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Building on record-setting international interest in BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave, a coalition of regional tourism and economic development organizations, along with corporate partners, traveled to Paris and London in March to showcase the festival, and the region, on a global stage. Organizations involved included AGAR, BE NKY, CVG, P&G, REDI, Duke Energy, Visit Cincy and MeetNKY (as the Cincy Region).
“BLINK brings together people from all walks of life in a way that few events can, because it’s rooted in the collaborative spirit of our region,” said Leslie Mooney, Vice President and Executive Director of BLINK through the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “The way our artists, organizations, businesses and communities come together to create something this unique can only happen here. What may look like an immersive experience on the surface actually plays a much bigger role in Cincy’s growth. It drives vibrancy, attracts visitors and talent, and helps create real economic opportunity for the people who live and work here. We’re proud to share that story on a global stage in places like Paris and London and invite people from around the world to come experience it for themselves.”
According to the 2024 BLINK Impact Report, of the more than two million visitors, approximately 19% of BLINK visitors traveled from outside the Cincinnati region (an increase of nearly 10% from 2022), with attendees representing 15 countries. This amounted to an estimated $142 million in total spending on hotels, food and drink, retail and travel.
“Economic development starts with relationships, and this trip for REDI was about strengthening those connections on a global stage. Through BLINK, we were able to showcase the creativity and energy of the Cincinnati region while engaging directly with European companies already investing here and those considering it,” said Kimm Lauterbach, president & CEO, REDI Cincinnati. “We’re not just promoting a place—we’re reinforcing a network of companies already growing and succeeding in our Cincinnati region. It’s a unique opportunity to both thank our existing partners and introduce new business leaders to a region that’s collaborative, innovative and ready for growth.”
“As a founding sponsor of BLINK and proud partner once again this year, we’re honored to support an event that amplifies the creativity, talent and energy in our region on global stage,” said Barbara Hasuer, Community Relations Manager, P&G. “We believe BLINK is a powerful platform to spotlight Cincinnati, showcasing it as a place where people want to live, work and visit. It’s a celebration of what’s possible when a community comes together and a testament to Cincinnati’s role as both a cultural destination and a leader in innovation.”
This Oct. 8 – 11, the Cincy Region’s streets will once again be illuminated as BLINK, the nation’s largest four-day light and art festival, returns. But before the lights come on at home, the coalition took BLINK abroad to help increase its long-term economic impact in 2026 and showcase the region as an ideal region for continued investment.
“The light installations by artists in Paris and London provided us the opportunity to showcase BLINK and the assets of the Cincy Region to prospective companies and business leaders at the headquarters of several of our largest foreign direct investment clients with operations in Northern Kentucky,” said Lee Crume, BE NKY CEO. “We shared that BLINK is a two-state, one region festival that their employees and tourists from around the globe will enjoy this October.”
With recently expanded nonstop service from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to London and daily flights to Paris, the group capitalized on this global connectivity to position BLINK as an international draw. In partnership with BLINK leadership, the organizations hosted immersive preview receptions in both cities, spotlighting the festival and encouraging visitation during the event.
“British Airways’ expansion to six weekly nonstop flights between London Heathrow and CVG has a significant beneficial impact for our region,” said Larry Krauter, CEO of CVG Airport. “We’re better positioned than ever to grow international business and leisure travel, and with events like BLINK showcasing the Cincy region to the world, this route is a powerful driver of economic growth and global access.”
The London reception took place Tuesday, March 24 at Somerset House, followed by a reception in Paris on Thursday, March 26 at Galerie Joseph. Each event featured remarks from BLINK leadership and artists, a bar featuring New Riff bourbon and Cincy-inspired bites along with immersive art installations by London- and Paris-based artists who have previously showcased at BLINK, bringing a piece of the festival directly to European audiences. The immersive installation in London featured work by This is Loop, and the light-based art activation in Paris highlighted Collectif Scale.
“While these activations promote BLINK as a tourism driver, they represent something even bigger,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of MeetNKY and Interim CEO of Visit Cincy. “This is an opportunity to position Cincy as a vibrant, creative epicenter that is not only accessible to global travelers, but also an attractive place to put down roots for businesses and talent. Being intentional about growing an event like BLINK means building global partnerships. We envision BLINK becoming for the national and international art scene what SXSW is for film and music.”
The events reached target audiences in London and Paris including national and international consumer and trade media, tour operators and travel agents, representatives from organizations such as Brand USA and Visit USA, embassy employees and other key prospects. While the goal was to showcase BLINK as a premier event, the effort also expanded global awareness, positioning the Cincy Region as an accessible, creative hub and destination for international travelers and businesses.
To learn more about BLINK and get updates from organizers, visit blinkcincinnati.com.
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About Visit Cincy
Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region’s people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications, and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.
About meetNKY
meetNKY drives quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development. Learn more at meetNKY.com.