Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA)

The Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) serves as the overseeing board for the Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau (CVB). As the governing body, the HCTDA provides strategic leadership and fiscal oversight, ensuring the CVB effectively promotes conventions, meetings, and tourism to the Hickory Metro region, thereby boosting the local economy.

Our Mission

The mission of the HCTDA is to market and enhance the economy of the Hickory Metro by promoting a dynamic destination with sports, conventions, events, and leisure travel.

How We Operate

The HCTDA meets regularly on the second Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m. (except July) in the MPSV meeting room at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. These meetings guide the direction of tourism development and investment in our community.


What is a Tourism Development Authority (TDA)?

Tourism Development Authority is a locally appointed board responsible for overseeing the use of occupancy tax revenues —funds collected from hotels, motels, Airbnb’s, and other visitor accommodations—to support tourism marketing and development efforts that grow the local economy.


What is a Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)?

The CVB is a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) tasked with promoting the Hickory Metro region as a premier place to visit, meet, and explore. By attracting events, conferences, leisure travelers, and business meetings, the CVB helps generate vital economic activity across the hospitality and tourism sectors.


What Does the HCTDA Board Do?

The HCTDA board provides:
  • Leadership and strategic oversight for the CVB
  • Fiscal responsibility over tourism funding and budgets
  • Guidance on marketing and destination development priorities
  • Advocacy for the hospitality and tourism industry in the region

Board members also serve as community ambassadors, promoting the benefits of tourism and hospitality to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.


Board Composition

The HCTDA consists of nine voting members, representing a broad spectrum of community and government interests:
  • Hickory City Manager
  • Conover City Manager
  • President & CEO of the Chamber of Catawba County
  • Three Hickory City Council appointees (including two who represent overnight accommodations)
  • Two Conover City Council appointees (including one who represents overnight accommodations)
  • One appointee from the Chamber of Catawba County with tourism interests

Additionally, the HCTDA has an appointed attorney and hires the CEO, who leads the organization and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Hickory Metro Convention Center and Visitors Bureau staff.

Meet Our Board Members

jim green head shot

Jim Green Council Member, City of Conover

Role: Board Member

kimberly george

Kimberly George Senior Vice President, Communications and Corporate Citizenship, Alex Lee, Inc.

Role: Board Member

Tom Hart

Tom Hart City Manager, City of Conover

Role: Board Member

renee keever

Renee Keever Controller, Piedmont Center Associated

Role: Treasurer

Lindsay Keisler Headshot

Lindsay Keisler President & CEO, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce

Role: Board Member

Brad Lail

Brad Lail Owner, Piedmont Center Associates

Role: Board Member

missing photo icon

Mark Seaman Director of Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism, City of Hickory

Role: Board Member

terry taylor

Terry Taylor Partner, Young, Morphis, Bach & Taylor, LLP Attorneys at Law

Role: Counsel

warren wood photo

Warren Wood City Manager, City of Hickory

Role: Board Member

HCTDA Board Meeting Minutes: