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CONCORD, NC (April 10, 2024) – On April 11, the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority will join the annual worldwide recognition of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) to champion the benefits and impact of professional meetings and events.

This year, the Cabarrus County CVB and CRVA are partnering to bring the statewide 2024 GMID event to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord where meeting and event planners and hospitality and tourism professionals will gather for networking and educational opportunities. The agenda includes a legislative session from the North Carolina Travel Industry Association as well as sessions on artificial intelligence, airlines and the economic impact of group travel, and a panel discussion on elevating in-person meetings.

“Meetings and events held in Cabarrus County greatly contributed to the $566 million in visitor spending generated here last year and boost the overall economic impact of tourism on our destination,” said Cabarrus County CVB President and CEO Donna Carpenter. “We’re thrilled to welcome attendees to experience Cabarrus County during this event and look forward to collaborating with our partners on growing and bringing awareness to this important segment of the travel industry.”

According to U.S. Travel, the meetings industry generates billions in travel spending and directly supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in the United States each year. These revenue and employment opportunities are critical to the success of local economies.

“Hospitality is the fourth largest industry sector in the Charlotte region, employing 1 in 9 residents and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Steve Bagwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “Meetings and conventions are a vital part of our community’s economic health and vitality. We value the trusted relationships we’ve established with meeting and event planners who bring thousands of attendees to the Queen City, adding to our dynamic visitor economy. That spirit of partnership is a defining characteristic of our region and a major contributor to our success.”

GMID, fueled by the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, spotlights the proven value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows and exhibitions bring to businesses, workers and the economy. The Meetings Matter theme highlights the economic contributions and significance of face-to-face meetings, emphasizing the many benefits that professional in-person gatherings create.

“With so many wonderful attractions here in Cabarrus County, we know firsthand the impact that tourism brings and the role that the meeting and events industry plays in that,” said Greg Walter, chairman of the CCCVB Board of Directors and Charlotte Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager. “Not only are we honored to host a statewide delegation of industry leaders, we’re excited to be able to showcase Cabarrus County as a destination.”

To learn more about the economic impact of tourism in the region, visit cabcocvb.com and crva.com.

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About the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau
As a globally recognized destination marketing organization through Destination International’s Accreditation Program (DMAP), the CCCVB is dedicated to promoting Cabarrus County as a visitor destination and enhancing the complete visitor experience. We also represent and support the interests of the local tourism industry and promote public awareness of the importance of tourism. For more, visit CabCoCVB.com or connect with Explore Cabarrus on social media.

About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit crva.com.

Media Contacts:

Julie Hinson
Director of Communications
Cabarrus County CVB
juliehinson@explorecabarrus.com
704-575-9379

Karen Brand
Director of Communications
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
karen.brand@crva.com
704-414-4172