State of Tourism & Hospitality Gala Program by visitcorpuschristi

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

Dear Community Partners and Stakeholders, On behalf of the incredible Visit Corpus Christi team, thank you for attending our annual celebration of the tourism and hospitality industries. We hope that you leave tonight equal parts inspired and excited for what the future of tourism holds in the Gulf Coast Capital. Corpus Christi is a special place with special people, and the Visit Corpus Christi team is passionate and dedicated to ensuring the world knows our secret. By advocating for and supporting our industry, each of you can play a role in creating a better community. Whether it’s telling our story on your social media platforms or volunteering with us, we urge you to find your own way to show your love for Corpus Christi. We are honored that you chose to join us tonight and we look forward to many more celebrations in the future as Corpus Christi continues to evolve into its full potential as a destination.

Brett Oetting Visit Corpus Christi President & CEO

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CONTENTS 04

LETTER FROM CEO A special welcome from Brett Oetting, President and CEO.

event programming Preview the event highlights.

ABOUT VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI Meet the team behind the Corpus Christi visitor experience.

Find your path to a career in tourism & hospitality Find your path to a career in tourism and hospitality.

Influencing a love for Corpus Christi See CC through the eyes of an influencer.

Empowering business growth in Corpus Christi Shaping the tourism landscape in a bigger, bolder way.

Host your meeting by the bay Book your meetings and conventions by the bay.

Champion your event with the Corpus Christi Sports Commission A game changing vision on booking sporting events.

Set the scene with the corpus christi Film and Music Commission Elevating the arts with film and music.

Visit your Corpus Christi information hub Your one stop for all things Corpus Christi.

A SPECIAL THANKS! Visit Corpus Christi extends a heartfelt gratitude.

The State of Tourism Gala and Hospitality Awards ceremony is a signature event that celebrates excellence in hospitality by honoring individuals who make an impact in the community through the Corpus Christi tourism industry. Held in conjunction with Visit Corpus Christi’s Annual Presentation, this event welcomes the entire community to join in celebrating and supporting the professionals that keep the tourism industry thriving.

PROGRAM 6:00 P.M. Cocktail Hour

7:00 P.M. Dinner and Visit Corpus Christi Annual Meeting

7:50 P.M. Intermission

8:00 P.M. Hospitality Awards Ceremony Sponsored by American Bank

DINNER MENU Starter

Garden Chef Salad Buttermilk Ranch & Balsamic Vinaigrette

ENTREE

Chicken Matagorda Whipped mashed potatoes and seasonal roasted vegetables

Dessert

Choice of Petite Sweets Key Lime Tart, Chocolate Cake Pop, Macaroons

PAST HONOREES Visit Corpus Christi Lifetime Partnership Award 2022 Capt. Bob Batterson, Pearl Harbor survivor, veteran, and volunteer aboard the USS Lexington Museum

Visit Corpus Christi Awards of Excellence 2022 Nathan Bitz, Founder and Owner of Aerodrome Distillery Water Street Restaurants The Bend Magazine

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU At American Bank, we’ve helped individuals, families, and businesses build their futures for more than 53 years. When you’re ready to build yours, we’re here for you.

Member FDIC

ABOUT VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI Tourism is the second largest industry sector in Corpus Christi, and with the vision to become the Gulf Coast Capital for year-round experiences and events, along with the mission to strengthen our community by sharing Corpus Christi with the world, Visit Corpus Christi is committed to showcasing the beauty and allure of our city by promoting tourism, driving economic growth, and enhancing the local experience. Visit Corpus Christi also aims to be a catalyst for community development, fostering a thriving environment for both residents and visitors by blending sustainability, diversity, and culture to position Corpus Christi as a premier destination. With tourism generating 26% of sales tax collections for the city, Visit Corpus Christi continues to advocate for tourism as the driving force behind the innovative initiatives that contribute to the authentic, high-quality experience that visitors will remember for years to come.

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

Find your path to a career in tourism & hospitality The tourism and hospitality sectors in Corpus Christi open doors to dynamic career pathways through the PATH (Promoting Advancement Through Hospitality) Workforce Development initiative. Exciting opportunities, from hotel management to event planning, and theme park operations to maintenance roles are available, and Corpus Christi’s thriving industry, recognized among the fastest-growing globally, not only offers diverse job prospects but also aligns with the mission of PATH to foster skill development and career advancement. Whether starting in an entry-level position or assuming a managerial role, PATH ensures that individuals gain valuable hands-on experience and on-the-job training, equipping them with practical skills applicable across the local tourism and hospitality landscape. These roles become more than jobs; they represent integral components of a fulfilling career in Corpus Christi, laying the foundation for sustained professional growth and success in the dynamic tourism and hospitality sector.

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Influencing a love for Corpus Christi THROUGH CC SOCIAL HUB The Corpus Christi Social Hub is a collaborative influencer program initiative that gives local influencers and bloggers of Corpus Christi an opportunity to be part of an exclusive group that is not afraid to show their Corpus Christi pride and advocate for the community. Not only is this an exciting opportunity to show all that our city offers and continues to develop, but it is also an opportunity to be a part of the people who make it thrive. Through this program, content creators can inspire the motto, “love where you live” while staying engaged and up to date on all that is going on with Visit Corpus Christi and in the Gulf Coast Capital.

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

FlyCCIA.com

Prepare to take off all stress. Traffic. Gas miles. Boring drives. Big crowds. But what if there’s a smarter way? When you fly through your local airport, you can skip the bad and get right to the good: taking off and arriving home.

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

C E L E B R A T I N G

Y E A R S OF CULINARY AND HOSPITALITY TRAINING EXCELLENCE AT DEL MAR COLLEGE

Empowering business growth IN CORPUS CHRISTI The Corpus Christi Tourism Grant Program is designed to offer financial assistance to qualifying businesses, new or existing, that contribute to an exceptional and captivating visitor experience in Corpus Christi. To be eligible, businesses must offer a new visitor facing experience, and must commit to matching the grant amount with their own funds or in-kind contributions. Registration with the City of Corpus Christi is a prerequisite, and applicants are required to submit a comprehensive project proposal detailing the proposed utilization of the grant funds, along with a budget and project timeline. New businesses seeking eligibility must present a business plan coupled with a well-defined strategy for drawing tourists to their establishments. This initiative aims to strengthen the local tourism landscape by supporting businesses committed to enhancing Corpus Christi’s allure for visitors. tourism industry.

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Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

HOST YOUR MEETING BY THE BAY Corpus Christi is the premier coastal destination for meetings and conventions, and there’s plenty to do in the city. In the last fiscal year, we hosted 10 million visitors who generated over $1.5 billion in economic impact. Whether you’re looking for a stunning waterfront venue with views of the coast or an elegant ballroom in our 400,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art convention center, there are plenty of quality meeting spaces to choose from, and their proximity to hotels, restaurants, and major attractions make navigating the city a breeze. With over 220 days of sunshine and a mix of coastal charm and casual confidence, your attendees will feel right at home, making Corpus Christi the perfect place to coast their own way at your next meeting or event.

CLOSER CLOSE-UPS! More Fun. More Animals Rescued.

Get face-to-face with over 300 species like otters, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and more - all while a portion of proceeds go toward rescuing Texas wildlife. It's fun for all ages, only at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, TX.

PLAN YOUR VISIT www.texasstateaquarium.org

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

KING RANCH

DAILY TOURS

Visitor Center and Museum

Come visit the historic King Ranch! We offer daily historical tours and special interest tours, including nature, birding and wildlife. Visit the King Ranch Museum for a deepdive into ranch lore and the history of the King Ranch Quarter Horses.

King Ranch Visitors Center 2205 W Hwy 141 Kingsville, Texas Open Tues.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Daily Tour Schedule: Tues.-Sat.: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

King Ranch Museum 405 North 6th Street Kingsville, Texas Open Tues.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed certain holidays

Book online at King-ranch.com/visit or call to reserve at 361-592-8055

Champion your event with the CORPUS CHRISTI Sports Commission Driven by the power of sports tourism, the Corpus Christi Sports Commission fulfills their goal of developing and promoting Corpus Christi as the premier gulf sports destination by bringing top-tier sporting events to the city through collaboration with regional, national, and international organizers. Their dedication to bringing these high-quality sporting events to the area, as well as aligning with the community to provide extensive event support and promote the destination, contributes to the overall growth and development necessary to carry out this mission. In addition, offering comprehensive assistance to event organizers, including logistical support, venue selection, and coordination with local authorities allows for seamless operations, and their commitment to leaving a lasting legacy within the community by creating a positive and enduring impact through the unifying force of sports, ensures a remarkable experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

Set the scene with THE CORPUS CHRISTI Film and Music Commission Corpus Christi is now one of the 50 Texas cities holding the Film and Music Friendly City designation, and the creation of the Film and Music Commission has provided support for the film and music industries, bringing a new artistic flair the Corpus Christi’s already impressive cultural landscape. The commission’s active collaboration with local musicians and filmmakers has yielded invaluable support for 280 local artists and participation in key industry events, such as tradeshows, expansions, and outreach with esteemed organizations. The introduction of MusicWalk has also made an impact on our community’s cultural and economic landscape, proving that the Film & Music Commission’s launch and continued initiatives serve as an invaluable asset to our organization’s dedication to sharing Corpus Christi with the world.

Visit your Corpus Christi information hub 309 N WATER ST. D, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78401 The Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center stands as the ultimate information hub for both locals and visitors, acting as a gateway to unforgettable experiences in the Gulf Coast Capital. Whether you’re curious about upcoming events, seeking restaurant recommendations, planning a shopping spree, or simply in need of some local advice, our friendly Gulf Coasters are ready to assist you. Capture vibrant and Instagram-worthy moments – take a vacation selfie in our specially designated selfie spot mirror or strike a pose on the vibrantly painted rainbow stairs. While you’re there, shop all things Corpus Christi, including themed apparel, seasonal products, stickers, keychains, towels, and more, and check online for other special products. Don’t leave without grabbing pamphlets filled with valuable information, exclusive coupons, and enticing discounts. Your journey through Corpus Christi begins at the Visitor Information Center and Gulf Coast Capital Store, where you can not only gather invaluable insights and create lasting memories, but also shop for treasures. Visit us and let the adventure begin.

ELEVATE YOUR INBOX WITH AN OCEAN OF COASTAL UPDATES Unlock the full potential of your coastal adventure by signing up for the Visit Corpus Christi newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest trip ideas, upcoming events, and insider tips that will enhance every moment of your visit. Our newsletter is your key to discovering the hidden gems and must-see attractions along the coast. Don’t miss out on the latest happenings and local insights that will elevate your Corpus Christi experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, our newsletter is your go-to source for curated information that ensures you make the most out of your time on the coast. Get our newsletter today and coast your own way to discovering the best Corpus Christi has to offer.

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Thank You to Our Program Sponsor

We extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has worked diligently to welcome visitors and make their stay unforgettable. Your passion, dedication, and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for being the true heroes of our hospitality industry.

STAT E O F TO UR I S M F OR SU P P O R T I NG TH E H O O KS

THANK YOU TO

OUR SPONSORS! PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

Additional Thanks to Our Partners USS Lexington Museum, AEP Texas, MMGY Global, TAMU-CC Islanders Athletics, Frost Bank, Port of Corpus Christi, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, Keller Williams, Bandwango, American Bank Center, Corpus Christi Downtown Management District, City of Corpus Christi Office of Economic Development, Corpus Christi Hooks, OVG Hospitality, MDR, Lively Beach, Omni Hotel Corpus Christi, Old Kress Live

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor