<![CDATA[OKLAHOMA TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Edmond, OK – June 11, 2024 – The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA) and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department announce the success of the 2024 Oklahoma Conference on Tourism and RedBud Awards. Held at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center in Edmond, OK, this event brought together travel professionals from all over the state for a day full of networking, learning, and celebrating the best in our industry.

The event was filled with opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and leaders from various sectors, building and strengthening valuable relationships. Educational sessions led by industry experts provided attendees with insights and practical strategies for business growth. The day wrapped up with the prestigious RedBud Awards Dinner Program, sponsored by Edmond Electric, where outstanding contributions to the industry were recognized and celebrated.

James Leewright, CEO of OTIA, shared his vision for the future of Oklahoma's travel industry, drawing from his extensive experience in both legislative and tourism roles.

Sean Kouplen, Chairman & CEO of Regent Bank and former Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce & Workforce Development, inspired the audience with his story of turning Regent Bank into one of America’s fastest-growing banks and offered valuable leadership and economic insights.

Shelley Zumwalt, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, highlighted the importance of promoting Oklahoma's natural beauty and attractions while sharing effective marketing strategies.

Zeek Coleman, Vice President of Americas at Tourism Economics, provided deep insights into travel trends and economic impacts, helping attendees better understand the market landscape.

Jody Urquhart, International Speaker and Author, energized everyone with her motivational talk, focusing on passion, humor, and resilience in professional life.

Debra Bailey, President of OTIA, shared her excitement with the conference's outcome, saying, "We’re absolutely delighted with how this year’s conference turned out. The 2024 Oklahoma Conference on Tourism and RedBud Awards was a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, learn from each other, and celebrate our achievements. The dedication and passion of Oklahoma’s travel professionals never cease to amaze me."

RedBud Award Winners:
Outstanding Agritourism Attraction
RedBud Visit Edmond: Edmond Farmer's Market
Merit Visit Muskogee: Hatbox Event Center

Best Social Media Campaign
RedBud Gathering Place: A Park For All - Celebrating Five Years
Merit Tour Tahlequah: Real Life Redfern

Best Brochure or Publication ($10,000 or less)
RedBud Oh18 Magazine: May/June Issue
Merit Visit Shawnee & Shawnee Regional Airport: Fly to Shawnee

Best Brochure or Publication ($10,000 or more)
RedBud Chickasaw Country: 2023 Travel Guide
Merit Visit Stillwater: 2023 Guide to the Local Scene

Best Overall Marketing Campaign- Small Budget Association
RedBud Visit Chickasha: Christmas Town
Merit Visit Broken Arrow: Rose District Wedding District

Best Overall Marketing Campaign- Large Budget Association
RedBud Tulsa Regional Tourism: 2023 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship Event Marketing
Merit VisitNorman: 2023 VisitNorman Overall Marketing Campaign

Best Website- Small Budget Organization
RedBud VisitEnid.org
Merit VisitChickasha.com

Best Website- Large Budget Organization
RedBud McAlester Tourism: TravelMcAlester.com
Merit Chickasaw Country: Website Redesign 2023

Best Partnership
RedBud Visit Bartlesville, Visit the Osage, Pawhuska
Chamber of Commerce, Woolaroc Museum and
Wildlife Preserve: Gathering at the Roc Car Show 2023
Merit Visit Chickasha, Rock Island Arts Festival, and Rock Island Ride: Rock Island Weekend

Outstanding Media Coverage
RedBud VisitNorman: 2023 National Beep Baseball Association World Series
Merit Visit Oklahoma City: The 35 Best Things To Do in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma by Tara Massouleh McCay (Senior Travel and Culture Editor at Southern Living)

Outstanding Attraction
RedBud Sapulpa Route 66 Christmas Chute
Merit Visit Edmond: KickingBird Golf Renovation Project

Outstanding New Attraction
RedBud Shangri-La: The Battlefield
Merit Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism: Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center

Outstanding Temporary Exhibit
RedBud Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism: Jane Osti:A Legacy of Her Own
Merit Visit Muskogee: 5 Civilized Tribes

Outstanding Event
RedBud Buffalo Run Disc Golf: 10th Annual Buffalo Run Disc Golf Tournament
Merit Downtown Edmond Business Association & Visit Edmond: 2023 Downtown Edmond Arts Festival

Outstanding New Event
RedBud Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism: Ribbon Skirt Fashion Show
Merit Gathering Place: Global Gatherings

Tourism Organization of the Year- Small Budget Association
RedBud Visit Chickasha

Tourism Organization of the Year- Large Budget Association
RedBud Visit Stillwater

The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department extend a huge thank you to all attendees, speakers, and partners for making the 2024 Oklahoma Conference on Tourism and RedBud Awards a memorable and successful event.

We are grateful to our title partner for the RedBud Awards, Edmond Electric.

Shout out to the 2024 Major Tourism Partners: Adara, Ardmore Tourism Authority, Visit Bartlesville, Visit Broken Arrow, Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Country, Visit Chickasha, Choctaw Country, Visit Claremore, Downstream Casino Resort, Visit Duncan, Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Edmond, Visit Elk City, City of El Reno, Visit Enid, Factor 110, Greater Tenkiller Area Association, Har-Ber Village Museum, Lawton Fort Sill Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of McAlester, Muscogee Nation, Visit Muskogee, Visit Norman, Visit Oklahoma City, Travel Oklahoma, Oklahoma Museums Association, Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, Visit the Osage, Pauls Valley, Visit Ponca City, Shake Rattle Roll, Shangri-La Resort, Visit Shawnee, Visit Stillwater, Tour Tahlequah, Visit Tulsa, Woodward Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the City of Yukon.

For more information about the event and future conferences, please visit otia.info

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Founded in 1987, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA) was formed primarily to provide
tourism education and lobby on behalf of the tourism industry as well as support the efforts of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in its funding of the State's tourism promotion campaign. OTIA now serves as the trade association for the travel and tourism industry. Representing tourism entities, operators, and members across the state, the OTIA develops the membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually.
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