Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau has unveiled its new identity: Explore Mahoning.

“This change marks a shift from the previous name, ‘Youngstown Live,’ reflecting a broader, more inclusive representation of everything Mahoning County has to offer,” said Megan Magnetta, executive director of Explore Mahoning.

While the longer, more formal Convention and Visitors Bureau designation will still be used within the industry, the move to Explore Mahoning aligns with a growing trend among tourism promotion agencies to adopt brand identities that are modern, relatable and visitor-friendly, she said.

The rebranding includes an updated logo, refreshed messaging, forward-looking brand positioning and a modernized color and font palette. The changes were made to “better represent the vibrant, diverse attractions found throughout Mahoning County,” she said.

The launch of Explore Mahoning coincides with the release of the CVB’s 2025 Travel Guide, which serves as the cornerstone of the rebranding initiative.

Visitors and residents alike can look forward to additional refreshed marketing materials, including a refreshed website, targeted brochures focusing on key attractions such as outdoor adventures, antiques, wineries / breweries and golf, as well as dynamic digital marketing campaigns and impactful print advertisements, she stated.

Tourism accounts for more than $1 billion in Mahoning County economic impact, with over $600 million attributed to direct visitor spending, encompassing both day and overnight visitors. It underscores the county’s appeal as a tourism destination, she said.

Mahoning County has been ranked among the top four counties in Northeast Ohio for tourism business by sales, she noted.

Visitor activity in Mahoning County has supported over 10,000 jobs, she said.

The website is explore

mahoning.com.