Edmond – 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
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
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
