COLUMBUS, Ohio— Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission are pleased to announce that they have been named a Top Workplaces 2025 award winner by Columbus CEO, a recognition based entirely on employee feedback. The award is conducted by Energage, a research firm specializing in workplace culture and employee engagement. Based on insights gathered through a confidential survey, the recognition highlights organizations that excel in leadership, workplace culture and employee satisfaction. This honor underscores both organizations’ dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment.
As the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region, Experience Columbus and its LLC, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, drive the travel economy and collaboratively promote leisure trips, conventions, meetings and sporting events to the visitors who make more than 51 million trips to Greater Columbus each year. The travel economy is vital to Central Ohio as it generates $8.2 billion in visitor spending and supports more than 82,500 jobs in Columbus and Franklin County.
“We are honored to receive Columbus CEO’s Top Workplaces Award, especially because it is a direct reflection of our employees’ experience working here,” said Brian Ross, ECI, President and CEO of Experience Columbus. “We have an incredible team who are dedicated and passionate about advancing the travel economy and who value the impact they have each day on our community. This honor is a result of the incredible culture each team member contributes to daily and our core values of Valuing the Voices, Thinking Forward, Taking it On, Creating Moments and Living Your Passion.”
This award follows other recent accolades, including recognition from Columbus Young Professionals as a 2025 Wonderful Workplace for Young Professionals, and industry awards celebrating the impact of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, including being named a top 10 sports business city for hosting events by the Sports Business Journal.
“Our team is at the heart of everything we do,” said Linda Logan, ECI, CEO and President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. “This recognition follows a record-breaking year for the Sports Commission, having hosted 97 events that generated $182 million in direct visitor spending. From bringing world-class events like the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and MLS All-Star Game to Columbus to collaborating with city and county leaders to expand our sports landscape, our people are the driving force behind our success.”
Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission are proud to have a more than 90% retention rate of full-time staff. In addition to the meaningful work that team members engage in daily to grow the local travel economy and impact our community, employees enjoy a workplace culture that supports personal and professional growth. The organizations prioritize professional development and employee well-being through a robust benefits package and programs like a dedicated wellness program and a Lifestyle Spending Account that helps employees achieve personal wellness goals, an Employee Assistance Program with free counseling sessions, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave and more.
"At Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, we believe that a thriving workplace leads to our ability to have a greater impact on our community,” said Jennifer McCallum, ECI, Chief People Officer at Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. “We are intentional about creating an inclusive, flexible and supportive environment. This award is a testament to that commitment.”
For those looking to get involved in the organization in a volunteer capacity, the Experience Columbus Insider (ECI) Program offers an accreditation course that equips locals and hospitality professionals with the knowledge and resources to enhance the visitor experience. Participants learn about Columbus’ history, key attractions and visitor assistance through online or in-person courses. Participants enjoy two years of benefits, including networking events, exclusive discounts, behind-the-scenes tours, and access to an interactive portal. To learn more, visit www.experiencecolumbus.com/eci.
About Experience Columbus
Experience Columbus is the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region, dedicated to growing visitor spending and enhancing the visitor experience. Annually, visitors make more than 51 million trips to Greater Columbus annually, spending $8.2 billion and supporting more than 82,500 jobs. For more information, visit ExperienceColumbus.com.
About the Greater Columbus Sports Commission
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission’s mission is to rally Columbus to compete and win sporting events, providing a singular athlete and fan experience and positively impacting image, economy and lifestyle. Since 2002, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission has hosted more than 1,100 sporting events, generating an estimated $1.5 billion in direct visitor spending. For more information, visit ColumbusSports.org.
About Energage
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 19 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
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Media Contacts:
Leah Berger, APR, ECI: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145
Cameron Tirado, ECI: ctirado@experiencecolumbus.com | 610-389-6833
