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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmitted by Josh SchambergerTHINW �I0ITV SPORTTS COMMIISSSION 2024 Annual Re ort CORALVILLE • IOWA CITY • NORTH LIBERTY • UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS • JOHNSON COUNTY Intentional CommunityFROM THE ��, BOARD CHAIR Enm nt FMitch cross �, � � �, �� Y25 Board Chairman HERKY ON PARADE ith storms brewing and forecasts threatening to derail the night's mission, a crew of carefully cu- rated community members and leaders in late April 2024 convened after hours on the floor of Xtream Arena and wound their way through a maze of 100 6-foot-tall Her- ky statues. Armed with tool kits and maps and mil- itary -branded team names like Bravo and Foxtrot, the volunteers cloaked the statues, loaded them onto trucks, and dispatched across a 10-mile radius to install — under the dark of night — the eagerly -anticipated third iteration of "Herky on Parade." Since breaking onto the Johnson Coun- ty scene in 2004, returning in 2014, and again in 2024, the iconic parades have united tens of thousands of residents and visitors alike in a common quest to find the "Hayden Herky" or the 9They"Bachelor Herky" or the f "Ninja Turtle Herky," de- pending on pending on the decade. ulet PA]RAa 've bonded gener- ations of families through replicated arm -in -arm pos- es with the Hawkeye mas- cot, measuring kids' years by where they line up under his beak — and then above it. And while pulling off the largest Herky parade yet in 2024 was an all -hands effort from the Think Iowa City team, it really was a full community feat on both the back and front ends — with hundreds of artists toiling for months over Herky versions of Waldo or Homer or Caitlin Clark before joining mayors and athletes and council members May 1 to shed the plastic sheaths in unison, revealing a rainbow of statues. "It's such a significant public -facing, town -and -gown event that people just love," Think Iowa City President Josh Schamberg- er said. "There's never really been an event that we've been associated with or a part of that brings the community closer, or you feel it, like Herky on Parade." It's the definition of "intention- al community engagement" — one of Think Iowa City's three mission pillars under its umbrella charge to advance the quality of life and economic vitality of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and Johnson County. "HERKYS" CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 2024 marked a year of unprecedent- ed growth and success in the hospital- ity and tourism industry in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights and all of Johnson County. De- mand for overnight lodging increased an average of 8% per month over the previous year, more than doubling the state average. This demand spurred $458 million in domestic travel expen- ditures to Johnson County attributing to a 5.55% year over year growth. These dollars substantially add to the quality of life we all enjoy while also providing significant tax relief to local residents. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference and meet- ings market returned to normalcy with our community playing host to a record number of events. Highlighting this past year were several true citywide events that yielded and impressive 4,000+ room nights. These conferences com- bined with another great year by our Sports Commission team, and the return of Herky on Parade are directly to credit for much of this record -breaking growth. Significant work by our team in advanc- ing community betterment through authentic placemaking and intentional community engagement resulted in a year to remember for this team. I encourage you to take the time to review this report and connect with me, Josh, or his team to learn more about how we are making our commu- nity a better place to live, work, and play. Thank you for your continued support of our team and don't hesitate to reach out when/where we can be of more assistance. THINKIOWACITY.COM PAGE 1 THINK IOWA CITY - THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT - INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NickKaeding, Thinklowa 001 Ashley Smith, Think Iowa City Senior Vice President of Finance Operations and Sen7icing and Administration Manager .......... 4 A �1lWA 22. $95,000 in proceeds from sponsorships and statue sales was donated to art programs in the Iowa City, Clear Creek Amana, and Solon Community School Districts "HERKYS" CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 "There were people coming from all over Iowa and really around the Mid- west to spend a weekend and hunt for Herkys," Schamberger said. "So there was a significant visitor economic im- pact." Although the parade's full economic impact was hard to measure, tracking data from Placer.ai and Herky-based QR codes showed the statues attracted 20,000-some visitors from outside Johnson County, creating a ripple of spending throughout the region — with hotels, restaurants, and shops reporting bumps in business during the event. Statue sponsors enjoyed a boost in their profiles — with 5,000 posters, 1,000 sets of trading cards, and 100 bobble head rep- licas sold to date. A Rock -Solid Foundation ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION HEADS SHAPE ORG GROWTH Behind every hand -painted, disguised, or bedazzled statue featured in Think Iowa City's 2024 Herky on Parade was a mascot mold, a fiberglass frame, and a pair of imperative Think Iowa City staffers tantamount to the nuts and bolts of the operation: Nick Kaeding and Ashley Smith. Having started at Think Iowa City in 2007, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Kaeding just missed the organization's first Herky on Parade in 2004 but has been behind the scenes for both the second and now the third — helping coordinate payments, deliveries, designs, and promotion. "A lot of it, quite honestly, was a pretty similar process," Kaeding said about this round of Herky on Parade. "Which makes sense. It was a good process, so why stray far from it?" He did note new technology this time around made marketing and coordinating the event easier. "And the interest from local businesses and sponsors seem to be higher in supporting the project this time around," Kaeding said. "Being the one that managed the budget, it certainly seemed to be a lot more successful financially than it was in 2014 — primarily because we had more sponsors buy into it." Of course, buy -in doesn't happen by accident. It comes from hard-earned trust in Think Iowa City, forged over its decades of intentional community engagement, authentic placemaking efforts, and thousands of hours spent hosting and supporting and smoothly operating an endless string of conferences and meetings and rides and games and meets and concerts. "They're really the foundation," Schamberger said of Kaeding and Smith, who's been operations and servicing manager since 2022. If you applied to decorate a Herky for the 2024 parade, you got the exciting news from Smith. If you wanted to buy one of the unclaimed statues post -parade, you made the payments through Kaeding. From stuffing welcome bags for conference visitors or hanging signs for events to handling invoices or fielding questions from Johnson County newcomers, Smith is Think Iowa City's jack of all trades — while Kaeding, Schamberger said, is akin to its "backbone." "He's like the Godfather of the organization," Schamberger said. No matter the size of event the team is managing or the heat of the fire it's putting out, "the guy's heartrate never leaves 70," Schamberger said of Kaeding, who not only manages the sweeping demands of his role but thrives in the diversity of his duties. "We react to whatever anybody needs us to support," Kaeding said. "We're just looking forward to the next thing." He and Smith do that while also maintaining their larger vision of continued financial growth. "And we made back all that we spent," Schamberger said. "We had proceeds in "I think as we continue to see some of our other communities in Johnson County excess of $95,000, and we invested all of grow, whether it be Tiffin or Solon, at some point one of those communities is it directly into the Iowa City, Clear Creek going to develop a hotel and potentially become a part of our organization," Amana, and Solon school districts." Kaeding said. So I'm excited to see that growth. PAGE 2 THINKIOWACITY.COM THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT • INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONSERVATION BOND asier to track was the impact of Think Iowa C.ity's massive push in 2024 for passage of a $30 mil- lion Johnson County Conservation Bond — which in November scored 78 percent voter approval. The newly -won revenue slated to pro- tect water quality, build trails, and pre- serve open space across the county will continue and amplify work accomplished through a 2008 bond that multiplied $20 million into more than $37 million of investment into land and trail protection and creation. "Johnson County was the first in all of Iowa to pass a conservation bond 40"t 3 WAjtp, back in 2008," Schamberger 0said of the innovative ap- proach to land conserva- tion more than a decade ,� ago, noting several other g communities since have YE 0 followed suit — including Story County, home to Iowa State University, which also passed a con- servation bond in 2024. "They did a great job too, and passed it by 77 percent," Schamberger said, but added, "I was pleased to see that the Hawkeyes beat the Cyclones and passed it by one more percent." "I was pleased to see that the Hawkeyes beat the Cyclones and passed [the bond issue] by one more percent." Josh Schamberger, Think Iowa City President The conservation bond is part and par- cel with the "Better Together 2030" vision that Think Iowa City helped spearhead after the sweeping COVID lockdowns of 2020 — alongside the Iowa City Area Business Partnership, the Iowa City Area Development Group, and the Iowa City Downtown District. By intentionally engaging community leaders and organizations — including the University of Iowa, with UI President Bar- bara Wilson co-chairing the Project Better Together "All -In Vision Plan" — the team crafted a five -tiered vision for a shared fu- ture that four years later they're executing with passion and precision. "This organization right here most plugs in at pillar No. 1, which is `Cham- pions of the Natural Environment'," said Think Iowa City Vice President of Public Affairs Nick Pfeiffer, who served as Con- servation Bond Campaign Manager. Think Iowa City and its commitment to natural resources makes it a natural leader for that first pillar. "And the conservation bond is a per- fect example of that." NO MOTOR VEHICLES $30M bond 78% voter approval 295+ corporate and individual donors contributed to the campaign 725 yard signs, 11,000 filers, and 45,000 postcards spread the message THIN KIOWACITY.COM PAGE 3 THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Innovative Sales and Marketing BOUNCE -BACK YEAR kink Iowa City's work to preserve the county's natural resources and landscape feeds another of its mis- sion pillars: innovative sales and market- ing — specifically, the work of bringing to town conferences, events, festivals, con- certs, athletic championships, and every- day vacationers. Whether promoting Iowa City as the "City of Literature" and "Wrestletown USA" or pitching the region as an idyllic Midwestern getaway replete with orchard picking, distillery tours, and bouquet mak- ing in lavender fields, Think Iowa City has continued to report growth in visitor spending in Johnson County — jumping 38 percent between 2016 to 2023, accord- ing to the most recent data available. In 2024, the area notably saw a mean- ingful rebound in corporate -style confer- ence post -pandemic. "It really was a bounce -back year for conferences and meetings," Schamberger said. During the height of COVID and pan- demic -propelled lockdowns, companies, associations, trade groups, and clubs from coast to coast cancelled group events and experiences or kept them virtual — a trend that continued even after spaces re -opened, largely due to convenience and cost. "But there's nothing like getting peo- ple together and being in a room in that sort of environment and the productivity that comes with sitting across the table," Schamberger said. "So 2024 was a banner year for not only hosting, but future book- ings in conferences and meetings." Vice President of Sales and Event Ex- perience Stacey Houseman helped book a "crazy diverse group" of organizations and associations, he said. From the Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club na- tional rally to Jehovah's Witnesses or Cat Fanciers' Association annual meetings, Schamberger described 2024 as attracting a "potpourri" of convention guests. "We hosted the World Taxidermy & Fish Carving Championships, which was "This year, we enhanced meeting and convention services, partnering with 60+ groups to provide personalized signage, amenity baskets, and tailored itineraries for a better experience." Stacey Houseman, Think Iowa City Vice President of Sales and Event Experience BOOKED EVENTS THAT OCCURRED IN 2024: $22,343,292 in direct economic impact 56+ 805390+ groups serviced attendees 6 tradeshows attended in 2024, meeting over 250 planners across the country. FUTURE EVENTS BOOKED IN 2024: 36 groups 47,350 attendees 22,936 room nights $19,632,717 direct economic impact insane," he said. "Last year, it was in Salz- burg, Austria — and then it was here." Houseman also sustained a leadership event for 2025 and 2026 expected — to fill up to 3,000 rooms. Among other future bookings, Houseman secured for 2026 the Catholic Daughters of America, planning to fill over 2,500 rooms. "The successes that came from her leadership and that of her team were without question — and I've been here for 23 years now — the high-water mark of conference and meeting sales in that market segment," Schamberger said. "It's just remarkable. The economic data shows 2024 — when we ended June 30 — was the highest recorded hotel -motel tax collection year in the history of John- son County." Hotel -motel tax collections for the county reached $6.4 million in the 2024 budget year — representing a nearly 68-percent increase from a decade earlier and a 78-percent rebound from the dearth during COVID-crippled 2020. From 35 groups booked in 2024, in- cluding for future events and program- ming, Houseman reported an estimated $19 million economic impact — the high- est in recent history, if not ever. Even for groups it did not directly book, Think Iowa City in 2024 upped its attention and efforts to make anyone who chose the area to con- vene or gather feel more welcome. "I think we did over 60 groups that we paid more attention to," Houseman said. "Like extra welcoming signage or extra basket amenities, or you can service a group by offering them itineraries or things to do." PAGE 4 THIN KIOWACITY.COM THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT • INNOVATIVE SALES AND MARKETING MARKETING filling rooms, arenas, restaurants, and sidewalks lined with window-shop- pers and would-be spenders starts with the marketing team at Think Iowa City — which in 2024 saw online engage- ment, web traffic, and social media reach surge. "One thing that I'm really proud of is we really invested more into the digi- tal marketing side of things," Think Iowa City Vice President of Marketing & Com- munications Monica Nieves Hirsch said. "So we really saw an increase in website traffic, which has led us now in 2025 to redesign our website to make it more functional for folks to use and really high- light the things we want to highlight." One of those things is the booming agritourism market in Johnson Coun- ty — which Hirsch in 2024 worked with Greater Iowa City to promote through a new "Agri -Culture Iowa" brand. High- lighting leisure opportunities to stay in a "Our focus in 2024 was our digital media footprint. The more people see our community, the more Monica Nieves Hirsch, Think Iowa City Vice President of Marketing & Communications treehouse, dine farm -to -table, enjoy yoga with a goat, or go orchard -picking, Hirsch said the backyard business is booming — with lots of opportunity for growth. The goal, she said, is to "grow the mes- sage that we have these really cool agri- tourism farm spaces in Johnson County." §gRJC%MVAFULTURE I J014MSOM COUMTY FARMS, FOOD & pyk 241,251 total website users, a 20.6% increase over 2023 165.2% increase over 2023 Think Iowa City Facebook impressions (3,983,905) 1854.4% increase over 2023 Think Iowa City Instagram impressions (1,752,880) Across all social media platforms, all accounts: 103.4% increase in impressions 86.4% increase in engagement 84.4% increase in clicks THIN KIOWACITY.COM r PAGE 5 THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Authentic Placemaking `FOSTERING A VIBRANT COMMUNITY' hink Iowa City's efforts to pre- serve the land, cultivate curated experiences, and host communi- ty -wide events, fairs, and festivals isn't just for visitors — but for its riches of residents, who both deserve a premier place to live and work and contribute to making it one. From FRYfest — which Think Iowa City launched with the City of Coralville and University of Iowa 15 years ago — to Foodie February, billed as a "month -long celebration of all things culinary in John- son County," or a new African Festival of Arts and Culture that held its inaugural event in 2024, Think Iowa City incorpo- rates into everything it does its third mis- sion pillar: authentic placemaking. "Good evidence of that work over the past five years or more has been the Iowa River Landing, and all the work that's been done there," said Schamberger, who serves on the ArenaCo Board of Directors — the community development corporation formed to build Xtream Arena, a linchpin in the Iowa River Landing District that since its debut in September 2020 has host- ed a swell of events, conferences, celebra- tions and many many games, tournaments and wrestling meets. Think Iowa City also had a hand in Riverfront Crossings — a new neighbor- hood developed south of downtown Iowa City along the banks of the Iowa River, featuring trails, fishing, shopping, dining, housing, and in 2024 Iowa City's newest festival: Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings. East of Riverfront is another new dis- trict Think Iowa City in recent years helped some of its peer community organizations establish: The South of 6 Iowa City Busi- ness District. As a self -supported municipal im- provement district south of Iowa City's Highway 6, commercial property owners are tapping tax revenue to fund improve- ments and services aimed at spurring eco- nomic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and launching new events. The goal, through continued promotion and creation and collaboration, Scham- berger said, is to make the place an "attrac- tor like the IRL or Downtown Iowa City have become." And on the opposite end of Johnson County — in booming North Liberty — the Think Iowa City team in 2024 co -led an effort to secure a $900,000 Community Attraction and Tourism grant for the four - phase, $16 million expansion of North Liberty's Centennial Park. Slated to feature a 13,000-square-foot event center, 2,700-square-foot amphithe- ater, splash pad and playground, among other things, Schamberger called the city's fundraising achievements for that project "another high point." Think Iowa City estimates the park ex- pansion will generate an additional $11.5 million a year for the local economy, but Vice President of Public Affairs Nick Pfeiffer at the groundbreaking in July said the project is as much about the people al- ready in North Liberty as it is about pro- spective visitors. "Beyond the economic benefits, Cen- tennial Park represents the spirit of North Liberty," Pfeiffer said. "It stands as a tes- tament to creating a vision, to fostering a vibrant community, and the belief of the power of the arts to bring people together." PAGE 6 THIN KIOWACITY.COM THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT • AUTHENTIC PLACEMAKING COMMUNITY - CREATING GIFTS AND GRANTS an of making Johnson County an authentically fulfilling and Fun place to both live and play is making Iowa one — requiring collaboration at the re- gional and state level. Pfeiffer leads Think Iowa City's efforts in that vein — overseeing grant funding, destination planning and government re- lations, including broad tourism advocacy efforts. He serves on the board of directors and on the advocacy committee for Iowa Travel Industry Partners, which goes by iTIP and champions statewide tourism via work to boost visitation and improve Io- wa's overall economy. In support of that advocacy, Iowa in 2024 maintained $30.5 million in appro- priations for tourism -related efforts and activities — including $10 million for a new "Destination Iowa" grant, an increase of $3.5 million from the first year it was funded, and $10 million for the Commu- nity Attraction and Tourism grant program that North Liberty tapped for its Centenni- al Park. Another $5 million went toward state park improvement, $4.3 million support- ed the Iowa Tourism Office, and $700,000 was directed to regional sports authority districts. Locally, Pfeiffer sits on the Great- er Iowa City Innovation Council, which in fall 2024 launched "strategic invest- ment districts" — one on Cherry Street in North Liberty; another along 5th Street in Coralville; and the third on Sycamore Street in south Iowa City. These efforts are being led by Think Iowa City, communi- ty and economic development partners at Greater Iowa City Area, Inc. "These are three different spots where they're going to focus some efforts on placemaking," Pfeiffer said. And Think Iowa City annually distrib- utes tens of thousands through a commu- nity grant program — supporting cultural, educational, literary, recreational, or artis- tic projects at up to $5,000 each. The 2024 list of recipients ranged from the long- standing Summer of the Arts and North Liberty Blues and BBQ to newcomers like a Kick -It Expo or a Russian guitar festival. In its role administering the Iowa City Tourism Grant, Think Iowa City in 2024 distributed $35,000 to help start up three new events: The Empowerment Sympo- sium: Inspiring Black and Brown Profes- sionals to Lead; the Englert Songwriters Festival; and the African Festival of Arts and Culture. The latter popped up at what some in the festival -forming community would consider last minute, according to Scham- berger — who said Think Iowa City got a call in July from a would-be organizer eye- ing a September event date. "We were like, and you want to pull this off in 60 days?" Schamberger said. "You know that most of these festivals take like six months to a year?" The planners promised they could make it happen, and Think Iowa City agreed, "We're going to give you a shot." "And they pulled it off, and it was the coolest festival of 2024," Schamberger said — highlighting ways in which every- thing his organization does touches all its mission pillars. "That's intentional com- munity engagement." Think Iowa City Community Grants include: Summer of the Arts Riverside Theatre Free Northside Outside Shakespeare Coralville 4th Fest Kick -It Expo North Liberty Blues & BBQ Russian Guitar Festival Coralville 5th Street Social Iowa City Public Library LibCon Iowa City Latino Fest Iowa City Book Festival ReFocus Film Festival FEaST Festival Mic Check Poetry Fest North Liberty Beat the Bitter Black History Month Soul Food Dinner FIRST Tech Challenge Iowa Championship Mission Creek ICE CREAM Coralville Asian Festival Prompt for Autonomy: A Community Showcase Juneteenth i "Placemaking transforms spaces into vibrant destinations, fostering community pride, 16 enhancing tourism, and creating opportunities for further development." Nick Pfeffer, Think Iowa Cio) Vice President of Public Affairs THIN KIOWACITY.COM PAGE 7 THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Iowa Ci ty Area Sports Commission _IOWACITYAREA SPORTS COMMISSION A `BIG WIN' pitomizing the concept of mis- sion pillar -crossover is Think Iowa City's growing Iowa City Area Sports Commission arm — which has gained a reputation all its own in recent years, from the high school state cham- pionships it's booked to the international events it's hosted. "The state championships are some- thing we really feel good about," Sports Commission Director Luke Eustice said. "Volleyball, wrestling, state duals, boys state swimming, boys and girls' tennis — those are obviously the things that people from our state care about, and we want to bring them here." From ensuring events run smoothy to curating a quality experience for visitors, Eustice said state championships can and do double as a doorway to Think Iowa City's larger tourism and economic mission. "If they have a good time, they may want to come here for a weekend," he said. "They may want to come back for Arts Fest, Jazz Fest, the Downtown Block Party." The Sports Commission in 2024 boast- ed seven high school state championships — a number on track to increase in 2025, with the addition of girls golf and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union girls state swimming and diving championships for 2025 through 2028 at the UI Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. "The most our community has ever hosted," Sports Development Manager Kylee Walker said, calling it a "big win" for the area. Part of what makes hosting nice for this community — and for event planners — is that local teams and athletes often are in- volved, filling seats and cutting travel time for families. Take the Iowa City Liberty volleyball team's state title the first year Xtream Are- na hosted. Numbers "through the roof for attendance" helped the commission re- book, Walker said. "If they have a good time, they may want to come here Ifor a weekend. They may want to come back for Arts Fest, Jazz Fest, the Downtown Block Pary." Lulce Eustice, Sports Commissior7 Director "Our communities take pride in being known as the core to women's sporting events through creating experiences and continuing development for all athletes, coaches, l ' and fans that visit Iowa City/Coralville." Kylee Wallcer, Sports Commission Sports Development Manager "We strive to create a welcoming environment where every participant feels valued. Showcasing the vibrant energy of the Iowa City/Coralville area through events inspires visitors to return to our community." Kylee Stock, Sports Commission Director ofEvents Beyond high school sports, the com- mission in 2024 directly supported 25 events — among the 40-plus it helped in some way. Those 25 ranged from the Iowa 7-v-7 Football youth state championships or the Special Olympics Mid -Winter Tour- nament to the commission's own Soldier Salute wrestling tournament or granGable cycling event. Combined, those events' estimated economic impact neared $12.2 million — about half coming from the high school championships. NORT;4*1 PAGE 8 THIN KIOWACITY.COM THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT • IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION `REPRESENTING THIS COMMUNITY' Amplifying the financial boon in 2024 was a swell in social currency via vir- tual tags, likes, and shares online. Whether through event photos, live feeds, or a "playmaker of the month" campaign — highlighting state champi- ons, committed volunteers, and Zamboni drivers — Sports Commission Director of Events Kylee Stock said the team in 2024 crafted a specific social media plan. "We did a venue showcase highlighting the venues in our community that support our events," Stock said. "And we are still doing a monthly campaign that highlights some of our partners that we work with called the `playmaker of the month.' "Those are some things that we're try- ing to do consistently to keep our platforms relevant and keep our brand out there." More than a brand, though, the teams at both Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Area Sports Commission view their work as representing the entire region and its people through a sort of diplomacy they take seriously and pursue enthusiastically. "I think the most special part of what we are blessed with being able to provide is representing this community and the state," Schamberger said. "It's an opportunity." From the Iranians who traveled to Coralville for the Wrestling Freestyle World Cup in 2022 to the international rid- ers who made the trip to Iowa City for the 2021-2022 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup or the Ukrainian female wrestlers who vis- ited in late 2023 to train with the Hawk - eye women — gathering together on a fall night at the home of legend Dan Gable for an authentic meal of Ukrainian dishes — Schamberger said that's the part of the job that gives his team the most pride and joy. "We take it with great care that we're put in this position to represent our people." 2024 EVENTS IGHSAU Girl's Wrestling State Championships IHSAA State Wrestling Dual Tournament IHSAA Boys State Swimming Iowa Swimming 2024 Age Group Short Course Championships Grizzley's Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Iowa Winter Games 2024 Spring Speedo Sectionals Special Olympics Mid -Winter Tournament Sweet Sugar Bottom Open #12 Disc Golf Tournament Level 9 Western Nationals Gymnastics Championships granGABLE Armbuster Senior Open Armbuster Age Group Open IHSAA Boys State Individual Tennis IGHSAU Girl's State Tennis IHSAA Boys State Team Tennis Splash Out Hunger Invitational Block Party 7's Rugby Varsity UDA/UCA High School Cheer & Dance Competition Iowa 7v7 Football IGHSAU Girl's Volleyball State Championship Miss Dance Team Iowa A3 Midwest Challenge Dan Gable Donnybrook Soldier Salute _'s SPORTS COMMISSION SOCIAL MEDIA IN 2024 179.8% increase in Facebook engagement 374% increase in Instagram engagement THIN KIOWACITY.COM PAGE 9 • All, Z-41 R o� WK -A vo Ilk— 0 THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT • IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION THIN KIOWACITY.COM PAGE 11 THINK IOWA CITY • THE IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION • 2024 ANNUAL REPORT BEHIND THE CAMERA The New York Post. Sports Illustrated. NBC News. USA To- day. All published the work of Digital Media Manager, Joseph Cress, in the past year. Cress is an award -winning photographer who joined the Think Iowa City staff in the summer of 2023. He captures the moments that make the area so special for visitors and residents alike. He also played an integral role in planning the details for Herky On Parade. "Joseph is such an asset for our organization. I'm not aware of any organization like ours, let alone the size of ours, that has a high -caliber photographer on staff," said Josh Schamberger, President. "We can deploy him as a photographer of a conference, supply an online catalog of complimentary photos to athletes who compete at the events we host, and have a plethora of photos to hand over to Travel Iowa or any of the dozens of travel writers who make a request. Joseph makes Iowa City/Coralville stand out above the rest." -401Wt 40 THINK IOWA CITY STAFF Joseph Cress Monica Nieves Digital Media ± Hirsch Manager Vice President of Marketing & Communications Anna Haney Nick Pfeiffer Sales & Servicing Vice President of Coordinator Public Affairs Stacey Josh Houseman Schamberger Vice President President of Sales & Event lul Experience Donna Jondle F Ashley Smith Visitor Services a �� Operations & Assistant Servicing Manager Nick Kaeding THINK Senior Vice C I T Y [IOWAPresident of Finance & Administration IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION STAFF Luke Eustice Kylee Walker Director + Sports Development Manager 7 Kylee Stock Y Director of Events IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Chair Mitch Gross Iowa City Community School District Past Chair Kelly Murphy Courtyard by Marriott University Heights Vice Chair Jake Moore GreenState Credit Union Treasurer Meghann Foster City Council — Coralville Secretary Brian Flynn 30hop, Joe's Place, Tin Roost Director Peter Matthes UI Strategic Communications Director Tim Schroeder City Council — University Heights Director Brent Smith City Council — North Liberty Director Bruce Teague City Council — Iowa City Director Dale Arens UI Athletics Hall of Fame Director Matt Traetow Hyatt Regency Coralville Director Jeff Capps Iowa Children's Museum Director Shanti Roundtree Pearson Director Laura Soride RE/MAX Affiliates Ex-Officio Rod Sullivan Johnson County Board of Supervisors Ex-Officio Josh Schamberger Think Iowa City PAGE 12 THINKIOWACITY.COM