2024 Annual Report | Destination Augusta

2024

ANNUAL REPORT

VISITAUGUSTA.COM

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DESTINATION AUGUSTA

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

MISSION, VISION, VALUES

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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2024 GOALS

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VISITOR ECONOMIC IMPACT

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MARKETING

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GROUP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT

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AUGUSTA & CO.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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GROUP EXPERIENCES

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FILM AUGUSTA

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STAFF DIRECTORY

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BOARD DIRECTORY

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OPERATIONS + GOVERNANCE

VISITAUGUSTA.COM

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Our

MISSION Destination Augusta develops and promotes our community, inspiring people to have unforgettable experiences.

Our

VISION Augusta is a thriving community for residents rich with experiences that attract people.

Our 2

VALUES Destination Augusta has a passion for and an appreciation of the travel and tourism industry offering an authentic Augusta experience built on leadership, innovation, collaboration, and fun!

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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

BENNISH BROWN President/CEO Destination Augusta

A YEAR OF IMPACT & COLLABORATION

2024 was a year of remarkable achievements for Destination Augusta. Through innovative initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement, we solidified our position as a key driver of Augusta’s economic and cultural growth.

Tourism’s impact on our region was significant, with $854 million in visitor spending and 26,400 jobs supported, making it the 5th largest industry in our community. These successes highlight the collective efforts of our Board, industry partners, and the Destination Augusta team in positioning Augusta as a premier destination for visitors and locals alike.

Our commitment to community engagement shone brightly in 2024. The inaugural Augusta Coffee Trail drew 1,637 participants to explore 11 locally owned coffee shops, fostering local connections and driving economic activity. Additionally, our reimagined hospitality training programs provided tailored, on-site workshops and online modules to equip front-line workers with the skills needed to deliver exceptional guest experiences. These efforts will expand further in 2025 with the launch of a digital pass offering Augusta experts complimentary access to local attractions.

Film Augusta played a vital role in showcasing our city on the global stage, collaborating at major film industry events and supporting local productions, such as Mister Sleep. Meanwhile, the Augusta State of Tourism event celebrated the resilience and innovation driving our success. Leaders and stakeholders gathered to honor tourism’s economic impact and recognize outstanding contributions to Augusta’s growth.

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Our Group Business Development team elevated Augusta’s profile nationally and locally, securing future bookings through participation in major tradeshows and leveraging partnerships within Augusta’s medical industry. These efforts contributed to an economic impact of over $6.5 million and drew more than 56,000 attendees to Augusta in 2024. Similarly, the Augusta & Co. Experience Center celebrated five years of connecting visitors with Augusta’s creativity, welcoming over 24,000 visitors and supporting more than 60 local vendors and artists.

Innovation in destination development was another highlight, with the announcement of an urban outdoor adventure attraction coming to the Riverwalk in 2025. This project, featuring ziplining, rock climbing, and more, will enhance Augusta’s appeal as a hub for outdoor recreation.

Destination Augusta’s marketing efforts reached new heights in 2024, with a 17.1% growth in social media followers and a 22.47% increase in digital engagement. Strategic campaigns, influencer partnerships, and collaborations with local businesses highlighted Augusta’s rich history, culinary scene, and cultural offerings.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we invite you to watch our State of Tourism video. This inspiring film captures how our city comes together as a destination to make a positive impact for those who live, work, and play in Augusta.

Watch the video here: 2024 Augusta State of Tourism Looking ahead, Destination Augusta remains committed to fostering tourism growth, supporting our community, and creating unforgettable experiences. Together, we are shaping Augusta’s future as a thriving and welcoming destination.

Yours in progress, Bennish Brown President & CEO

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2024 GOALS & PRIORITIES

Implement initiatives that engage visitors and enhance their overall experience Collaborate with stakeholders and foster a unified approach to destination development and promotion Utilize innovative marketing to position Augusta as a unique and attractive destination Employ data driven decision-making tactics, ensuring effective campaigns and resource allocation

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VISITOR ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR 2023* RICHMOND CO. *Visitor Economic Impact calculations are made available at the end of the current calendar year for the year prior.

$

854.0

MILLION

VISITOR SPENDING

BREAKDOWN:

$

233.3 $ 193.0 $ 184.3 $ 120.5 $ 123.0 6

MILLION

Food & Beverage MILLION

TAX RELIEF

Lodging

VISITORS GENERATED

MILLION

Recreation MILLION

Shopping MILLION

Transportation

Source: Explore Georgia via Tourism Economics, LLC.

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$

62.7 MILLION IN STATE & LOCAL TAXES

WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO

$

847

in tax savings for every household

2024 MARKETING REPORT VISITAUGUSTA.COM

2024

2023

Top Site Pages

91.28% 74.54%

»

Events

»

Homepage

»

Restaurants

»

Events This Weekend

»

Things To Do

+22.47% TOTAL ENGAGEMENT RATE VisitAugusta.com generated 103K partner referrals and clicks to partner’s websites

SOCIAL MEDIA 6.11M

Total Followers

7.16M

-14.6%

18,610

+30.4%

17,359

+7.5%

4,392

+2.1%

2,996

+22.1%

1,710

+22.1%

TOTAL IMPRESSIONS / REACH

Impressions

PUBLIC RELATIONS 5.53 BILLION 3.65 BILLION

1.

Digital: 3.64 Billion (-33%)

2.

Social: 2,362,501 (+47%)

3.

Print: 4.09 Million (-44%)

-34% TOTAL IMPRESSIONS

$43 MILLION

PUBLICITY HITS (+24%)

327>264

+135%

$16.5 MILLION

ADVERTISING EQUIVILANCY

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MARKETING

MARKETING SPOTLIGHT: ENGAGING AUDIENCES AND AMPLIFYING AUGUSTA’S APPEAL The Destination Augusta Marketing Team had a dynamic 2024, leveraging creative content, strategic partnerships, and a fresh team perspective to enhance tourism and community engagement. Below are key highlights from our marketing, digital media, and public relations initiatives.

NEW LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC VISION With the addition of Chief Marketing Officer Karen Lee Davis and Marketing Manager Cassidy Veach, the marketing team elevated its focus on bridging leisure and group travel strategies. Their leadership enabled greater synergy between storytelling, events, and targeted campaigns to amplify Augusta’s appeal.

KAREN LEE DAVIS

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

MEMORABLE MEDIA AND INFLUENCER CAMPAIGNS

CASSIDY VEACH MARKETING MANAGER

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SUCCESS In February, Augusta’s rich Black heritage took center stage.

Collaborations with AAA and Garden & Gun highlighted Augusta’s Black history, while Martinique Lewis of the Black Travel Alliance brought national attention through engaging video content at historic sites, Blackowned restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

Spring storytelling, including Masters Week content, showcased Augusta’s year-round appeal. Collaborations with influencers like Main Street Backroads resulted in a viral reel with 3.1M views, while Georgia Foodies spotlighted Augusta’s culinary gems. Social media reached 6.1M impressions in 2024, bolstered by strategic campaigns and authentic influencer partnerships.

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INNOVATIVE PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

AIRPORT JET BRIDGE MURALS

Through events like Augusta Beerfest sponsorships and GreenJackets’ Experience Augusta Night, the team fostered stronger connections with local businesses and residents.

Collaborating with Augusta Regional Airport, we introduced vibrant murals to captivate arriving travelers, creating lasting first impressions.

Communications Manager Rachel Wilkerson also earned her Tourism Marketing Professional certification, empowering Augusta’s tourism partners with industry insights.

CELEBRATING CULINARY AND CULTURAL EXCELLENCE

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Top-performing influencer posts spotlighted Augusta’s unique culture, such as Ruben’s Reel (3.1M views) and Georgia Foodies’ highlights of Lenox on Tenth and Pineapple Ink Tavern. These posts underscored Augusta’s growing reputation as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination.

WEBSITE PERFORMANCE While total website sessions decreased slightly to 860,424, user engagement rose sharply, with a 22.47% increase in the engagement rate (91.28%) and a 42.43% jump in page views per session (4.10). Popular pages like "Events," "Things to Do," and "Authentic Augusta Experiences" resonated with visitors.

As 2025 unfolds, the Marketing Team will continue harnessing creativity and collaboration to inspire travel and connect visitors with Augusta’s unique charm.

SOCIAL MEDIA PERFORMANCE With a 17.1% increase in followers across platforms, Instagram led with a 30.4% gain, and LinkedIn surged by 22.1%. Augusta & Co.’s social media also achieved a staggering 320.3% growth in total impressions, driven by a 901.1% increase on Facebook.

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GROUP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ELEVATING AUGUSTA: GROUP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT’S NATIONAL AND LOCAL IMPACT 2024 was a banner year for Destination Augusta’s Group Business Development (GBD) team, showcasing their commitment to elevating Augusta as a premier destination for meetings and conventions on both a national and local scale.

GBD representatives Iman Fahmy and Taylor Brown took Augusta’s unique offerings to five major tradeshows across the U.S., including RCMA (San Antonio, TX), Destination Southeast (Point Clear, AL), Rendezvous South (Spartanburg, SC), Small Market Meetings (St. George, UT), and Express SMERF (Branson, MO). Their participation led to valuable leads, heightened interest, and confirmed bookings as far ahead as 2027, firmly positioning Augusta on the radar of top planners.

Locally, GBD made significant strides in leveraging Augusta’s medical industry assets, forging partnerships that increased interest from medical meeting planners and bolstered occupancy rates for limited-service hotels. Their efforts reflect a two-pronged approach: attracting national attention while fostering critical relationships at home.

A key development this year was the hiring of Karen Lee Davis as Chief Marketing Officer, aligning group sales efforts with marketing creativity and strategic communication. This synergy is designed to further amplify Augusta’s appeal as a destination for conferences and events.

GBD also played a pivotal role in conference planning and relationshipbuilding with groups like Rolls Royce Service Solutions, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and TechNet. Their collaboration with local hotel sales teams and active involvement with organizations like the Georgia Society of Association Executives and Women in Business underscore their dedication to creating impactful partnerships.

Whether recruiting new business nationally or stewarding relationships locally, the GBD team continues to position Augusta as a vibrant and innovative destination for meetings and conventions.

SALES PERFORMANCE

BY THE NUMBERS* 2024

2023

ECONOMIC IMPACT

$6.59M DEFINITE ROOM NIGHTS

23,503 EVENTS BOOKED

59 53

-10.2%

SHOW ATTENDEES

56,386 *In 2024, Augusta, Georgia, saw an increase in the economic impact of hotel conference bookings despite a lower overall number of group bookings compared to 2023. This trend suggests that Augusta hotels are driving a strong room rate, leading to higher revenue per booking even as the volume of groups decreased. Factors such as increased demand, enhanced hotel offerings, and a strategic focus on higher-yielding events could have contributed to this shift.

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DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT DESTINATION AUGUSTA DRIVES TOURISM EXCELLENCE THROUGH INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION

SHOWCASING LEADERSHIP ON INDUSTRY PANELS Destination Augusta’s team members, Mamie McAbee, Manager of Augusta & Co., and Sarah Childers, Director of Destination Experiences, highlighted their expertise as featured panelists at prestigious tourism industry events in 2024.

Mamie McAbee shared insights at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, discussing strategies for enhancing Visitor Information Centers and destination marketing. Her presentation covered topics like social media, merchandising, and effective visitor engagement, reflecting her success managing Augusta & Co. Sarah Childers joined the GACVB Group Sales, Marketing, and Services Symposium, contributing to a panel on Destination Services. Her discussion focused on innovative approaches to servicing meetings and conventions, addressing challenges, and enhancing visitor experiences.

Both Mamie and Sarah’s participation underscores Destination Augusta’s leadership in advancing the tourism industry.

AWARD-WINNING DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT Destination Augusta’s Authentic Augusta Experience Collection earned two prestigious awards at the 2024 GACVB Annual Conference: The Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion Award for Product Development, recognizing the creation of immersive, engaging visitor experiences.

Inclusion in Georgia Trend’s 2024 Travelblazers, honoring innovative destination development efforts.

These accolades reflect a collaborative effort with 10 local partners to create unique experiences that showcase Augusta’s charm. These initiatives solidify Destination Augusta’s reputation as a leader in tourism development.

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earned

JENNIFER BOWEN EARNS INDUSTRY’S HIGHEST CERTIFICATION Jennifer Bowen, Vice President of Destination Development & Community Engagement, achieved the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation — the tourism industry’s highest individual educational honor.

CDME

The rigorous CDME program prepares professionals to tackle evolving challenges with strategic vision, leadership, and innovation. Gary Sherwin, chair of the CDME Board of Directors, noted that the program equips executives to serve their communities at the highest level.

Jennifer has been instrumental in shaping Augusta as a destination for over two decades,” said Bennish Brown, President and CEO of Destination Augusta. “This achievement underscores her commitment to elevating Augusta as a leader in the tourism industry.” Bowen joins an elite group of industry professionals, expanding Augusta’s global connections and enhancing the city’s future as a thriving destination.

LEARNING FROM SUCCESS: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRIP TO MACON In December, Destination Augusta led 34 community leaders on an inspiring development trip to Macon, Georgia. The visit focused on fostering collaboration among Augusta’s local organizations and government, with highlights including: A tour of the Atrium Health Amphitheater, a publicprivate partnership project.

Discussions on Macon’s strategic planning successes, including its brand identity, "Where Soul Lives."

Visits to key developments like the Triangle Arts District and Rhythm and Rally, the world’s largest pickleball facility.

Participants praised the program’s value, with one attendee calling it “10/10— a great use of time and resources.” Another emphasized the importance of “partnerships and a living plan” as critical takeaways.

Inspired by Macon’s accomplishments, Destination Augusta plans to hold future meetings to explore actionable steps and continue advancing Augusta through strategic collaboration. Through leadership, innovation, and partnerships, Destination Augusta is driving tourism excellence and shaping the city’s future.

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AUGUSTA & CO.

AUGUSTA & CO. CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS WITH RECORD-BREAKING VISITOR NUMBERS AND LOCAL BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT 2024 marked an incredible milestone for Augusta & Co., Destination Augusta’s Experience Center, as we celebrated five years of connecting visitors with Augusta’s charm.

This year, Augusta & Co. achieved record-breaking success, with gross sales totaling $94,487, a 6% increase from 2023, and welcomed 24,125 visitors, up 4% from the previous year.

Our local marketplace continued to thrive, featuring handcrafted products and souvenirs from over 60 vendors and artists, with an additional 48 showcased through popup shops and markets. In our rotating Art Gallery, curated by the Greater Augusta Arts Council, we hosted four exhibitions spotlighting over 40 artists, including renowned figures and local icons. For the first time, digital art was featured, and the addition of print sales expanded opportunities for local artists to reach broader audiences.

To celebrate our 5th Anniversary in May, we hosted a month-long series of events and promotions. Longtime retail partners, such as Watanut and Augusta Candle Company, were highlighted through pop-up shops and special events. Social media campaigns featured partner testimonials, and collaborative billboards with local businesses showcased Augusta’s creativity.

The celebration culminated on May 23 with a special event for partners and stakeholders, where the Mayor’s Office issued a proclamation declaring it Augusta & Co. Day. Augusta & Co. continues to grow as a hub for showcasing Augusta’s creativity and culture, offering a dynamic experience for visitors and locals alike.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: TRANSFORMING TRAINING, BREWING CONNECTIONS, AND HONORING TOURISM EXCELLENCE In 2024, Destination Augusta showcased its dedication to fostering community engagement through innovative training programs, creative initiatives, and celebratory events that highlight Augusta’s growing tourism impact.

REFRAMING HOSPITALITY TRAINING IN A CHANGING WORLD As the hospitality industry evolves, so does Destination Augusta’s approach to training. To better equip hotel staff for exceptional guest service, we transitioned to on-site workshops tailored to the needs of front-line workers.

These interactive one-hour sessions deliver insider tips and expert recommendations, ensuring visitors leave Augusta with a lasting impression. Additionally, an online training module now supports onboarding and small group sessions.

Looking ahead, a digital pass launching in early 2025 will offer Augusta experts complimentary access to local attractions, incentivizing them to deepen their destination knowledge while earning prizes.

EXPLORE HOSPITALITY TRAINING RESOURCES.

AUGUSTA COFFEE TRAIL: BREWING SUCCESS The Augusta Coffee Trail drew 1,637 participants to explore 11 locally owned coffee shops in its inaugural year.

This free mobile passport, which offered exclusive discounts and rewards, encouraged local spending and community connections. Ross McDaniel of Trellis Coffee Bar shared, “It's incredible to see the coffee community unite for the good of our city.”

The Coffee Trail is the first of several curated collections planned to drive engagement and capture visitor data for future campaigns. Learn About the Augusta Coffee Trail.

ACTIVATE YOUR AUGUSTA COFFEE TRAIL PASSPORT FOR A SIP-WORTHY EXPERIENCE.

AugustaE E COFF TRAIL

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CALLING

ALL

EE CO o vFe r s LF

AUGUSTA STATE OF TOURISM: CONNECT & CELEBRATE Held on November 13 at the Augusta Marriott, the 2024 Augusta State of Tourism: Connect & Celebrate event brought together leaders and stakeholders to honor tourism’s economic impact. Presented by Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites, the event featured talks from Destination Augusta President Bennish Brown and Augusta Sports Council CEO Michelle Pippin, who reflected on highlights like overcoming Hurricane Helene’s challenges and preparing for 2025. Host Ana Christina and local band Phaze360 added to the celebratory atmosphere, while the Augusta Tourism Awards recognized outstanding contributions: President’s Award: Phil Wahl, Security Federal Bank Community Spirit Award: City of Augusta, represented by Tameka Allen Partnership Award: Mark Meyers, Augusta University Film Augusta Partner of the Year: Amy Rhinehart Bailey With support from sponsors like Azalea Investments, SRP, the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, and Beasley Media Group, this event underscored the resilience and collaboration that make Augusta a thriving destination.

As we celebrate 2024’s achievements, Destination Augusta looks forward to continuing its mission of growing tourism, fostering community pride, and creating unforgettable visitor experiences.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: THE CHAMPIONS PROGRAM HONORS AUGUSTA'S TOP MEETING PLANNERS In a celebration of dedication and hard work, our Champions Program honored local meeting planners who have played a pivotal role in organizing successful meetings in Augusta. This event, held just before the State of Tourism gathering in November, showcased the immense impact these planners have had on the city's hospitality and tourism sector.

The evening began with light refreshments and a champagne toast, recognizing the outstanding contributions of these planners. Their efforts have not only fostered a thriving meeting industry in Augusta but have also significantly boosted the local economy.

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of a ceremonial check to the City of Augusta, symbolizing the impressive total economic impact generated by these events. The check, amounting to $56,385,638.22, stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the meeting planners, as well as the city's growing reputation as a premier destination for events and conferences.

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GROUP EXPERIENCES PASSING THE BATON: A NEW ERA FOR GROUP EXPERIENCES On August 21, 2024, we celebrated the incredible career of Michelle Bovian as she retired after 27 years of dedicated service. The city honored her contributions with a proclamation of "Michelle Bovian Day," and we sent her off in style with a festive, cruise-themed farewell. Surrounded by nautical decor, laughter, and heartfelt stories, Michelle’s passion for travel and love for Augusta shone brightly.

While we’ll miss her leadership, we’re hoping to welcome her back as an Augusta Expert in the future.

Stepping into this vital role is Kayla Jefferson, our new Group Experiences Coordinator. Kayla brings a fresh perspective and an impressive background in customer service, marketing, and relationship-building from her time at Murphy Auto Group. With her energy, creativity, and proven ability to lead programs and campaigns, Kayla is poised to elevate Augusta’s group experiences while spearheading the revival of motorcoach and group tour programs.

In fact, motorcoach tourism took center stage at the 2024 Georgia Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus Symposium, where its importance was highlighted during a key panel. Kayla’s leadership in this area marks an exciting step forward for Destination Augusta as we strengthen partnerships and invite new groups to discover all our city has to offer.

KAYLA JEFFERSON GROUP EXPERIENCES COORDINATOR

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“

Destination Augusta was an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the planning and execution of our conference. From start to finish, the team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to ensuring our event was a success. [They] went above and beyond, providing valuable resources, local insights, and personalized recommendations that elevated our conference experience. Moreover, the warmth and hospitality extended to our attendees truly reflected the spirit of Augusta. The city's charm, combined with Destination Augusta's strategic guidance, made this conference unforgettable.

- MARKETA KILLINGBECK, MEETING PLANNER SOUTHEASTERN REGION OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC.

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FILM AUGUSTA LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUGUSTA: 2024 FILM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE CROSS-CITY COLLABORATION TO INCREASE FILM PRODUCTIONS

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GEORGIA FILM As part of the Georgia Film Office’s 50th anniversary celebration, Film Augusta showcased the city’s production capabilities to attendees at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

The event, featuring remarks from Governor Kemp and Commissioner Pat Wilson, offered prime exposure for Augusta’s growing reputation as a filmmaking hub.

Film Augusta spearheaded a joint promotional effort with Film Columbus, Film Macon, and the Georgia Film Office at the American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas. This collaborative initiative highlighted filming opportunities across Georgia beyond Atlanta. Connections forged during AFM led to one production scheduling a film in Augusta in March of 2025, demonstrating the value of partnerships and prospecting.

ADVOCATING FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY In March, Film Augusta visited the Georgia State Capitol on “Crossover Day” to advocate for the state’s film tax credit, a key driver of Augusta’s film industry growth.

Meetings with local legislators, including Senator Harold Jones II and Representatives Lynn Gladney and Brian Prince, emphasized the importance of film as an economic catalyst for the region.

PREMIERE OF MISTER SLEEP

The March 25 advance screening of Mister Sleep highlighted Augusta’s potential as a production center.

Filmed entirely in the city, this locally produced thriller featured Augusta-based cast and crew. The film’s release on platforms such as Amazon and iTunes on April 2 further showcased Augusta’s filmmaking talent.

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FILM AUGUSTA BY THE NUMBERS

2024

ECONOMIC IMPACT

2023

REGISTRATIONS COMPLETED

$620,000

5 < 10 TOTAL INQUIRIES YTD

LOCATION TOURS

2 0 < 30

7 4

PHOTO GALLERY PACKAGES GENERATED

+75%

10 > 3 NETWORKING AT THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN FILM FESTIVAL

JENNIFER BOWEN RECOGNIZED FOR INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP Jennifer Bowen, Film Augusta’s liaison, was honored as one of the 200 Most Influential in Georgia’s Creative Economy. Her recognition underscores Augusta’s growing role in Georgia’s entertainment industry and the state’s reputation as a global creative hub. Film Augusta’s 2024 achievements reflect the city’s expanding influence in the film industry through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic promotion.

Film Augusta returned to the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando, engaging with filmmakers on how Georgia’s tax incentives, coupled with Augusta’s unique locations and resources, can support independent productions. These efforts have already prompted production teams to tour Augusta as they consider the city for future projects.

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2024 STAFF & BOARD DIRECTORY DESTINATION AUGUSTA STAFF BENNISH BROWN

MARISSA DODGEN

MAMIE MCABEE

President/CEO bennish@visitaugusta.com

Operations Manager marissa@visitaugusta.com

Augusta & Co. Manager mamie@visitaugusta.com

MCKENZIE EVANS

TRENT SNYDER

TAYLOR BROWN

Group Business Development Manager taylormarie@visitaugusta.com

Augusta & Co. Coordinator mckenzie@visitaugusta.com

JENNIFER BOWEN

IMAN FAHMY

Vice President of Destination Development & Community Engagement + FILM Augusta Liaison jennifer@visitaugusta.com

Director of Group Business Development iman@visitaugusta.com

Vice President of Finance & Administration trent@visitaugusta.com

CASSIDY VEACH

Marketing Manager cassidy@visitaugusta.com

ANSLEY GUERRERO SARAH CHILDERS

Director of Destination Experiences sarah@visitaugusta.com

KARKEN LEE DAVIS

Chief Marketing Officer karen@visitaugusta.com

Executive Project Administrator ansley@visitaugusta.com

RACHEL WILKERSON

KAYLA JEFFERSON

TAYLOR WOOD

Group Experiences Coordinator kayla@visitaugusta.com

Community Engagement Manager taylor@visitaugusta.com

Communications Manager rachel@visitaugusta.com

AUGUSTA EXPERTS

Brielle Bullock Jo Nash-Conner Skylar Judon Leon Maben

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS DESTINATION AUGUSTA is governed by a Board of DIrectors that represents a cross section of business and hospitality industry partners. Board meetings are held six times per year and are open to the public.

JAMES HEFFNER

CASSANDRA BRINSON

MELISSA ODEN

Chair SRP Federal Credit Union

Cafe 209

Owner of Healthcare Companies

ANGIE COX DONALD KING

Vice Chair Loop Recruiting TRISTAN DAVIS

Secretary Residence Inn DEREK MAY

Treasurer Azelea Development

Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce

COREY ROGERS

PARKER DYE

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate

MICHAEL SHAFFER

Georgia Cyber Center

BRENDAN ENGLAND

Augusta Marriott

BRANDON HADDOCK

CARY GOLDSMITH

Immediate Past Chair Textron Specialized Vehicles

Bodega Ultima MICHELLE NAVAL PIPPIN

KEVIN GROGAN

Ex-Officio Greater Augusta Sports Council

Morris Museum of Art SEAN FRANTOM

Augusta Commission

MARTY MATFESS

STACY PULLIAM

ANNE CATHERINE MURRAY

Augusta Commission

Piedmont Hospitals

SIG Management Group SCOTT LEWIS

Legal Counsel Fulcher Hagler LLP

OPERATIONS + GOVERNANCE As of December 31, 2024, total current assets equaled $3,963,215 of which $429,328 are unrestricted and $3,533,877 are restricted for tourism grants, the adventure center, and wayfinding, or board designated. Liabilities equal $1,398,640 of which -$556 are payables, $35,305 are payroll liabilities and accrued interest, and $1,363,891 are the deferred rent revenue, note on 1010 Broad Street, and Federal Disaster loan.

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