Hickory, NC – Visit Hickory and the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority are proud to announce they have been named Tourism Office of the Year for Category 1 Markets by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). This prestigious recognition honors excellence in tourism marketing, destination development, and community impact across the Southeastern United States.
The award reflects an extraordinary 18 months of growth and resilience for Visit Hickory’s small but mighty team, who navigated one of the most transformational periods in the organization’s history. Highlights included:
- Major Convention Center Expansion – The Hickory Metro Convention Center underwent a renovation of 84,000 square feet and an addition of 42,000 square feet, all while staying operational. Despite the disruption, the team hosted 179 meetings and exceeded fiscal goals.
- New Destination Brand – In October 2024, Visit Hickory launched its first-ever visitor-facing brand, “Oh, Hey, Visit Hickory,” which has been widely embraced by stakeholders and tourism partners.
- Digital & Marketing Innovation – A full redesign of the Visit Hickory website was completed in partnership with Simpleview, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore the region. The newest edition of the Destination Guide was also produced, featuring fresh content, photography, and design in collaboration with Accent Creative.
- Raising Hickory’s Profile – Hickory earned national media attention from Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, and USA Today, positioning the community as both an affordable retirement destination and a charming Southern city worth visiting.
- Crisis Response & Community Leadership – During Hurricane Helene, Hickory became a hub for emergency response, with the Convention Center serving as a distribution site, hotels housing emergency crews, and the airport providing critical logistics. This work contributed to Hickory being honored with Visit NC’s 2025 “Spirit of North Carolina” Award.
“This honor from Southeast Tourism Society is a reflection of the energy, creativity, and collaboration that drives everything we do,” said Mandy Hildebrand, President & CEO of Visit Hickory. “From launching new campaigns to hosting large-scale sports tournaments, to navigating construction and crisis response, 2024 was a year of bold moves and big wins. We're proud to represent Hickory on this level and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
Sarah Jones, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Tourism Development for Visit Hickory, added: “This award is especially meaningful because it recognizes the behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t always get the spotlight. From launching a new brand to building out a redesigned website and Destination Guide, our team poured heart and creativity into every project—all while managing and promoting convention center renovations and supporting our community and neighbors to the West through Hurricane Helene. To see Hickory honored on this level is a huge point of pride, and I’m grateful to be part of such a dedicated team.”
The STS Tourism Office of the Year Award recognizes destination marketing organizations that excel in strategic planning, innovation, and community collaboration—all of which Visit Hickory has demonstrated in its mission to enhance visitation and economic growth throughout the region.
To learn more about Visit Hickory’s award-winning initiatives and why the Hickory region is a must-visit destination, visit www.visithickorync.com or follow @visithickorync on Facebook and Instagram.
About Visit Hickory:
Visit Hickory is the official destination marketing organization for Hickory, North Carolina. Dedicated to promoting the community’s rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty, Visit Hickory connects travelers with unforgettable experiences in the heart of Catawba County. For more information, visit www.visithickorync.com.
About Southeast Tourism Society:
Founded in 1983, Southeast Tourism Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of travel and tourism in the Southeast United States. STS represents 13 states and the District of Columbia and provides advocacy, networking, and education opportunities to tourism professionals across the region. Learn more at www.southeasttourism.org.
Media Contact:
Sarah Jones
Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Tourism Development
Visit Hickory
828.322.1335
sarah@visithickorync.com
