Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tourism Cvb topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CVB reports strong visitor events and marketing reach; Matt to join CVB full time in 2026
Summary
The Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau reported large event attendance (Black Cat festival ~9,000 attendees, 86% from out of town), media placements and social‑media reach (nearly 2 million views). The CVB said staff will finalize the 2026 budget and that 'Matt' will move to a full‑time CVB role next year.
Jody Robbins, director of the Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented a 2025 wrap‑up and preview of 2026 activity, highlighting several large events and marketing wins.
Robbins said the Black Cat Stars Hollow Fest drew roughly 9,000 people to the square with about 86% from out of town, and that a separate fall event attracted nearly 15,000 attendees from 11 states. She described partnerships with venues such as the under‑renovation Celestia Theater (Wadsworth) with a kickoff season in December 2026 and said the CVB hosted cast and crew for the film "Carousel." She noted Castle Noel and Hillandale tournament activity brought significant visitor stays and that the CVB secured media placements, including the back cover of Ohio Magazine and a full‑page ad in an Indiana Pacers yearbook.
Robbins reported social media reach approaching 2 million views and more than 1,500 new followers over the past year. She said visitor guide distribution is nearly sold out (four boxes remaining) and that ad sales for the 2026 guide have closed. Robbins asked commissioners for quotes for the guide and said the CVB budget has been approved by the CVB board and will go to the economic development board for review.
Robbins closed by announcing staff changes: Matt will join the CVB full time in 2026, and the CVB expects to continue stakeholder outreach and regional promotions in partnership with local businesses and Main Street organizations.
