September 2022
Houston Recognized as One of America’s Best Cities in 2022
The city climbs up six spots from 2021 ranking, achieving high marks for diversity, culture, education and its expansive culinary scene
HOUSTON, TEXAS, (September 19, 2022) – Houston has once again garnered global attention as one of the best places to live, work, invest, and visit, according to the ...
Houston Theater Week Recap by the Numbers
The 1st annual Houston Theater Week is worthy of a standing ovation! Thank HOU for supporting the performing arts!
HOUSTON, Texas (August 31, 2022) – Preliminary numbers are in and the first annual Houston Theater Week is a hit! The largest collaboration between performing arts groups in Houston’s history allowed ...
August 2022
Houston First Corp. Launches First-Ever Theater Week
Performing arts lovers will have access to exclusive deals and discounts
HOUSTON, Texas (August 11, 2022) – The first annual Houston Theater Week is the largest consumer promotion celebrating live theater and performing arts in Houston’s history. For one week only, August 22-29, 2022, theater enthusiasts and novices alike can ...
July 2022
Houston Convention Center Gains LEED Gold Certification
Houston First Corp., the Texas city's destination management organization that manages the George R. Brown Convention Center, has announced that the facility has achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The city wants both Republicans and Democrats to come to Houston
City Council on Wednesday voted 14-2 to pass a resolution in support of hosting the 2028 Republican National Convention, with the hopes of adding another blockbuster event to the city’s portfolio. Council members Abbie Kamin and Robert Gallegos voted no, saying their constituents are negatively affected by the GOP ...
June 2022
AVENIDA HOUSTON TO UNVEIL ITS LATEST SUMMER ART INSTALLATION
This summer Houston First Corp. will welcome an exciting new feature to its entertainment and convention district with the installation of its latest work of art, “Roseaux,” which debuts Friday, July 1 at Avenida Houston.
Mayor Sylvester Turner Announces 2022 State of the City
Mayor Sylvester Turner will deliver his seventh annual State of the City address on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at Hilton Americas-Houston Grand Ballroom before an audience of Houston’s business and community leaders.
George R. Brown Convention Center Achieves First-Ever LEED Gold Certification
HOUSTON, Texas (June 23, 2022) – Houston First Corp. continues to lead the charge in building sustainability as the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) recently achieved its first-ever LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
This year marks a tremendous milestone for the GRB as the ...
HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION EARNS TOP HONORS AT 43rd ANNUAL TELLY AWARDS
Houston’s DMO awarded a Bronze Telly for its ‘Houston Best City” video
HOUSTON – Houston First Corporation (HFC) continues to garner worldwide recognition as Houston’s official destination marketing organization after receiving a Bronze Telly Award in the category for “General: Corporate Image.” This latest win marks a total of ...
May 2022
Houston First Corp. to Celebrate AAPIHM with Cultural Experience
Event will feature special performances, a fashion exhibition, Asian vendors
HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION EARNS 2022 GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFI
Houston First Corp. (HFC) has earned the prestigious 2022 Great Place to Work® certification. This recognition is based solely on feedback provided by the company’s employees and what they had to say about their experiences working at HFC, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Houston.
April 2022
Houston First Celebrates the ‘Future of Travel’
Travel and tourism are critical not only to Houston’s economy, but to the city’s promising future, which is why Houston First Corporation (HFC) is pleased to join destinations across the country to celebrate “The Future of Travel” during National Travel & Tourism Week May 1-7, 2022.
Houston First Corp. Deploys Mexico Marketing & Branding Campaign
Houston First Corp. is launching “Vibra Global Que Inspira,” an integrated branding campaign in Mexico designed to reinforce Houston’s position as a top destination for tourism, global trade, business, and leisure travel from Mexico. The strategic move comes just days after Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston First Corp. the Greater ...
“PARTY ON THE PLAZA” MUSIC SERIES RETURNS TO AVENIDA HOUSTON
After more than two years, “Party on the Plaza” at Avenida Houston has returned to its in-person music series, which will have a revamped concept and design for guests to enjoy.
March 2022
Houston Week in Mexico Kicks Off March 28 – April 1
Inaugural event brings together city leaders, chefs, and artisans
HOUSTON, March 24, 2022 – In less than a week, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston First Corp., and the Greater Houston Partnership will embark on an economic development mission to Mexico, March 28-April 1, with stops in Monterrey and Mexico City. ...
Mayor Sylvester Turner and HFC Launch Mexico Mission
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston First Corp. (HFC), and the Greater Houston Partnership are spearheading an economic development and integrated marketing campaign in Mexico as part of an aggressive strategy to reinforce Houston’s position as the top city for global trade, tourism, business, and leisure travel from Mexico.
Houston First Corp. to host official March Madness watch party
Sports fans are invited to cheer on the University of Houston (UH) Cougars as Houston First Corp. and UH will host an official March Madness watch party at Avenida Houston on Friday, March 18 at 8:20 p.m.
February 2022
Cattle Industry Convention Surpasses 6,000 in Houston
They’re here and they’re making history in Houston. Houston First Corporation is pleased to share exciting news that the Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show is the largest Business to Business meeting to be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center ...
January 2022
Houston First Celebrates Black History Month @ Avenida Houston
HOUSTON (January 27, 2022) – Houston First Corporation (HFC) is excited to share its 2022 Black History Month lineup at Avenida Houston, downtown’s convention and entertainment district. This year’s programming will feature art, music, vendors and educational activities for the entire family that reflect and celebrate Houston’s rich diversity. ...
Houston Hotels Have Largely Bounced Back
When the Thompson Hotel opens at DC Partners' $500M mixed-use project The Allen next year, CEO Roberto Contreras hopes to see the coronavirus in the rearview mirror. Contreras admits Houston business travel hasn't yet recovered from devastating 2020 lows.
Houston First plans city's comeback after pandemic rocked touris
For the first time in nearly two years, Houston First Corp. President and CEO Michael Heckman is genuinely excited.