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Thought Leadership
Fort Worth: Two Decades of Shaping a Destination
By Rob Hunden
Fort Worth's destination development demonstrates how convention center expansion, headquarters hotels, mixed-use development, and long-term development advisory can drive tourism growth and economic impact.
As Hunden Partners marks 20 years of shaping destination real estate, Fort Worth stands out as one of the most enduring and impactful examples of our work.
Prior to forming Hunden Partners, Rob Hunden began advising the City in 2001 on the feasibility, financing, and development of what became the highly successful Omni Fort Worth convention headquarters hotel. After forming Hunden Partners in 2006, we advised the developers of the Fort Worth Stockyards on a multi-year expansion that doubled visitation to DFW’s most visited attraction, increased visitor dwell time, and generated exponential growth in economic impact. In 2013, Hunden resumed work related to Dickies Arena, including funding strategy and modeling of the Project Finance Zone (PFZ) mechanism that was key to funding the arena, while at the same time studying the need for expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) and addition/expansion of headquarters hotel options.
In the News
Choose Chicago wants a strategic plan to provide road map for spending hotel tax windfall
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Podcast & Videos
Hunden Happy Hour Podcast
Destination in Motion:The Evolution of Tampa Bay | Hunden Happy Hour #9
In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, Bethanie DeRose, Executive Vice President of Consulting at Hunden Partners, welcomes Santiago Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, to discuss Tampa Bay's evolution and what's ahead for the destination. From destination strategy and placemaking to sports, entertainment, meetings, and leisure tourism, the conversation explores how thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and partnerships have helped shape Tampa Bay's growth. Bethanie and Santiago also look ahead at the opportunities that can continue strengthening the visitor experience, quality of life, and economic vitality across the region. We highlight Tampa City Ballet, a contemporary dance company connecting community through innovative performances, emerging artists, and collaboration while working to advance Tampa Bay as a destination for dance. Learn more at tampacityballet.org.
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