Archery - Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Auburn-Opelika Tourism operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Auburn-Opelika destination across Alabama and the Southeast. The organization works with hospitality partners, event planners, and community organizations to create memorable visitor experiences and drive economic development through tourism.

Robyn L. Bridges, President & CEO brings over 25 years of hospitality industry experience. She previously served as a hospitality professional at the Hotel at Auburn University before joining AO Tourism in 2003. Robyn also teaches as an adjunct professor at Auburn University and serves on multiple boards including Auburn University's Hospitality Advisory Board, the Gogue Performing Arts Center Engagement Council, and the Southeast Tourism Society.

Brooke Kastner, Vice President has 20+ years in hospitality. Before joining AO Tourism in 2020, she directed sales and marketing at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Auburn University and has been deeply involved in local organizations including the Junior League of Lee County and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.

Cat Bobo, Director of Communications & Marketing has worked with AO Tourism for 10 years. She leads strategy, content creation, and marketing campaigns while managing the organization's internship program. An Auburn University alumna, Cat previously served with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Auburn Young Professionals.

The organization handles multiple tourism functions:

• •Group & Conference Planning - Cindy Pugh, Sales Manager, specializes in bringing groups and conferences to the area. With 20 years in travel industry experience and prior work as a corporate travel agent, Cindy markets Auburn-Opelika to group organizers nationwide.
• •Sports Tourism Development - Anthony Terling, Sports Development Director (since 2018), manages sports event planning and tourism development. He holds degrees in Sports Management and certifications including SafeSport Certification through the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
• •Visitor Experience Management - Karen Gilmore, Experience Manager, oversees visitor services and coordinates the Volunteer AO program. With 20 years in hospitality and a degree in International Hospitality and Business Management, she helps with community volunteer needs and visitor support.
• •Event Marketing & Community Relations - The communications team manages event listings, social media, website content, and partnership development across multiple platforms including TikTok, Instagram, email campaigns, and the AOT website.
• •Sales & Sports Events - Sales managers Cindy Pugh and Awbrey Mitchell work with organizations interested in hosting sporting events, conferences, and group experiences in the region.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism actively recruits 2-3 interns per semester, primarily for communications and marketing roles. The program requires:

• •Minimum 3.0 GPA and majors in public relations, communications, marketing, or related fields
• •Skills: Social media content creation, Adobe Creative Suite experience (preferred), video editing, Microsoft Office proficiency
• •Time commitment: 15-40 hours per week, including occasional evenings/weekends
• •Responsibilities: Content creation for social platforms, website updates, event planning support, email campaigns, digital asset management, research support

Application Deadlines: - Fall Semester: July 9 - Spring Semester: October 15 - Summer Semester: April 1

Applications should include resume, cover letter, 2-3 content samples, 2 writing samples, and 3 references sent to Cat Bobo at [email protected].

Auburn-Opelika Tourism 312 N Gay Street, Suite A Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: 334.501.3281 Email: [email protected]

The organization describes itself as "more than just a team—a family committed to growth, collaboration, and community pride," focused on helping visitors experience "the warmth and charm that define Auburn-Opelika."

Team members serve across multiple civic and professional organizations including the Alabama Department of Education Advisory Council, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County, United Way, Opelika Main Street, Leadership Lee County, and the Public Relations Society of America.