In the heart of McKinney, Texas, excitement buzzed through the air as local leaders gathered to discuss recent achievements and future plans for the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The meeting, held at City Hall, highlighted significant milestones for Visit McKinney, particularly the recognition received at the Destinations Texas conference, where the team proudly accepted two awards for their innovative marketing strategies.

The awards, which included accolades for their unique sports trading cards, were a testament to the hard work of a small team competing against larger destination marketing organizations (DMOs) with budgets exceeding a million dollars. “We’re barely above a million dollars,” one team member noted, emphasizing the competitive landscape against major cities like Austin and Dallas. The trading cards, designed to engage sports planners, have proven to be a creative tool in promoting McKinney’s sports venues.

In addition to the awards, the meeting revealed exciting developments in marketing initiatives. A newly wrapped promotional vehicle was unveiled, aimed at increasing visibility for Visit McKinney as it travels across the state. The team also announced the installation of new neon signage on their building, enhancing their presence in the community.

Looking ahead, McKinney is set to host the US Senior Pickleball Tour Tournament in 2026, building on the momentum from previous events like the PPA tournament. This new tournament is expected to attract participants from multiple states, further establishing McKinney as a hub for sports tourism. The planning committee is also gearing up for the NCAA Division II National Football Championship, scheduled for December 20, with a FanFest event planned for the night before.

The meeting also touched on local business performance during recent events, such as Oktoberfest. While sales were strong on Friday and Saturday, discussions arose about the potential for Sunday openings to capitalize on weekend traffic. However, past experiences indicated that Sunday sales did not justify the additional staffing costs.

As the meeting progressed, representatives from the Fairfield Inn and Suites shared insights into their operations and growth. The hotel has consistently surpassed revenue expectations, with a focus on catering to various guest demographics, including families, military personnel, and sports teams. Their innovative promotional packages, which include local restaurant coupons and Visit McKinney merchandise, aim to enhance the visitor experience while promoting the city.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of community and collaboration among local leaders was palpable. With a clear vision for the future and a commitment to showcasing McKinney’s unique offerings, the city is poised to continue its growth as a vibrant destination for visitors and residents alike.