommendations and Visit OKC resources. OKC Fair Park investments gave Visit OKC impactful tools to engage planners and equine and livestock partners considering Oklahoma City. Work advanced on the Gateway of Champions Promenade, which will connect the Super Barn to the new OG&E Coliseum on the former footprint of the Jim Norick Arena. Projected to open in 2027, the promenade will include a 12,500-square-foot exhibit hall, concessions and covered access for equine and livestock participants. The team also strengthened sales efforts through downtown planning, new nonstop air service and expanded international market development. In FY26, international in-market representatives trained more than 250 tour operators and travel agents on Oklahoma City tourism offerings , helping Visit OKC strengthen partner referrals and move international audiences from interest to serious planning.
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