KNOXVILLE, TN (June 3, 2025) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Visit Knoxville announces today its new advertising agency – The Zimmerman Agency. This new partnership will be effective July 1, 2025.
Visit Knoxville has historically partnered with an external advertising agency to accomplish its goal to market Knoxville and Knox County as a premier leisure, meetings, and travel destination. As a nonprofit organization, Visit Knoxville recognizes the need to conduct a request for proposal (RFP) process approximately every five years to ensure mutual satisfaction of both parties, safeguard fiscal responsibility, and allow for new opportunities.
Visit Knoxville began the RFP process in early 2025 as an open-ended invitation to its current agency, local agencies, and out-of-state firms. Visit Knoxville staff and board members were involved under the leadership of Visit Knoxville’s President, Kim Bumpas, and the guidance of Sr. Director of Marketing, Alyssa Sloan.
"We implemented a rigorous evaluation process for round one proposals and round two presentations," said Alyssa Sloan, Sr. Director of Marketing. "That clear process led us to The Zimmerman Agency as our new advertising agency of record, and we're eager for them to join us in marketing Knoxville as a premier tourist destination."
“We had a lot of strong contenders both locally and across the country that responded to our RFP,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “It was a difficult decision, but ultimately Zimmerman rose to the top and we couldn’t be more excited to start this new partnership to continue promoting Knoxville and Knox County to visitors for years to come.”
Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, The Zimmerman Agency also maintains local staff in Knoxville to ensure close collaboration and local insight. The Zimmerman Agency brings more than 38 years of experience in the hospitality and travel category, having represented more than 25 destination marketing organizations across the globe, including countries, states, and local destinations. From Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the Islands of The Bahamas to states like Florida, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, and local destinations such as Visit Park City, Bryce Canyon, Discover the Palm Beaches, Daytona Beach, Visit College Station, and more. The Zimmerman Agency has a proven track record of driving visitation and building brand visibility for destinations of all sizes.
“The Zimmerman Agency is excited to partner with Visit Knoxville to help tell the story of such a dynamic and welcoming city,” said Curtis Zimmerman, CEO and Founder of The Zimmerman Agency. “Knoxville has a unique energy and sense of place, and we’re eager to work alongside the Visit Knoxville team to showcase the destination to potential visitors. With our extensive experience in destination marketing, combined with our Momentum planning process, we’re ready to drive even greater awareness, consideration, and visitation.”
Team members from The Zimmerman Agency will immerse themselves in the sights and culture of Knoxville this week. Their dedication to experiencing and understanding the City of Knoxville and Knox County will help to build a strong advertising campaign in future months and years.
ABOUT VISIT KNOXVILLE
Visit Knoxville (Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau) is the official CVB for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Visit Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company that works together with the community, business leaders, and local and state government to further develop Knoxville as a premier leisure, meetings, and travel destination. Tourism is the second-highest-grossing industry in the state of Tennessee. Knoxville/Knox County annually produces over $1 billion in travel spending. For more information, go to visitknoxville.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
ABOUT THE ZIMMERMAN AGENCY
The Zimmerman Agency is a hyper-integrated marketing communications firm founded in 1987 and headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, with additional staff based in key markets. The agency provides fully integrated services including strategic planning, creative and content development, media planning and buying, digital strategy, public relations, social media, and analytics. With decades of experience in the travel and hospitality category, The Zimmerman Agency is recognized as a leading firm in destination marketing. In 2004, the agency was acquired by Omnicom, the world’s leading marketing communications holding company, giving clients access to global resources, talent, and media buying power.
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Kristen Combs
Director of Communications
Visit Knoxville
865.306.4341
