Tourism Industry News & Resources | | This partner communication exists to provide updates on Sonoma County Tourism’s programs and offerings, along with additional news and resources to support Sonoma County’s tourism and hospitality industry. | | |
SCT is successful only when our partners are successful. Period. Driving business through your doors is our primary mission. Together, we can amplify those efforts by working in partnership to inspire more people to visit Sonoma County. This newsletter provides a number of opportunities for partners to work more closely with SCT to help ensure we are able to convey your story in the most impactful way. Looking at just a few of the opportunities:
- Even if you've attended a "How to Work With SCT" workshop in the past, we encourage you to attend the upcoming session. Our industry is evolving at breakneck speed and we look forward to sharing how we're working to keep up with the changes in ways that could benefit your business. This also is a great time to share ideas you have with the SCT team. We're always interested in ideation!
- Events are a frequently visited section of SonomaCounty.com. If you have events designed to attract visitors, please submit them for inclusion on the website. If your business is not on the HospitalityHub, now is a great time to make that happen.
- The PR team is on a roll with tremendous recent destination media attention, but the best coverage comes from the most compelling stories. We're happy to help you find the compelling angle(s) to your story, but we can't share what we don't know!
- If you are looking for a business to partner with, and creating a package or unique sales environment, Rapid Connections is the perfect platform for you to discover new partnerships.
Recently the Sales team worked with two important meeting planner organizations to bring planners to Sonoma County. Both Meetings Today - held last week, and All Things Meetings, happening today, will showcase the region and the businesses that accommodate groups.
These events and opportunities are all designed with one goal - to benefit your business. If you have thoughts about ways we can better amplify your business to visitors, the media, or meeting planners, please don't hesitate to let us know. Let's make this year a transformational one -- built on partnerships, fueled by innovation and driven by a commitment to thrive!
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In This Issue:
- Please Note: Our offices have MOVED
- Donate a Prize for Our "Last Chance For Summer" Giveaway
- Next Partner Education Session - July 21
- Add Your Events to the Sonoma County Events Calendar
- We Want to Share Your Stories!
- Meetings Today LIVE! West Recap
- Rapid Connections Networking Event - September 3
- Annual Meeting - Save the Date October 1
- From Our Partners
| | Please Note: Sonoma County Tourism has Moved! | | |
Sonoma County Tourism's office has moved! We can now be found at:
3558 Round Barn Blvd., Suite 106
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Our other contact information remains the same. General inquires can be directed to info@sonomacounty.com or via phone at 707-522-5800.
| | Donate a Prize for Our "Last Chance For Summer" Giveaway | | |
Help inspire travelers to squeeze in one more Sonoma County getaway this summer! Sonoma County Tourism is seeking partner-donated prizes for our "Last Chance For Summer” Giveaway, which will be promoted across our social media channels and targeted to key flight markets to encourage August and September overnight visitation. The giveaway will run from July 22nd through Aug. 6th, with a winner announced on August 7th. The package will include two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines.
We're looking for visitor-friendly prizes such as overnight stays, experiences, gift certificates, dining packages, or other unique offerings that showcase your business.
Interested in participating? Please email Robert McGuigan at RMcGuigan@sonomacounty.com with the following by TOMORROW, Friday, July 17:
- Prize description
- Approximate retail value
- Any redemption restrictions or expiration dates
- A high-resolution image (if available)
Thank you for partnering with us to inspire an unforgettable Sonoma County escape before summer comes to a close!
| | Partner Education Series: How to Partner with SCT-July 21 | | |
We are launching year two of our monthly Partner Education Series. Many of you have attended a variety of sessions, but back by popular demand is the overarching topic of "How to Partner with SCT".
Discover how to make the most of your partnership with SCT. Explore the many ways to get involved, gain a clear understanding of our departments and programs, and learn about the tools and resources available to support your success.
Meet the team & get an inside look at how SCT promotes the destination, and how we drive visitation and strengthen our community. Whether you're a new or existing partner, this session will equip you with valuable insights and connections to help you maximize your partnership with SCT. See what's new and what's upcoming!
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 9:00-10:30am
Location: Sonoma County Tourism 3558 Round Barn Blvd. Suite 112, Santa Rosa
Register today. Limited space available.
Any questions? CommunityEngagement@sonomacounty.com
| | Add Your Events to the Sonoma County Events Calendar | | |
Remember to submit your upcoming events to the Sonoma County Events Calendar. This valuable resource helps visitors, residents, journalists, and our public relations and marketing teams stay informed about what is happening throughout Sonoma County.
Adding your event(s) to the calendar increases its visibility, expands awareness, and encourages attendance from both residents and visitors alike.
| | We Want to Share Your Stories! | | |
In public relations, timing is crucial. Travel journalists and editors plan their stories months ahead, often focusing on seasonal themes, holidays, and industry trends. To ensure your business is featured, we prepare and pitch well in advance. This proactive strategy not only boosts your visibility but also helps your brand become part of the conversations that encourage travelers to choose Sonoma County.
Believe it or not, harvest, Halloween, Thanksgiving, the December holidays, and the winter season are quickly approaching. Now is the ideal time to promote your unique offerings. Milestones, anniversaries, seasonal highlights, signature experiences, and exclusive gatherings all provide excellent story ideas.
By sharing your plans with us, we can connect your business with our global network of journalists and help your brand stand out through targeted public relations efforts.
Send your pitch to publicrelations@sonomacounty.com. Please include a description, dates, special features, high-resolution images, and your contact information.
Thank you for helping us showcase Sonoma County to audiences worldwide.
| | Meetings Today LIVE! West | | |
Sonoma County Tourism hosted Meetings Today LIVE! West, welcoming 35 qualified meeting planners and 35 industry suppliers for three days of education, one-on-one appointments, networking, and immersive Sonoma County experiences. Throughout the program, planners experienced Sonoma County's meeting venues, outdoor recreation, and culinary offerings firsthand. Hosting an event like this generates valuable business opportunities for our communities while further positioning Sonoma County as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, and incentive travel.
A special thank you to our event partners: Vinarosa Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country, Flamingo Resort & Spa, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Pure Luxury Transportation, Bacchus Landing, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, ETHOS Event Collective, Techtonic Events, and Bright Event Rentals.
| | Rapid Connections | Thursday, September 3 | | |
Some of the best ideas don’t start with a pitch. They start with the right conversation.
Rapid Connections brings together visitor-facing businesses for short, structured, intentionally paired conversations that lead to real collaborations, from co-branded experiences and seasonal packages to referrals and long-term partnerships that drive visitation and increase length of stay.
This is networking with purpose, designed for business owners and decision-makers ready to build what’s next.
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Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
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Time: 9:30-11:30am (doors open at 9:00am)
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Location: Sonoma County Tourism Offices,
3558 Round Barn Blvd., Suite 112, Santa Rosa
Coffee, light bites, and meaningful conversation with fellow partners will be part of the morning.
Space is limited by design to ensure meaningful connections, and interest is consistently high. RSVP early to secure your seat.
Questions about the session? Contact us by email.
| | Save the Date: SCT's Annual Meeting - October 1 | |
Join us for Sonoma County Tourism's Annual Meeting. Looking at the year in review but highlighting upcoming program and opportunities you won't want to miss.
A day full of opportunities to connect with SCT and other industry partners, attend the general meeting with key topic presenters, and several breakout sessions with take aways and implementation for your business.
Registration will open soon.
Any questions or interested in sponsoring? CommunityEngagement@sonomacounty.com
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Help Shape Sonoma County's Future Workforce with Path to Purpose
CTE Foundation of Sonoma County is recruiting employers for Path to Purpose, the countywide high school internship program. Path to Purpose prepares Sonoma County students for high-demand careers through structured, supported internships that benefit both students and employers. Hosting an intern is an opportunity to invest in local youth while developing your future workforce. Our recently completed Spring 2026 cohort demonstrates the program's impact: 42 employers hosted 105 interns, with 84% rating interns highly workplace-ready and 91% of students feeling more prepared for their futures.
Interested? You can join upcoming Employer Information Sessions & Internship Design Workshops on August 14 or September 11, 2026, to learn how to build a successful internship program.
RSVP: https://ctefoundation.eventbrite.com/
Learn more: www.ctesonomacounty.org/pathtopurpose
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