Annual Meeting focuses on
The Next Columbus

Exciting recent and upcoming developments shaping
“The Next Columbus” were the focus of the Experience Columbus Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 2 in the Battelle Grand ballroom at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

 “Today is a celebration and we have a lot to celebrate,” said Sandra Harbrecht, chair of the Experience Columbus board of directors, during her opening remarks to more than 850 community leaders and hospitality industry professionals.
“There’s a ‘can-do’ spirit that’s energizing our city like never before.”  

 “Never in the history of our city has so much come together at such an opportune time for advancing the profile of our Columbus destination,” said Paul Astleford, Experience Columbus president and CEO, in his keynote remarks.

Astleford went on to state that the current economic reality has created a new opportunity for Greater Columbus.  “Many corporations, associations and leisure tourists are looking for more for their money … steering away from more extravagant, high-priced destinations.  

“Now is the time to showcase all that we have to offer, to promote our value and authenticity, to demonstrate our enhanced destination package to the nation and to the world.” 

View photos taken by Dallagher Photography and a video produced by Lotz Studios.

EXPY Award winners

Three organizations received EXPY Awards in recognition of exceptional contributions to the Columbus visitor experience.  

• Huntington Park – The new home of the Columbus Clippers was the recipient of three Ballpark of the Year awards and set franchise attendance records after opening in April 2009.

• Egypt in Columbus – The artifacts, culture and history of ancient Egypt were brought to Columbus through a partnership among the Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, the Columbus Metropolitan Library and five other Greater Columbus public libraries.  Exhibits at COSI and the museum attracted more than 274,000 visitors. 

• Pelotonia – The inaugural event brought bicycle enthusiasts from throughout the United States and Canada, along with seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, to raise more than $4.5 million for cancer research.

Thanks to our sponsors

Thanks to the businesses that supported the Annual Meeting through sponsorship and table purchases.

Sponsors
Aramark
Bartha Audio Visual
Greater Columbus Convention Center

Table Purchasers
American Electric Power
Aramark
Arnold Sports Festival
AT&T
Battelle
Business First
Central Ohio Restaurant Association
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Chamber
Columbus Clippers
Columbus College of Art & Design
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Downtown Development Corp.
Columbus Hospitality
Columbus Monthly
Columbus Museum of Art
The Columbus Partnership
Columbus Regional Airport Authority
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
COSI
COTA
Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau
Easton Town Center
Engauge
FirstMerit Bank/White Castle
Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority
Grange Insurance
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Huntington Bank
Hyatt Regency Columbus
Limited Brands
Moody Nolan, Inc.
Nationwide
NetJets
The Ohio State University
OPOC.us
Paul Werth Associates
Pelotonia
Red Roof Inns
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
Thrifty Parking
Time Warner Cable
US Bank
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease

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Entertain clients at the Memorial Tournament 

Annual Meeting focuses on
The Next Columbus

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