Experience Columbus

Experience Columbus
Name	Experience Columbus
Formation	1970s
Headquarters	Columbus, Ohio
Region served	Franklin County, Ohio
Leader title	President & CEO
Leader name	Niki Cardwell
Website	Official site

Experience Columbus Experience Columbus is the destination marketing organization for the Columbus, Ohio region, serving as the central promoter of tourism, conventions, and cultural attractions in Franklin County. The organization works to attract conventions, leisure travelers, and meetings while coordinating with municipal entities, hospitality providers, and cultural institutions to showcase districts such as the Arena District, the Short North, and the Columbus Arts District.

History

The organization traces its roots to civic booster movements that involved leaders from Columbus, Franklin County, and regional stakeholders including the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, and early hospitality executives. In the 1970s and 1980s civic leaders coordinated efforts with entities like Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau predecessors, linking to development projects such as the construction of Greater Columbus Convention Center and the revitalization of Short North. During the late 20th century the group partnered with municipal administrations from the Office of the Mayor and county officials from Franklin County to align tourism strategy with major investments including the expansion of John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the creation of venues like Nationwide Arena and Ohio Theatre. In the 21st century continuities involved collaboration with statewide bodies such as Ohio Department of Development and Ohio Travel Association while responding to competition from peer cities including Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. Leadership transitions have included CEOs and presidents who coordinated bids for events associated with organizations like the National Collegiate Athletic Association and national conventions such as those hosted by American Society of Association Executives.

Organization and Governance

Experience Columbus operates as a nonprofit destination marketing organization governed by a board drawn from private-sector members of the hospitality industry and public-sector representatives from Columbus, Ohio, Franklin County, Ohio, and state entities. Its governance structure mirrors models used by organizations like Visit Pittsburgh, Choose Chicago, and Visit Orlando, with committees focused on finance, sales, marketing, and community engagement that interface with funders including the Columbus City Council and county commissioners. The organization’s executive leadership works with trade associations such as the U.S. Travel Association and regional partners like Greater Columbus Sports Commission to align strategic planning with municipal plans such as those promoted by Columbus 2020 and cultural roadmaps advanced by institutions like the Columbus Museum of Art.

Services and Programs

Experience Columbus provides convention services, sports event bidding support, travel trade sales, and visitor services linking hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Programs mirror services offered by peers such as Destination Cleveland and Visit Baltimore, including meeting planner familiarization trips, room-blocking coordination with hotel partners like Hilton Columbus Downtown, Hyatt Regency Columbus, and Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Downtown. The organization produces marketing collateral and digital campaigns highlighting attractions such as Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Central Ohio Transit Authority connections, performing arts at Palace Theatre, and culinary destinations in German Village and Italian Village. Experience Columbus supports event production for conventions tied to organizations like the American College of Surgeons, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and collegiate sports governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Marketing and Economic Impact

The bureau deploys advertising, public relations, and digital marketing campaigns to attract visitors and conventions, using performance metrics and economic impact studies similar to analyses by Oxford Economics models used in tourism research. It measures visitor spending, hotel occupancy, and tax revenues that affect funds managed by the Columbus City Treasurer and county fiscal offices. Marketing initiatives align with major cultural festivals and events such as the Columbus Arts Festival, Ohio State Fair, and sporting events at Ohio Stadium and Schottenstein Center, leveraging partnerships with broadcasters like WOSU Public Media and media outlets including The Columbus Dispatch to amplify reach. The measurable economic impact connects to sectors represented by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and contributes to lodging taxes administered by the Franklin County Auditor.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

Experience Columbus cultivates partnerships across cultural institutions, sports franchises, and economic development agencies. Collaborations include work with arts organizations such as Columbus Symphony Orchestra, CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts), and Wexner Center for the Arts, sports partners like Columbus Crew and Columbus Blue Jackets, and education and research institutions including The Ohio State University and Franklin University. Community engagement initiatives coordinate with neighborhood organizations in Downtown Columbus and business improvement districts such as the Short North Alliance and German Village Society, and with nonprofits including United Way of Central Ohio for volunteer-driven visitor programming. The organization also works with state-level partners like the Ohio Arts Council and tourism networks such as National Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus.

Facilities and Visitor Information

Experience Columbus provides information for major venues, hotels, and transportation options serving visitors to central Ohio. Key facilities promoted include the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, MAPFRE Stadium site redevelopment, and performing spaces including Ohio Theatre and Riffe Center. Visitor services provide details on airport access via John Glenn Columbus International Airport, rail connections through Amtrak routes, and transit options provided by Central Ohio Transit Authority. The organization’s concierge and online resources connect travelers to accommodations across brands like Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group, and independent boutique properties in neighborhoods such as Victorian Village and Merion Village.

Category:Tourism in Columbus, Ohio